MANILA – An advocacy group promoting sound chemicals and waste management has warned Filipinos against seven skin whitening creams sold online.
In a news release Wednesday, BAN Toxics said the seven products are China-made and are available for sale on online shopping sites Shopee and Lazada priced between PHP80 and PHP264.
The products were found to contain excessive amounts of mercury, with levels ranging from 115 to 5,150 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the regulatory limit.
They are JiaoLi HuiChuSu Face Cream 7 Day Specific Eliminating Freckle, JiaoLi HuiChuSu Miraculous, Szitang 7-days Specific Whitening & Spot A-B Set Cream, Szitang 10-day Whitening and Spot Day & Night Set, BL Vterly Day and Night Retinol & Collagen Cream, PEARL NATURAL Whitening & Anti-Aging Cream Day and Night Whitening Anti Freckle Melasma (Green).
JiaoLi HuiChuSu Face Cream 7 Day Specific Eliminating Freckle, JiaoLi HuiChuSu Miraculous Cream, Szitang 7-days Specific Whitening & Spot A-B Set Cream, and Szitang 10-day Whitening and Spot Day & Night Set have already been banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“We are dismayed that skin lightening creams tainted with mercury continue to prevail in online markets despite regulations on the use of mercury in personal care products,” BAN Toxics campaigner Thony Dizon said.
“The ongoing use of hazardous chemicals in beauty products must be stopped,” Dizon said.
Mercury is considered one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern, the World Health Organization said.
Exposure to even small amounts of mercury can cause serious health problems and poses a threat to the development of a child in utero and during early stages in life.
Mercury can also have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as on the lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.
Dizon advised everyone to be vigilant when buying skin lightening creams that are regulated by the FDA to prevent exposure to toxic mercury.
The group calls on the FDA and the Department of Trade and Industry to investigate and conduct enforcement actions against online shopping platforms that violate existing health and safety regulations and e-commerce laws. (PNA)