Topical Steroids Sold as Fade Creams in Beauty Supply Stores: A Danger for Cosmetic Consumers

Topical corticosteroids are used extensively in dermatology. Class 1 high potency topical steroids (HPTS) can result in unwanted side effects such as skin hypopigmentation, atrophy, and acneiform eruptions. HPTS are only legally available by prescription to ensure appropriate use in the United States (US). The authors have noticed a recent increase in patients presenting with steroid acne after buying HPTS products in beauty supply stores. These products are marketed as fade creams to treat hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. We assessed skincare products containing HPTS (clobetasol or betamethasone) in 33 beauty supply stores in Miami, FL; Washington, DC; and Baltimore, MD. Out of 33 beauty supply stores, 14 (42.42%) contained HPTS skincare products, and they were all located in Miami. Out of 15 stores visited in Miami, 14 (93.33%) contained skincare products with clobetasol, and 5 (33.33%) contained skincare products with both clobetasol and betamethasone. Of the stores selling HPTS skincare products, the number of different brands available ranged from 1 to 7, with an average of 4.21 different brands per store. Our study reveals that HPTS are readily available in over-the-counter skincare products in many beauty supply stores. HPTS skincare products were only available in one of three cities suggesting there may be a regional supplier distributing these products. It may also indicate that there is less oversight of retail stores in Miami with HPTS products. More studies are needed to quantify the availability of these products in different locations throughout the US. Further Studies can help identify this problem and raise awareness among consumers of the dangers of HPTS skincare products in beauty supply stores. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(9):709-712. doi:10.36849/JDD.7608.