Stop ads of cosmetics with steroids: FDA to authorities

Maharashtra FDA has written to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to add cosmetics with steroids to the list of Schedule H drugs, which could put an end to advertising of fairness creams. "The Drug Consultative Committee of the Central Government has agreed in principle to the proposal and soon there will be an amendment to the list of Schedule H drugs," said Dr Harshdeep Kamble, Commissioner of FDA Maharashtra.

Drugs included in Schedule H of Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2015 cannot be sold without a doctor's prescription, and neither can they be advertised. "Fairness cream manufacturers currently give full-page ads in newspapers that mislead the consumers. This move will put an end to it," Dr Kamble said.

The move is likely to have a huge impact on the cosmetic industry that thrives on advertisements which make fairness appear a desirable quality. As of now, Drugs and Cosmetics Act allows the use of steroids in cosmetics in a certain percentage. "Steroids have certain kind of whitening effect but long-term use causes irreversible damage," said Dr Kamble.

FDA has also taken action against different manufacturers of fairness creams but the cases are pending in the High Court. "We keep getting new dates which is the reason why we are not able to come down hard on them," Dr Kamble added.

...& ANALYSIS

• If cosmetics with steroids are added to the Schedule H drug list, then manufacturers will have to curtail advertising of fairness creams.
   
• This will not just hit the beauty industry hard but also protect consumer interest.