Alert: A Third of Online Skincare Products Conceal Unlawful Steroids
A shocking new study published in JAMA Network Open and brought to light by Dermatology Times reveals that a third of popular over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products sold online contain undeclared, prescription-strength corticosteroids not mentioned on their labels, triggering serious consumer safety concerns.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School purchased 18 OTC skin products advertised on major online retail platforms for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and hyperpigmentation. These products were chosen specifically because they made bold therapeutic claims but did not list any clinically proven active ingredients.
After laboratory screening for 28 corticosteroids and antifungal agents, 6 of the 18 products (33.3%) tested positive for undeclared active ingredients.
All six contained clobetasol propionate—a superpotent, prescription-only corticosteroid—at concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.46%. Alarmingly, the highest detected concentration was more than 9 times the 0.05% limit used in FDA-approved formulations. Two products also contained undisclosed antifungal agents.
Among the products named in associated reporting were Neoprosone creams and serums, along with herbal products such as Zudaifu and Qian Nian Qi Cao. Experts caution that unsuspecting consumers using these products risk serious side effects, including skin atrophy, hormonal disruption, and steroid dependence—all without knowing what they are applying.
Source: Dermatology Times – Journal Digest: October 14, 2026