DiGangi is the science and policy advisor of the International POPs Elimination Network, a global coalition of about 700 nongovernment organizations including EcoWaste Coalition. Pay specialattention to products that are labeled asanti-aging or skin-lightening," the FDA notes. According to the letters sent to Amazon and eBay, skin-care creams were purchased by some of the advocacy groups and their mercury levels were tested. [1] Go to source The list of dangerous skin creams is fairly long, but -- so far at least -- contains only products you'd purchase from an import store or Latino, Asian or Middle Eastern market, and no American-made brands or products. Your California Privacy Rights. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include tremors, memory problems, irritability, and changes in vision or hearing. So, how can you be certain you're not about to slather a mercury-laden cream all over your face? Recognize that it may be expensive to replace textiles exposed to your skin care products. Perhaps most disturbing, in some ways, is that even the "natural" brand Burt's Bees had one lip shimmer that tested in the middle range for lead. People have used mercury for centuries in different medications and consumer products. But be aware the ingredient might also be listed as mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, or mercurio. If there is no list of ingredients, don't use the product. Here, the latest and most dangerous beauty alerts, and how to protect yourself without compromising your beauty routine. All information on this site is provided "as-is" for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Federal law actually requireslabels onany cosmetic or over-the-counter medication to contain a list of ingredients. You may opt-out by. Mercury is a metal that is poisonous to humans in any form. The brands that tested positive for lead levels included well-respected national brands including L'Oreal, Revlon, Avon, and Cover Girl.

"We don't know what effect mercury containing creams have on the air, so that is even more of a reason to avoid these products.".

When throwing out mercury-containing products, make sure to put the productin a plastic bag or leak-proof container. I report the latest in health, nutrition, wellness and healthy travel. Another reason that mercury can be hard to spot in your cosmetics is probably because it goes by many names: Hg, mercuric iodide, mercurous chloride, quicksilver, cinnabaris, or hydrargyri oxydum rubrum (say that three times fast), according to the WHO.

Well, first of all, be sure to note where your skin-care products actually come from products that are made in the United States should not contain unsafe levels of mercury, King explains. By using our site, you agree to our. The FDA also recommends calling your health care professional or the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you have any questions. In addition, if the product's labeling is in another language and does not also contain an English label, do not use it. Chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, and other hazardous ingredients are turning up in makeup, skin creams, and hair styling products. If you encounter a product without a label, that doesn't necessarily mean it is safe to use. One example that illustrates the potential harm of mercury exposure other than via the skin is from research on mercury exposure during pregnancy: Studies suggest an association between mercury and pregnancy complications and developmental problems in infants.

The problem results because the particles of minerals such as mica are so small, they float through the air and can be inhaled into the lungs. Use caution with products, even if a person tells you theyre "safe." However, the Optometry study tested mascara samples that were less than three months old. A few tips for mascara safety: These three hazards are certainly the top three beauty concerns today. If you have been exposed to mercury, make sure to wash your hands or other parts of your body that wereexposed very well. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. [2] This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Call 896 6000. "We know that inhaling mercury vapor can be harmful to your health," explains Zeichner. Based on tests conducted by visiting Chicago-based scientist Dr. Joe DiGangi, the whitening products were found to contain up to 28,600 parts per million (ppm) of mercuryway above the Philippine regulatory limit of one ppm. Don't ever apply mascara in the car; according to opthalmologists, you'd be surprised how many women arrive in their offices with scratched (and possibly infected) corneas from poking themselves in the eye.

The levels of formaldehyde found were fairly low, and shouldn't pose a hazard if you're only straightening your hair a few times a year, but more often than that isn't a great idea. weren't exempt either. "Most Americans are aware that mercury is dangerous, but many people don't realize that [it's] sometimes used as the active ingredient in skin-lightening creams," explains Melanie Benesh, a legislative attorney for the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which was one of the advocacy groups behind the letters and who issued a press release about the findings. Follow me on Twitter, @MelanieHaiken or find me on Facebook, 2022 Forbes Media LLC. So yeah, it can be pretty toxic stuff. Contact your doctor for medical advice. To find out more, please click this link. Products with very high levels of mercury could also appear gray as "mercury color is dark gray itself," says King. Ad Choices. "If it's absorbed, [it] can even cause mercury poisoning with toxicity to the kidneys and nervous system.". And while that last part may make you breathe a sigh of relief, there's still plenty of reason to be cautious about what you're applying onto your skin. Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing The plantar fascia is the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes, creating the arch of the foot. The group works for the eradication of persistent organic pollutants.

In other words, if the product does not have a label, do not use it. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. X Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Avoid-Mercury-in-Your-Skin-Products-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Mercury-in-Your-Skin-Products-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Avoid-Mercury-in-Your-Skin-Products-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid8417533-v4-728px-Avoid-Mercury-in-Your-Skin-Products-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"