Toxic skin products still in local market

THE illegal sale of toxic skin whitening products that the government
previously recalled is not a case closed, according to a toxic
watchdog.

In their test buy, the EcoWaste Coalition was still able to purchase
seven of the banned cosmetics at various shops inside the Baclaran
Terminal Plaza Mall in Pasay City, signaling that businesses have not
bent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directives.

Still available at markets are Gemli Glutathione Grapeseed Extract
Whitening and Anti-Aging Cream, Jiaoli Huichusu Whitening Speckles
Remover Cream, Jiaoli Miraculous Cream, JJJ Magic Spots Removing
Cream, S’Zitang 10-day Whitening and Spot Day/Night Set and Yinni
Green Tea Quick Acting Whitener and Speckle Remover Package.

According to FDA, the beauty products have traces of mercury more than
one part a million, the safe level where any greater than that poses
“imminent danger.”

High levels of mercury in cosmetics can have adverse effects including
skin rashes, discoloring and scarring and weakening of skin’s
resistance to bacterial and mycotic skin disorders, the United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP) said.

Direct and prolonged exposure during repeated applications can already
damage the brain, nervous system and kidneys since mercury is a
neurotoxin, UNEP added.

Businesses that freely sell the cosmetics without the approval of FDA
are directly violating the Food and Drug Administration Act, FDA said.

To date, FDA already released four circulars that order “to seize
immediately the identified cosmetic products for custody from all
outlets or establishments where they may be found.”

Aileen Lucero of the EcoWaste Coalition said that months after the
products were banned, they can still be bought like an ordinary
personal care product, considering the cosmetics’ excessive levels of
mercury.

“We urge consumers to seek out mercury-free cosmetics to safeguard
their own health and we beg the government to intensify their action
against recalcitrant vendors,” she added.

The AlerToxic Patrol of EcoWaste is on its fifth round of test buy
this year to check if businesses comply with the directives of the FDA
banning mercury-tainted skin whitening creams and lotions.

Posted in: skin products with toxic chemicals