What is the ruling on using skin-lightening creams that do not change the original skin color, but rather accelerate cell renewal and cause a slight peeling of the skin, bearing in mind that these creams aim to restore the skin to its natural color after it has changed due to sun exposure and other factors?
It has been previously explained that the basis for the issue of skin peeling (facial exfoliation) is the of Aisha, which curses the woman who peels and the woman whose skin is peeled. Modern skin-lightening creams have the same purpose and effect as what was known anciently as "al-ghumra" (a paste used for skin lightening). Scholars have differed on the ruling regarding their use. Some preferred not to declare them absolutely forbidden due to the weakness of the hadith, and held that the opinion permitting their use is acceptable. This is further confirmed when it is for the purpose of removing a defect or treating a sudden change, and not merely for increasing beauty. There is no harm in selling them.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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