Skin Lightening Facebook App Sparks Controversy

A new Vaseline skin-lightening application is facing backlash by some Facebook users who are condemning the app as “racist” and “insidious”. CNN posted a response from Vaseline who stated, “Much like self-tanning products in North America and Europe, skin lightening products are culturally relevant in India”. Some of the issues appear to be more with the government of India who encourages the promotion of such products.

The application called “Vaseline Men BE PREPARED” enables users to upload their photos and have their skin “magically” lightened.