THURSDAY, Sept. 1, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Skin lightening productsConsumers can be seriously injured if they contain illegal ingredients for over-the counter sales, warned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Wednesday.
According to a news release, hydroquinone and mercury could be harmful ingredients.
Side effects of hydroquinone-containing products have been experienced by many people who used them. RashesThe FDA warned that mercury can cause permanent skin discoloration and facial swelling. Mercury, which is extremely toxic, can damage the nervous system, digestive, immune, and immune systems aswell as the skin, eyes, kidneys, and lungs.
Skin lightening products can be used to correct uneven skin tone. AcneAge spots freckleswrinkles. Skin lightening products may be described by companies as Bleaching skinProducts that can be used to lighten, fade, brighten, or whitening. The FDA stated that the products are commonly sold in shops that cater specifically to Hispanic/Latino or Asian communities.
These products reduce the production of skin oils. melaninThis is responsible for the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. However, mercury and hydroquinone can build up over time.
The FDA stated that skin lightening products containing Hydroquinone cannot be sold over-the-counter. However, prescriptions for hydroquinone-containing skin products can be obtained from your doctor. It is illegal to use mercury in skin-lightening products.
Hydroquinone and mercury should be avoided by consumers. Mercury could be labeled as mercurous, calomel and mercuric or mercurio. Illegal products might be labeled incorrectly. The FDA advised against using handmade labels or labels in languages other then English.
Report any bad reaction from a skin product to your health care provider and to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
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More information on mercury in skin products can be found at the World Health Organization.
SOURCE – U.S. Food and Drug Administration press release, Aug. 30, 2022
