Unilever ‘Fair & Lovely’ skin-lightening cream to be renamed amid global anti-racism protests
- Consumer giant’s decision to stop using the word ‘Fair’ in product has been condemned as ‘whitewash’ by some social media users
- Product reportedly earned some US$500 million in revenue in India last year, where such creams have long been endorsed by stars like Priyanka Chopra Jonas
The Indian and Bangladeshi arms of consumer giant Unilever will rename their locally marketed “Fair & Lovely” skin-lightening cream in the face of global anti-racism protests.
The British-Dutch firm – which reportedly raked in some US$500 million in revenue from the product in India last year – said on Thursday it would stop using the word “Fair” in the name as the brand was “committed to celebrating all skin tones”.
The obsession with fair skin is deeply entrenched across Asia. In some cities it can be difficult to find cosmetics that do not contain some kind of whitening ingredient.
In South Asia in particular lighter tones are assumed to reflect higher social class, especially within India’s complex caste hierarchy.
“We are making our skincare portfolio more inclusive and want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty,” Sanjiv Mehta, head of India’s Hindustan Unilever, said in a statement.
“The brand has never been and is not a bleaching product,” a statement from Unilever Bangladesh said.
