Doctors from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao are raising a critical alarm against the unregulated use of over-the-counter skincare and whitening products. This warning comes after treating multiple patients who developed severe complications, including permanent kidney damage, from these unapproved substances.
A Spike in Severe Skin and Kidney Complications
Dr. Maria Inez Benedicto, a medical officer at the SPMC Department of Dermatology, revealed that their clinic is seeing a troubling number of cases. Patients arrive with worsened skin conditions after self-medicating with over-the-counter creams, pills, and Chinese herbal preparations.
"When these patients come to us, their skin lesions already look different and worse," Dr. Benedicto explained during the Healthy Davao Media Forum at SM City Davao. She emphasized that the contents of these unregulated products are unknown, making them dangerous.
The dermatologist's warning was strongly supported by Dr. Maria Theresa Bad-ang, a nephrologist and head of the SPMC Kidney and Transplant Institute. Dr. Bad-ang confirmed that these so-called whitening supplements are directly harming internal organs.
"We see patients whose kidneys are already damaged after taking so many supplements. Their skin may become lighter, but their kidneys are ruined. That is what we are monitoring closely," Dr. Bad-ang stated.
The Official Stance on Glutathione and Whitening
The medical experts clarified that the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) does not endorse the use of intravenous (IV) Glutathione for skin lightening. This position has been publicly stated since early 2025.
Dr. Jasmine Jamora, President of the PDS, stated in a 2025 press conference that after thorough review, the society found no scientific evidence to support glutathione's efficacy for skin whitening. No reliable clinical trials back its use for this purpose.
This medical warning is aligned with an earlier advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) in 2024. The DOH cautioned that intravenous glutathione for skin whitening is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Critical Advice for the Public
Both SPMC specialists issued a unified and urgent recommendation to the public. They advised completely avoiding non-prescription whitening products and herbal concoctions.
More importantly, they stressed the need to consult only with legitimate dermatologists who are accredited members of the Philippine Dermatological Society. "There are many dermatologists who are not members of PDS. The real dermatologists are members of the Philippine Dermatological Society," Dr. Bad-ang emphasized.
Dr. Benedicto's final advice was clear: "Avoid buying over-the-counter and herbal products, and stick to what your doctor prescribed." The core message is to prioritize health over unverified aesthetic promises and to seek professional, accredited medical guidance for any skin concern.
