The pursuit of flawless skin has long fueled demand for beauty creams in Pakistan, but a recent crackdown suggested that some of these products may be doing more harm than good.
The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has suspended the licenses of six beauty cream brands after testing revealed severe breach of safety and quality standards. The products were found to contain hazardous substances, including mercury and arsenic, as well as microbiological contamination, raising serious concerns among authorities.
The findings came about as part of routine market checks, where samples were collected and tested by Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, a body operating to ensure the safety and quality of cosmetic products in the country. The results revealed clear violations of Pakistan Standard Specification 3228:2025, confirmed through a written response by Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi.
The widespread use of these creams has made the situation particularly alarming. Brands like Golden Pearl Beauty Cream, Parley 24K Gold Beauty Cream, Goree Beauty Cream, and Face Fresh Beauty Cream, among others in the list of recently banned creams, have built strong market presence over the years, making them easily accessible to consumers across the country. For many, these products are part of a daily routine, used irrespective of the harmful ingredients they contain.
The inclusion of mercury in skincare is especially problematic. While it can create a temporary brightening effect by reducing melanin, it also damages the skin’s natural barrier over time. Arsenic, though typically a contaminant, adds another layer of risk, with potential long-term health consequences.
The government has now taken action to prohibit the manufacturing, stocking, and sale of these products until they meet regulatory standards, with the licenses remaining suspended until compliance is achieved.
Beyond the immediate action, the crackdown reflects a broader shift toward accountability in the cosmetics industry, one that not only prioritizes consumer safety, but also urges consumers to double-check products for ingredients, only purchasing actually verified and derma-recommended skincare.
