India Debates Skin-Tone Bias as Beauty Companies Alter Ads

It was only recently that Johnson & Johnson decided to pull its skin whitening lotions off its shelves. While this move coincided with the resurgence of Black Lives Matter, the fact that it has taken this long speaks volumes about the deep-rooted anti-blackness and colorism that exists, particularly in Asia. Notable is Unilever’s Fair & Lovely cream, which dominates the Indian market as a product that promises to lighten skin. Anti-blackness starts with being told that you shouldn't spend too much time in the sun - because dark is bad, white is good - and it continues when consumer products continue to reinforce harmful stereotypes and beauty standards. It is difficult to change cultural attitudes overnight, but I only hope that persistent conversations eventually wear down the prejudices that are attached to the colour of your skin.

Isabella