Cosmetics May Contain Dangerous Levels of Mercury: FDA

Mercury, the curious elemental heavy metal that uniquely exists in a liquid state at room temperature, is especially hazardous to humans and can cause damage to the brain, lungs and kidneys. It is also found in some beauty creams, soaps and lotions.

According to a statement updated by the Food and Drug Administration this week, it's very risky to use these cosmetics, which may be more common than people think. If you're using face or skin products that contain mercury, the FDA advises that you stop using them immediately.

How do you know if your cosmetics contain mercury? That can be a little bit complicated, because though the FDA has strict labeling requirements for cosmetic products, some manufacturers elude these regulations. But if a product's label includes any of the following, it most likely contains mercury and is unsafe for human use:

• Mercurous chloride
• Calomel
• Mercuric
• Mercurio
• Mercury

Any cosmetics that do not have an English language ingredients list should also be regarded with suspicion, because federal law requires these labels.

“Even though these products are often promoted as cosmetics, they also may be unapproved new drugs under the law,” Dr. Linda Katz, director of FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, said in the statement.

The above ingredients are most commonly found in skin-lightening and anti-aging creams; however, you're unlikely to find them in American-made products. Jason Humbert of the FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs explained that cosmetics containing mercury typically enter the American market after being manufactured abroad, and they're often sold in Latino, Asian, African and Middle Eastern communities around the U.S.

Americans may also encounter these products while shopping outside of the country or on illegal online markets.

"Because these products are often found in local retail outlets or brought into the U.S. for personal use, it is difficult for the FDA to identify all products potentially containing mercury," Lauren Sucher, a press officer for the FDA, told Patch. "That’s why we published this [statement] to advise consumers of potential red flags when deciding to purchase or use similar products."

Since there's no way to keep track of all illegal products, the FDA is unable to provide a full list of cosmetics to avoid; however, Sucher identified the following products as containing unsafe levels of mercury:

• Viansilk's "Crema Piel De Seda" (Silky Skin Cream) (picture unavailable)
• Créme Diana (pictured above)
• Stillman's Skin Bleach Cream

• Lulaniina

Arthur Simone, a senior medical adviser for the FDA, also warned that using these products do not pose dangers only to the individual using the product.

“Your family might breathe mercury vapors released from these products. Your children might touch washcloths or towels that are contaminated with mercury. It could be as simple as touching someone’s cheek or face,” he said.

Young children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding face particularly high risks from mercury.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, signs of acute mercury poisoning include fever, fatigue and respiratory issues. Over time, mercury poisoning can result in neurological, skin and kidney damage. Symptoms of this damage can present as any of the following symptoms:

• Memory loss
• Irritability
• Depression
• Hypertension
• Tremors
• Oral inflammation
• Prickling, numbness, flushing, burning sensations, discoloration and peeling of the skin

The FDA continues to monitor the prevalence of these products and related poisonings through the reporting of state health departments. If you or members of your family have used any cosmetic products containing mercury, you can contact the poison center at 1-800-222-1222.

All photo credits: United States Food and Drug Administration via Flickr