The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) on Wednesday raided a market in Nairobi's Eastleigh estate and seized about 450 pieces of illegal cosmetics.
The cosmetics were found to be substandard and contained harmful ingredients such as hydroquinone and mercury, which are banned in Kenya.
Esther Ngari, the acting managing director of KEBS, said that the products were smuggled into the country and did not meet the required standards.
"These products are dangerous to the health of consumers and we will take action against the people who are selling them," Ngari said.
Nicholas Nzesya, the chemical manager at KEBS, said that the banned products include the caro light cream and all whitening creams that are hazardous to human health.
He added that two shops had been closed following the raid and the owners will face prosecution.
The raid is part of KEBS's ongoing efforts to crack down on the sale of illegal and substandard cosmetics in the country.
The bureau has warned consumers to be wary of buying cosmetics from unauthorized vendors and to only purchase products that have been certified by KEBS.
