Current status of mercury level in skin whitening creams

Abstract

In the past, heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, copper are found in many cosmetic preparations. Mercury blocks the melanin synthesis and is therefore added in skin whitening creams. Complications like membranous nephropathy, tubular necrosis, and CNS damage occur. Newborns whose mothers are exposed to mercury are affected through skin contact and breast milk. The aim was to analyse the current status of mercury (Hg) level in varied brands of skin whitening creams including four same brands of creams used by Agrawal. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for detection of Hg level. Various brands of cosmetic creams were purchased from Delhi-NCR region and Agrawal and Mazhar (2015) was used for sample preparation. Samples were run in triplicate and compared with standard curve by ICP-MS. All 11whitening creams were found to contain mercury in the range of 0.14–0.36ppm as total mercury content. In comparison to Agrawal and Mazhar (2015), mercury level was increased in Emami Fair and Handsome, Pond's White Beauty Daily Anti-Spot Fairness Cream, Garnier Skin Natural White and Fair and Lovely. Light skin colour has become an obsession with people. Consequently, men and women of all ages are exposed to mercury toxicity through skin lightening creams. This study further validates the rising mercury level in skin whitening creams. Further exposure to mercury should be prevented by making awareness among consumers about mercury toxicity. Strict actions should be taken by regulatory bodies against manufacture and import of such cosmetic creams.