Reps for Emma Watson and Lancôme Issue Statements on Skin Lightening Commercial
It's a nuanced conversation that deserves attention.


Emma Watson has come under fire for an old commercial she filmed for Lancôme, and it looks like she's erring on the side of an apology. Sorta.
The Harry Potter actress and active feminist filmed a Lancôme commercial for the Asian market back in 2013, but it's currently making the rounds online and drawing some criticism from people who have legitimate concerns about the concept of skin-lightening—not to mention skin-lightening products being promoted by white women.
Great @galdemzine #skinlighteningseries, horrified @EmWatson s fronting a whitening product https://t.co/eOUlxc9Yvm pic.twitter.com/1UCAZCiXzZMarch 28, 2016
Lancôme's take on the issue? "Blanc Expert was created by Lancôme 20 years ago," the company tells Refinery29 (opens in new tab). "It helps brighten, evens skin tone, and provides a healthy-looking complexion. This kind of product, proposed by every brand, is an essential part of Asian women's beauty routines."
While Lancôme's statement maintains that Blanc Expert is less a lightening product and more of an evening product (shades of grey?), Emma Watson's rep implied that she'd withdrawn her name from the campaign due to the fact that it doesn't represent all women.
"I cannot comment on my client's previous contractual arrangements with Lancôme," the rep said in a statement. "However, my client no longer participates in advertising beauty products, which do not always reflect the diverse beauty of all women."
The issue of skin lightening versus skin evening is definitely one that deserves to be parsed through, but that aside, it's clear that Emma Watson isn't comfortable representing a product that does either.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Lizzo Embodies Disco-Ball Chic at the BET Awards
Legend.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Lizzo, Sophie Turner and More Celebrities React to Roe v. Wade Being Overturned
It's been a difficult weekend.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Olivia Rodrigo and Lily Allen Dedicated 'F*** You' to the Justices Who Struck Down Roe v. Wade at Glastonbury
Rodrigo listed their names one by one.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
By Jessica Herndon
-
Brooke Shields on Reinventing Yourself, Making Friends in Your 40s, and More
The actress and CEO shared inspiring advice during a panel at 'Marie Claire's' "Power Trip: Off the Grid" conference.
By Rachel Epstein