High mercury level in cosmetic product detected

HIGH concentrations of mercury were detected in a Pakistan-made cosmetic product, according to the EcoWaste Coalition on Thursday.

The toxics watchdog group had detected 20,240 parts per million (ppm) of mercury from the Aneeza Gold Beauty Cream, which they purchased from an online seller for P180.

According to the Asean Cosmetic Directive, mercury is prohibited as an ingredient and set at 1 ppm maximum allowable limit.

“Our latest investigation shows that this cosmetic is being offered for sale to Filipino consumers despite being banned in other countries for containing mercury above the 1ppm limit,” EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero said in a statement. “We request our cosmetics regulators to take immediate action to halt the unlawful trade of this dangerous product.”

According to the product description, it is a “well-balanced de-pigmentation formula, which helps lighten the skin and improves its condition,” as well as “eliminates dead cells, melanin deposits and improves your complexion.” It also “removes dark circles, acne, wrinkles, freckles and other signs of ageing” and “it moisturizes skin, makes skin soft and young,” and “protects skin from [ultraviolet] rays” and makes the user “look pretty and more gorgeous than ever.”

Mercury was excluded from the cosmetics product’s over 25 ingredients.

The coalition also pointed out that authorities in Bangladesh, Sweden and the United States have banned the said cosmetic product after testing positive for “dangerous” levels of mercury. The US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) said an exposure to mercury can have “serious health consequences.”

“The danger isn’t just to people who use mercury-containing products but also to their families. When you use these products, your family might breathe mercury vapors or might become exposed by using things like washcloths or towels contaminated with mercury,” the US FDA said, adding that it also has effects on pregnant women and children.

EcoWaste had notified the Philippine FDA regarding the discovery and appealed to online shopping platforms to take down product listings on unauthorized cosmetics.

“To protect human health against mercury exposure, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the agency to issue the necessary public health warning advising consumers not to purchase and use Aneeza Gold Beauty Cream,” the coalition said.