Chinese Skin Whitening Products with Mercury Beware

Chinese skin whitening products mercury-tainted

An NGO recently warned the public about the proliferation of Chinese skin whitening products containing the hazardous chemical Mercury. This is alarming since the products can be bought in several Chinese drugs stores and local health stores in the country. This has been an issue years ago but the government still failed to curtail the distribution of these unapproved and hazardous skin products in the market.

Mercury Contamination is Dangerous

According to Ecowaste Coalition,93% of the skin whitening products that they tested contains excessive amounts of Mercury. It is a toxic chemical. This chemical can cause or damage the nervous system and kidneys. It is also harmful to young children. According to health experts, ingestion or inhalation of Mercury can affect the normal development of the brain of the fetus or child.

The organization provided a list of skin whitening products that contains high levels of mercury to warn the public.

Undisclosed Skin Whitening Ingredients

The mercury tainted products are marketed as beauty products promising instant results. They usually promise lighter complexion and removal of facial scars, freckles and spots. These products contain ingredients that are also popular in the health and welness industry. Some also contain herbs which are noted for its skin whitening properties. But there are some companies that do not disclose the ingredients on their products labels.

However, it is usually during the production process where mercury contamination happens probably due to poor manufacturing processes and non-compliance to industry standards and regulations.

Philippine FDA Urged to Issue Warnings

Ecowaste coalition urged the Philippine FDA to issue warnings and conduct further test on these mercury tainted products to protect consumers. They also urge consumers who were victims of mercury-tainted products to come out. A product is considered dangerous if it contains more than 1 parts per million (ppm) of mercury.

Chinese Skin Whitening Products with High Levels of Mercury

Below is the list of skin whitening products which allegedly contain high levels of mercury. These were tested by the Ecowaste Coalition using the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer.

1.
Feique Whitening Anti-Freckle Cream
Manufacturer/distributor: GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd.,China
Cost: P60
Purchased: stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 16,000 ppm


2.
Feique Golden Aloe Whitening Anti-Scar, Anti Freckle Set
Manufacturer/distributor: GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd.,China
Cost: P60
Purchased: stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 25,000 ppm


3.
Feique Green Tea Vital Whitening Freckle-Removing Cream
Manufacturer/distributor: GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd.,China
Cost: P150
Purchased: stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 15,800 ppm


4.
Bai Li Tou Hong
Manufacturer/distributor: (not indicated in English)
Cost: P150
Purchased: stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall,Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 46,700 ppm


5.
Maidaifu Herbal Moisturizing and Whitening Cream
Manufacturer/distributor: (not indicated in English)
Cost: P180
Purchased: Stall IA-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 60,800 ppm


6.
Green Cucumber and Ginseng 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Set
Manufacturer/distributor: Yudantang International, Taiwan
Cost: P120 Purchased: stall IR-24, 168Mall, Divisoria
Mercury level: 9,414 ppm


7.
Loreial Paris Anti-Freckle Cream Suit
Manufacturer/distributor: (not indicated on the label)
Cost: P120
Purchased: stall IB 2-4 999 Shopping Mall,Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 1,371 ppm


8.
Aichun Beauty Strongly WhiteningFreckle Series (3 in one)
Manufacturer/distributor: France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd. / Livepro Beauty Cosmetics Co. Ltd., China
Cost: P98
Purchased: G2 Beauty Products, Villalobos St., Quiapo, Manila
Mercury level: 550 ppm


9.
"Special Cream" (double, label in Chinese)
Manufacturer/distributor: not indicated in English
Cost: P80
Purchased: stall G-162 Good Earth Mall, Bustos St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Mercury level: 1,565 ppm


10.
"Special Cream" (single, label in Chinese)
Manufacturer/distributor: not indicated in English
Cost: P80
Purchased: Famous Chinese Drug Store, Recto Ave. near Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Mercury level: 1,378 ppm


11.
Yudantang Ginseng and Ganoderma Lucidum 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Sun Block Cream
Manufacturer/distributor: Yudantang International, Taiwan
Cost: P140
Purchased: Rose and Fujikura General Merchandise, Uni-Mec Supermarket, Guadalupe, Makati City
Mercury level: 31,300 ppm


12.
Aichun Beauty Green Tea Whitening Speckle Removing Series (3 in one)
Manufacturer/distributor: France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd./Livepro Beauty Cosmetic Co. Ltd., China
Cost: P90
Purchased: G2 Beauty Products, Carriedo St., Quiapo, Manila
Mercury level: 1,250 ppm


13.
Aichun Beauty Pawpaw Whitening and Freckle Remover Series (3 in one)
Manufacturer/distributor: France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd./Livepro Beauty Cosmetic Co. Ltd., China
Cost: P90
Purchased: G2 Beauty Products, Carriedo St., Quiapo, Manila
Mercury level: 867 ppm


If the Chinese government can impose strict sanctions on our banana exports and even ban the entry of the product in their country, why can't the Philippine government impose the same. Ban the importation of these hazardous health products.