As the controversy grows over the use of skin-lightening creams in India, Unilever (UL), L'Oreal (LRLCF) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) plan to rename or discontinue some of their skincare brands. Hindustan Unilever, the Indian subsidiary of the Unilever, announced that it would "stop using the word 'Fair' in the brand name" of its "Fair & Lovely" skincare brand.
US giant Johnson & Johnson has also discontinued two lines of skincare products that refer to "Fairness" on the labels. The company says it will no longer sell its "Fine Fairness" brightening serum, which is sold under the Neutrogena brand in Asia and the Middle East. It will also pull a moisturizer marketed in India by the brand Clean & Clear, which is called a "Clear Fairness Cream." L'Oreal (LRLCF) said it's removing words referencing "white", "fair" and "light " from similar products.
Businesses around the world have been adjusting their brands in recent weeks in response to protests against racial discrimination triggered by the death of George Floyd. Over the last month, several major companies have renamed or retired products, including Quaker Oats with its Aunt Jemima brand in the United States and Nestlé with its Red Skins and Chicos sweets in Australia.
In India, the preference for lighter skin has been a longstanding, contentious issue. Activists who oppose the use of cosmetics for skin-lightening say some of the best-known Bollywood stars have perpetuated the trend by lending their names and faces to advertising campaigns promoting "fairness" creams.
