Cosmetics giant Nivea has responded to accusations of racism over its sale of skin-lightening creams to West Africa, but the German-owned company stopped short of an apology:

We recognize the concerns raised by some consumers regarding a NIVEA product communication in Ghana and take them very seriously. Our intention is to never offend our consumers.

We acknowledge every consumer’s right to choose products according to their personal preferences, and we are guided by that to responsibly provide them with high-quality skin care product choices.”

Statement from Beiersdorf,

Parent company of Nivea

We've been asking our social media followers for their thoughts on the matter, and received a range of responses:

BBC Africa  ? @BBCAfrica

Nivea in racism row over skin-lightening cream http://bbc.in/2ilI1XH  pic.twitter.com/65RMvZg9yM

Sammy @Sammy62787890

Thats pure racism

11:27 AM - Oct 19, 2017

 Replies   Retweets   1 1 like

BBC Africa  ? @BBCAfrica

Nivea in racism row over skin-lightening cream http://bbc.in/2ilI1XH  pic.twitter.com/65RMvZg9yM

Drew Royce @JoSSe_114

These ads have been in Africa for decades, stop acting like it was put up yesterday.

11:36 AM - Oct 19, 2017

 1 1 Reply   Retweets   3 3 likes

On Facebook, Abbey Ssebaggala - a Ugandan living in Egypt - says:

I don't understand why we jump to abuse and belittle women or men who lighten their skin when African society itself prefers people with lighter skins. We make dark people feel less preferred, then we go ahead and attack them when they lighten up. Look at TV news anchors, TV personalities, billboard models, magazines... In all of showbiz, you'll see that 70% of people are light-skinned from one African country to another. That's why I no longer blame ladies for bleaching their skin."

Namukale Nkonga in Lusaka, Zambia, says:

Wait... who is getting offended? It's not racist, lots of people use lightening creams - how is that racism?"

Anyi Okoro says:

They are tapping into a market opportunity. The blame should go to shallow-minded, low self-esteem Africans who believe a lighter or white skin is superior."

Zoe Mnguni in Durban, South Africa, says:

It's easy. Let us not support their products.

It's high time we love ourselves. Remember the original colour is black, and black is beautiful. Love your melanin."