Johnson & Johnson exits fairness category, stops selling skin-whitening creams

Johnson & Johnson has decided to stop selling skin-whitening creams popular in Asia and the Middle East, after such products have come under renewed social pressure in recent weeks amid a global debate about racial inequality.

The healthcare company said it would no longer produce or ship the products, but that they might still appear on store shelves until stocks run out. It was reported earlier this month that it would drop its Neutrogena Fine Fairness line, available in Asia and the Middle East.

Creams that promise to lighten or brighten skin are marketed primarily by the world’s biggest personal care companies, including Unilever (ULVR.L), Procter & Gamble (PG.N) and L’Oreal (OREP.PA) under their respective brands Fair & Lovely, Olay and Garnier.

About 6,277 tonnes of skin lighteners were sold worldwide last year, according to Euromonitor International, including products marketed as anti-aging creams targeting dark spots or freckles.