Is it Islamically permissible to use creams and injections to lighten skin color from dark to white?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not permissible to use skin-lightening injections and creams merely out of a desire to change one's skin color, because this falls under seeking beauty and enhancement, which does not permit altering the skin's color. As for therapeutic purposes, such as removing acne and deformities, there is no harm in it. Ibn 'Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him, differentiated between what is intended for beautification, which is impermissible if it is permanent, and what is intended for removing a blemish, which is permissible.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/156111
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 156111
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy