Nisha Pandey

CDSCO Issues Alert Against Pak-Made Face Creams Containing Mercury: Experts Explain Why They Are Harmful

Pakistan-made skin lightening creams that Indian regulators warned consumers against are still showing up on online marketplaces. This has raised concerns about how unauthorised cosmetics are reaching buyers despite regulatory restrictions. 

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public health alert against Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream, both produced in Pakistan.

The regulator said the creams were not registered for import into India and contained excessive heavy metals beyond specified limits, which could have toxic effects. 

Some of the products listed on marketplaces including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Tata 1mg and Snapdeal reportedly described the products as “Made in India”, while manufacturer or seller information was incomplete or obscured. 

<h2>Why Are Mercury-Laced Face Creams Dangerous? </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/indias-hidden-stillbirth-burden-lancet-study-finds-2-2-lakh-pregnancy-losses-missed-by-current-reporting-method-article-156167543" data-type="tilCustomLink">India’s Hidden Stillbirth Burden: Lancet Study Finds 2.2 Lakh Pregnancy Losses Missed By Current Reporting Method</a>

The concern is particularly serious because mercury can be absorbed through the skin. <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/popular-safe-toothpaste-brands-contain-heavy-metals-finds-study-article-151460414" data-type="tilCustomLink">Mercury</a> is sometimes added illegally to skin-lightening products because it interferes with melanin production, producing a faster whitening effect. But the same process exposes users to a toxic heavy metal.

Dr. Surendra VHH, Senior Consultant - Dermatologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore, spoke to HealthandMe about how long-term use of mercury-laced toxic cosmetics can cause harm.

He says, “The quick lightening effect may seem appealing, but it can come at a serious health cost. Mercury suppresses melanin production and may also cause rashes, skin thinning, sensitivity, and lasting pigmentation changes.” 

Talking about the extreme side-effects of using these creams, he said that long-term exposure can allow mercury to accumulate in the body, particularly the kidneys. It has been associated with kidney damage, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/synthetic-hair-dyes-and-skin-whitening-creams-what-you-need-to-know-about-kidney-damage-article-152522131" data-type="tilCustomLink">neurological problems</a> and immune-system effects.

He says, “Mercury-laced skin-lightening creams are not harmless beauty products. Repeated use can expose the body to mercury, can get absorbed especially damaged unhealthy which may affect the kidneys and nervous system, causing symptoms such as headaches, weakness, numbness, tremors and changes in mood or memory. The risk is particularly concerning for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children because of its potential impact on neurological development.”

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/mit-student-exposed-to-one-of-the-worlds-deadliest-chemicals-why-is-dimethylmercury-toxic-even-in-tiny-amounts-article-156019897" data-type="tilCustomLink">MIT Student Exposed To One Of The World’s Deadliest Chemicals: Why Is Dimethylmercury Toxic Even In Tiny Amounts</a>

Agreeing with Dr Surendra, Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Senior Consultant - Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, told also HealthandMe that mercury-infused cosmetics come at a long-term health cost.

Warning about the same, she explained, “Prolonged exposure may damage the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/how-to-get-rid-of-heavy-metals-in-your-body-article-151122633" data-type="tilCustomLink">skin’s natural protective barrier</a>, cause persistent discolouration, and allow mercury to accumulate in the body, potentially affecting the kidneys and nervous system. No promise of lighter skin is worth exposing yourself to a substance that can silently compromise your health.”

A 2024 study published in Kidney International found a strong association between prolonged use of mercury-containing skin-lightening creams and membranous nephropathy, a kidney disorder in which the filtering units of the kidneys become damaged and leak excessive amounts of protein into urine. 

The World Health Organization has also warned that mercury exposure can severely affect the kidneys, brain and nervous system, and says there is no known safe level of exposure to mercury. 

Gas, Bloating & Acidity: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

CDSCO has advised consumers not to purchase or use Goree Beauty Cream, Chandni Whitening Cream or similarly named products. 

The regulator has also reminded consumers that imported cosmetics must have the required registration and that legally marketed products should carry details like the manufacturer's information, manufacturing license, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates and, for imported cosmetics, a registration number. 

The warning comes after Maharashtra authorities separately banned <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/pakistan-and-afghanistan-are-the-only-countries-where-polio-remains-an-endemic-says-who-article-151048384" data-type="tilCustomLink">Goree Beauty Cream</a> following testing that found toxic mercury in the product. Officials had also received complaints involving users who developed kidney-related problems after prolonged use.

Cautioning the users, Dr Surendra said, “Consumers should be wary of products without a clear ingredient list, manufacturer details, batch information or regulatory information. Claims such as “instant whitening” or “herbal” do not automatically mean a product is safe. Anyone concerned about mercury exposure should stop using the product and consult a doctor, especially if symptoms such as tremors, swelling or changes in urination occur. Skin care should focus on healthy skin—not changing its natural colour through potentially harmful shortcuts.”

