If You Bought THIS Product From Aliexpress, You’re in Big Trouble

Reports of skin necrosis have surfaced following the use of “spot-removal cream” on Chinese shopping platforms such as AliExpress.

In a public announcement, the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan (NCAC) recently urged consumers to stop using such creams, citing cases of severe skin disorders after application.

Per the NCAC (National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan), five cases have been reported in which users experienced chemical burns after applying the spot-removal cream to their faces.

A woman in her 70s experienced redness, discoloration, and partial skin necrosis after applying the cream to a spot on her forehead. Photos of the victim’s forehead confirm the presence of a circular skin ulcer.

Yet another consumer has come forward, reporting a burning sensation in the region where they applied the cream. Subsequently, this consumer was diagnosed with a chemical burn, necessitating over a year of treatment at a dermatology clinic.

Upon inspection of the cream, NCAC found it strongly alkaline with a pH of 14. The main ingredients were calcium oxide and sodium hydroxide. Calcium oxide generates heat when mixed with water, turning it into calcium hydroxide. It is used in acid gas absorption, the production of seawater magnesia, and disinfection. Sodium hydroxide, or caustic soda or lye, becomes extremely hot when dissolved in water due to the release of bonding energy as heat. This is why Japanese consumers suffered burns. Being a strong base, it can damage the skin and mucous membranes, and inhalation can be life-threatening.

NCAC warned, “Using creams that claim to remove spots, warts, and skin discolorations can cause severe skin disorders. If it gets into the eyes, it can cause serious eye damage,” and urged, “Make sure to verify the contents of advertisements on social media and mail-order websites. If there is any uncertainty or concern, refrain from purchasing or using the product.”

Over 1,000 products come up when you search for spot-removal cream on AliExpress. As these products are sold without any medical verification, it is advised not to purchase them. AliExpress is a popular overseas direct purchase site with over 6 million monthly users in South Korea alone.