In principle, using face-lightening creams as a form of adornment can not be considered unlawful (haram) according to Sharia... Using face-lightening creams does not entail mutilation (muthla) or altering Allah's creation (taghyir khalq Allah) since there is no specific operation to be undergone with a view to change the colour of the skin forever. As such, using such creams is not unlawful. However, it is a kind of excessive beautification which is not warranted in Islam.