Unreported World

South Africa's Skin Bleaching Scandal (2016x15)

Air date: Nov 18, 2016

Tania Rashid and director Simon Rawles are in South Africa to investigate why there is such a demand for skin bleaching products in the Rainbow Nation. The government has passed strict laws to protect people from creams containing potentially dangerous chemicals which can lead to serious health complications, but as Unreported World reveals, many are still on sale widely and endorsed by celebrities. A recent study found an incredible one in three women in South Africa use skin-bleaching creams, and there are more than 500 different products for sale. In downtown Johannesburg the products are everywhere - despite the ban on any product selling itself as skin-lightening or whitening.