FDA bans 6 skin whiteners

MANILA, Philippines - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned six more skin whitening products containing mercury.

Laboratory analysis conducted on Fruit & Lovely quick-acting whitener and speckle remover package, Yudantang Green Olive and Papaya Natural Essence sunblock cream, Spring Return Ginseng and Pearl Natural Pure Plants whitening cream, TVC spot remover cream and Yoko whitening cream with SPF-15 showed that these products have “excessive levels of mercury,” the FDA said in an advisory.

The FDA said Yudantang is imported from Taiwan while Spring Return Ginseng is a product from New York and TVC is made in China. The country of origin of the other products is not indicated on their labels.

The website of the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the toxic effects of mercury include damage to the brain, kidney, and lungs.

“The type and degree of symptoms exhibited depend upon the individual toxin, dose, and the method and duration of exposure,” it said.

Environment group EcoWaste Coalition lauded the FDA’s move, which brought to 77 the number of banned mercury-tainted products since November 2012.

“As we laud the FDA’s action to ban skin lightening products tainted with mercury, we urge consumers to be on their guard and take highest precautions against ‘cosmetoxics’ or cosmetics laced with hazardous substances,” said Aileen Lucero of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect.

Lucero asked the public to be discerning in choosing their whitening products.

“Our distinct kayumangging kaligatan (light brown skin) complexion is beautiful and a source of national pride. But if you still insist on lightening your skin tone, please be very careful with cosmetics laden with mercury and other harmful chemicals. It’s better to be brown than sorry,” she added.