Kanebo reports that there has been over 15,000 complaints filed against the company in Japan.

Users of its skin whitening products that contain Rhododenol,” the synthetic form of 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol, as an active brightening ingredient, are complaining of skin discoloration in the form of blotches.

The company has recalled its whitening products in domestic and overseas markets – and has also made a formal apology.

Because of the controversy, Kanebo’s parent company Kao lost around 6 percent of its market value – but plans to integrate its research and production divisions, to strengthen its cosmetics business operations.