Two different fairness creams—one procured from a local barbershop, the other purchased from the market with a `made in Malaysia` label—caused kidney disease in two individuals, both from Raigad. Another such case was diagnosed early last year at Parel`s KEM Hospital. While there have been no known new cases in the city, Borivli`s Salon & Beauty Parlour Welfare Association recently raised similar concerns with the local police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Akhil Salmani, president of the association, said many establishments are creating creams and lotions without prior approvals and providing them to their customers. “They are made using dangerous chemicals, which can prove to be harmful to the skin in the long run. I have been receiving several calls from salon owners within our association who are saying their customers were telling them about health issues they faced after using products for hair from different establishments,” Salmani said.