Pakistani whitening creams flagged in India over excessive heavy metals

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public health alert against the use of two unauthorised cosmetic products being sold in India. The products identified by the regulator are Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream, both labelled as “Made in Pakistan”.

According to the public notice issued by the Cosmetics Division of CDSCO on September 8, 2026, the products were found to be unauthorised and had not been issued the required registration certificate for import by the competent authority.

The alert comes after CDSCO conducted testing and analysis of the two cosmetic products. The regulator said the products contain excessive levels of heavy metals beyond the specified limits, which may pose health risks to consumers, including toxic effects.

Cosmetic products intended for use by consumers in India are regulated under the Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. According to CDSCO, cosmetics manufactured for sale and distribution in India require a licence from the State Licensing Authority. Imported cosmetics must be registered with the Central Licensing Authority in accordance with the prescribed rules.

CDSCO has advised consumers not to purchase the two products and not to use them if they have already been purchased. The public has also been advised against using similar cosmetic products sold under the same names.

The regulator has further warned establishments and individuals against selling, distributing or advertising the identified products.

CDSCO has asked all State and Union Territory Drugs Controllers, as well as its zone, sub-zone and port offices, to ensure that unauthorised cosmetic products are not sold within their jurisdictions.

Consumers have also been advised to check cosmetic products before purchasing them. CDSCO said consumers should purchase and use authorised cosmetic products that carry details such as the manufacturing licence number, manufacturer’s details, batch number, date of manufacturing and expiry, and registration number for imported cosmetics.

The notice also states that any violations observed on product labels should be reported to the respective State Drugs Controller for products manufactured in India and to the Drugs Controller General (India) for imported cosmetics.

The public health alert was issued to all State and Union Territory Drugs Controllers, CDSCO zone, sub-zone and port offices, as well as stakeholders and consumers through the CDSCO website.