Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Politics
Tom Perkins

Mercury found in skin lightening and anti-ageing creams sold online – study

Amazon Michael Bender California
Mercury poisoning can cause significant injury like rashes, kidney disease and nervous system damage. In 2019, a California woman who used mercury contaminated skin lightening products slipped into a coma.
Mercury poisoning can cause significant injury like rashes, kidney disease and nervous system damage. In 2019, a California woman who used mercury contaminated skin lightening products slipped into a coma. Photograph: SELF/Alamy

Mercury contamination is widespread among skin lightening and anti-ageing creams sold on online platforms like eBay, Alibaba and Amazon, a new analysis of hundreds of products has found.

The Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG) tested 271 products bought in 15 countries over a 13-month period and found nearly half to be contaminated with the dangerous heavy metal at levels above 1 part per million (ppm), the legal limit in the US. The EU, meanwhile, doesn’t allow any mercury in cosmetics.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
'We're Disgusted': Ethan Klein Dropped by H3 Podcast After Hila Klein Reveals Cheating Allegations
The H3 Podcast crew says it will no longer work with Ethan Klein after Hila Klein alleged he had an affair lasting more than six months.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Pitbull Faces Fierce Backlash After His Cheeky Confession About Jennifer Lopez: “So Nasty And Cringe”
Pitbull has finally explained the viral 2011 photo of himself and Jennifer Lopez, but his cheeky confession has left some people wishing he had kept the story to himself.
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
James McAvoy explains why he quit alcohol
X-Men star James McAvoy has revealed he quit alcohol after he started drinking too much during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
​Make the most out of the last spoonful
​Before you throw away that jar with only a bit left inside, turn it into a dressing, sauce, glaze or even a drink instead
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs change how people eat, but nausea needs closer study
Someone taking a weight-loss drug might leave half their dinner because they feel comfortably full. They might also stop because they feel nauseous. Measuring the leftovers would reveal the same result, but tell researchers little about why the person stopped eating.
The Conversation
The Conversation
This beauty set promises $950 worth of products for $150. Does it deliver?
We reviewed Revolve’s 12- and 25-day beauty advent calendars to see if the brand’s offerings provide value for your money
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play