March 29, 2024
Warning: Certain skin-lightening creams pose possible health risk
SACRAMENTO – (INT) – State health officials are warning against using specific brands of imported skin-lightening creams that have tested positive for high levels of mercury.

Mercury is a toxic chemical, and regular or prolonged exposure can result in mercury poisoning.

There have been no illnesses associated with these products in California. However, similar skin-lightening creams have previously been implicated in illnesses elsewhere in the nation.

The most recent products tested were available for purchase in various markets or on-line, and were labeled in foreign languages, sometimes without listing their ingredients.

Consumers should discontinue use of these products, as well as any face-cream product that lists mercury, mercurio, mercurous chloride, cinnabar, or calomel in the ingredients, or is otherwise packaged without any labeling.
Story Date: January 13, 2014
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