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cdsco-issues-alert-against-pak-made-face-creams-containing-mercury-experts-explain-why-they-are-harmful

Mercury

CDSCO

Goree Beauty Cream

Chandni Whitening Cream

Pakistan

pakistan made mercury creams

delhi-dengue-cases-rise-in-september-is-weather-fueling-the-surge

Delhi Dengue Cases Rise In September: Is Weather Fueling The Surge?

indias-hidden-stillbirth-burden-new-lancet-study-analyses-pregnancy-losses-across-states

India’s Hidden Stillbirth Burden: Lancet Study Finds 2.2 Lakh Pregnancy Losses Missed By Current Reporting Method

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Pakistan-made skin lightening creams that Indian regulators warned consumers against are still showing up on online marketplaces. This has raised concerns about how unauthorised cosmetics are reaching buyers despite regulatory restrictions. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public health alert against Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream, both produced in Pakistan. The regulator said the creams were not registered for import into India and contained excessive heavy metals beyond specified limits, which could have toxic effects. Some of the products listed on marketplaces including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Tata 1mg and Snapdeal reportedly described the products as “Made in India”, while manufacturer or seller information was incomplete or obscured. Why Are Mercury-Laced Face Creams Dangerous? Also read: India’s Hidden Stillbirth Burden: Lancet Study Finds 2.2 Lakh Pregnancy Losses Missed By Current Reporting MethodThe concern is particularly serious because mercury can be absorbed through the skin. Mercury is sometimes added illegally to skin-lightening products because it interferes with melanin production, producing a faster whitening effect. But the same process exposes users to a toxic heavy metal. Dr. Surendra VHH, Senior Consultant - Dermatologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore, spoke to HealthandMe about how long-term use of mercury-laced toxic cosmetics can cause harm. He says, “The quick lightening effect may seem appealing, but it can come at a serious health cost. Mercury suppresses melanin production and may also cause rashes, skin thinning, sensitivity, and lasting pigmentation changes.” Talking about the extreme side-effects of using these creams, he said that long-term exposure can allow mercury to accumulate in the body, particularly the kidneys. It has been associated with kidney damage, neurological problems and immune-system effects. He says, “Mercury-laced skin-lightening creams are not harmless beauty products. Repeated use can expose the body to mercury, can get absorbed especially damaged unhealthy which may affect the kidneys and nervous system, causing symptoms such as headaches, weakness, numbness, tremors and changes in mood or memory. The risk is particularly concerning for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children because of its potential impact on neurological development.”Also read: MIT Student Exposed To One Of The World’s Deadliest Chemicals: Why Is Dimethylmercury Toxic Even In Tiny Amounts Agreeing with Dr Surendra, Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Senior Consultant - Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, told also HealthandMe that mercury-infused cosmetics come at a long-term health cost. Warning about the same, she explained, “Prolonged exposure may damage the skin’s natural protective barrier, cause persistent discolouration, and allow mercury to accumulate in the body, potentially affecting the kidneys and nervous system. No promise of lighter skin is worth exposing yourself to a substance that can silently compromise your health.” A 2024 study published in Kidney International found a strong association between prolonged use of mercury-containing skin-lightening creams and membranous nephropathy, a kidney disorder in which the filtering units of the kidneys become damaged and leak excessive amounts of protein into urine. The World Health Organization has also warned that mercury exposure can severely affect the kidneys, brain and nervous system, and says there is no known safe level of exposure to mercury. Indian Regulator Issues Alert             CDSCO has advised consumers not to purchase or use Goree Beauty Cream, Chandni Whitening Cream or similarly named products. The regulator has also reminded consumers that imported cosmetics must have the required registration and that legally marketed products should carry details like the manufacturer's information, manufacturing license, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates and, for imported cosmetics, a registration number. The warning comes after Maharashtra authorities separately banned Goree Beauty Cream following testing that found toxic mercury in the product. Officials had also received complaints involving users who developed kidney-related problems after prolonged use. Cautioning the users, Dr Surendra said, “Consumers should be wary of products without a clear ingredient list, manufacturer details, batch information or regulatory information. Claims such as “instant whitening” or “herbal” do not automatically mean a product is safe. Anyone concerned about mercury exposure should stop using the product and consult a doctor, especially if symptoms such as tremors, swelling or changes in urination occur. Skin care should focus on healthy skin—not changing its natural colour through potentially harmful shortcuts.”

cdsco issues alert against pak-made face creams containing mercury: experts explain why they are harmful

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

CDSCO Issues Alert Against Pak-Made Face Creams Containing Mercury: Experts Explain Why They Are Harmful

Delhi Dengue Cases Rise In September: Is Weather Fueling The Surge?

India’s Hidden Stillbirth Burden: Lancet Study Finds 2.2 Lakh Pregnancy Losses Missed By Current Reporting Method

Indian Medical Industry Backs Maharashtra FDA Crackdown On Device Markups

Health Conditions A-Z

Delhi Dengue Cases Rise In September: Is Weather Fueling The Surge?

CDSCO Issues Alert Against Pak-Made Face Creams Containing Mercury: Experts Explain Why They Are Harmful

India’s Hidden Stillbirth Burden: Lancet Study Finds 2.2 Lakh Pregnancy Losses Missed By Current Reporting Method