A Peckham trader has been ordered to pay more than £11,000 after he was caught selling illegal skin-lightening products.
Shaba Hair and Cosmetics in Rye Lane sold the banned cosmetics, which contain harmful chemicals, to undercover officers on two occasions. The premises were then raided by Southwark Council officers and local police in February last year. when all products containing hydroquinone and mercury were seized.
The use of hydroquinone can cause skin damage, liver damage and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Mercury is toxic and damages the kidneys, liver and brain, causing a host of serious and potentially fatal health problems.
Shaba Hair and Cosmetics business director, Banaras Hussain, pleaded guilty to offences relating to the illegal supply of cosmetics at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court on April 7 and was ordered to pay a total of £11,792 in fines and costs within 28 days.
Cllr Michael Situ, Southwark’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “It’s very important that we take a hard line against anyone found to be selling illegal and unsafe cosmetics.
“Of utmost concern to us is the protection of consumers who may not be aware that these products are illegal and may be extremely harmful to them.”