Mercury found in foreign skin care products sold online and in stores, NYC health officials say

New York City health officials are warning consumers about foreign skin care products containing mercury that are sold online and in stores.

The health department warned about 22 skin-lightening products, including 15 products from Pakistan and two from Thailand, that include dangerous levels of mercury. City officials said they had seized more than 1,800 of the products being sold in stores in New York City.

Health departments in Nassau and Suffolk counties did not respond to inquiries about health concerns on Long Island or if any of the products were found in Long Island stores.

Although state legislators and Gov. Kathy Hochul banned the sale of these products in stores and online in 2022, many of the products remain available through online retailers.

New York City officials said anyone who had used the products should immediately seek blood and urine testing for mercury poisoning from their doctors.

"Cultural beauty standards across the world that favor lighter skin tones are among the many impacts of racism and put pressure on people of color to lighten their skin, even if it puts their health at risk," Acting New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said in a statement.

City officials said the products were sold over the counter in stores and could include more than 30,000 times the amount of mercury permitted in cosmetics. Officials said the products were used for skin lightening and to remove freckles, acne, under eye darkness and wrinkles. Mercury is not listed as an ingredient in the product, city officials said.

Mercury is a neurotoxin used as a preservative in skin-lightening creams. It is commonly found in products generously applied to the skin, which increases the level of exposure, said Chris Dobens, spokesman for the environmental justice group We Act. He said the 2022 state legislation was meant to protect customers, particularly people of color. He said legislation also targeted manufacturers to stop using mercury in products.

"Most consumers have no idea that mercury is in these products, just as most consumers assume personal care products are thoroughly vetted and regulated, which they clearly are not," Dobens said. "That means people are exposing themselves to a neurotoxin without even realizing it."

The 22 skin-lightening products are: Al-Riyan Beauty Cream; Chandni Whitening Cream; Creme Diana; Due Beauty Cream; Faiza Beauty Cream; Golden Pearl Beauty Cream; Golden Star Beauty Cream; Goree Beauty Cream; Infocus Professional Herbal Beauty Cream; Pearl Beauty Cream and Professional Skin Whitening Cream; Kanza Beauty Cream; My White Whitening Keratin Night Cream; Parley Goldie Advanced Beauty Cream; Sajal Gold Beauty Cream; Sandal Beauty Cream; Seven Herbal Ubtan; Stillman’s Freckle Cream; White Pearl Plus Extra; Whitening Treatment Cream; Wow White-Me Bee Venom; Zuni Gold Finest Beauty Cream; Zuni Beyoutiful Beauty Cream.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.