Unilever’s “Fair & Lovely” skincare brand will be renamed, it has been announced, following criticism that the product promotes “negative” stereotypes concerning those with darker skin.
Other concerns have been raised around use of the words “whitening” and “lightening” in Unilever’s branding, especially as regards products across Asia. The company apologised, and acknowledged that the products affirmed a “a singular ideal of beauty”.
Two petitions were launched to try to get Unilever to alter its branding.
“This product has built upon, perpetuated and benefited from internalised racism and promotes anti-blackness sentiments,” the first claimed.
The second, however, states that the cream “tells us that there is something wrong with our color, that we have to be light in order to feel beautiful. In order to feel worthy.”
President of Beauty and Personal Care at Unilever, Sunny Jain, said: “We are fully committed to having a global portfolio of skin care brands that is inclusive and cares for all skin tones, celebrating greater diversity of beauty.
“We recognise that the use of the words ‘fair’, ‘white’ and ‘light’ suggest a singular ideal of beauty that we don’t think is right, and we want to address this.”
“The brand has never been and is not a bleaching product,” Unilever added.
Unilever makes its statements as protests around the world continue following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.
The Black Lives Matter movement has been gaining steam across the US and beyond in recent weeks, with protests sparking debate across the world.
–
Credit: TheParliamentaryReview
