Why are people cosmetic skin whitening? A systematic review

Cosmetic skin whitening is a growing practice in a number of countries and long-term use has been shown to have potentially serious health risks. No reviews have documented the behavioral factors that help explain practices related to cosmetic skin whitening.

We conducted a systematic review exploring the main behavioral (psychological and cognitive, social and cultural, and environmental) factors behind the practice of cosmetic skin whitening, as well as the groups and characteristics are associated with the practice as well as what interventions have been designed to address this practice. Five databases (PubMed, Scopus, APA PsychINFO, ASSIA, and Web of Science's Preprint Citation Index) were searched using adaptations of key search terms (e.g. "skin whitening", "behavior", "risk"). Studies were not restricted by date or country.

From 816 candidate studies, 43 studies were included in the final sample. Twelve main factors were identified: beauty; self-esteem; to attract a partner or get married; dissatisfaction with skin tone; low awareness of risks of skin whitening; to look whiter or fairer; for social status; social norms or social influence; for a job or to secure employment; colorism; the influence of advertising; and fashion. Prevalence of use ranged from 2-74%. Use was more common amongst women and younger adults but varied by country or region in terms of whether it was more commonly used by people with high or low formal education. Only one study documented an intervention designed to raise awareness of the harms of cosmetic skin whitening.

Cosmetic skin whitening is a complex practice influenced by multiple behavioral factors. Findings should be used to inform theory-based interventions designed to reduce the prevalence of cosmetic skin whitening practices.