MANILA, (PIA) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stark warning to consumers regarding unauthorized skin-lightening products that contain dangerous levels of mercury, a toxic chemical associated with serious health risks.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the FDA highlighted five imported skin-lightening products sold online that lack the necessary certificates of product notification.
Among these, “Lady Gold Super Gluta Brightening” has been singled out for its hazardous mercury content.
Toxics watchdog EcoWaste Coalition praised the FDA’s prompt action, which followed their report indicating that certain cosmetics contained mercury levels far exceeding the acceptable limit.
Under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, mercury is banned in cosmetic formulations.
The FDA’s analysis revealed alarming mercury levels in several products:
- Q-nic Care Whitening Night Cream: 4,113 parts per million (ppm)
- Q-nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream: 6,109 ppm
- Meyyong Ra Seaweed Super Whitening Set: 3,784 ppm
- Lady Gold Super Gluta Brightening: 44,450 ppm
All these figures significantly surpass the regulatory limit of 1 ppm. Additionally, while Malaysia Erna Whitening Cream tested negative for mercury, it remains unauthorized for sale.
Consumers are urged to verify product registrations and report any unauthorized items to the FDA.
The agency has also warned establishments against the distribution of these banned products, emphasizing the importance of public safety in cosmetic use.
For more information, consumers can visit the FDA’s official website. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
