MANILA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings to consumers about unauthorized skin-lightening products containing mercury, a highly toxic chemical that poses serious health risks.
In a statement on Wednesday, toxics watchdog EcoWaste Coalition commended the FDA’s swift action following its report on cosmetics with mercury levels exceeding the allowable trace limit.
Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic formulations under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.
The FDA recently flagged five imported skin-lightening products sold online without the required certificates of product notification.
Among them are Q-nic Care Whitening Night Cream and Q-nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream, found to contain mercury levels of 4,113 ppm and 6,109 ppm, far exceeding the 1 ppm limit.
Two additional products, Meyyong Ra Seaweed Super Whitening Set and Lady Gold Super Gluta Brightening, containing 3,784 ppm and 44,450 ppm of mercury, respectively, were also banned based on earlier reports.
Another product, Malaysia Erna Whitening Cream, tested negative for mercury but remains unauthorized.
The FDA has urged consumers to verify product registrations and report any unauthorized items.
Establishments have been warned against distributing these banned products. (PNA)