Mercury compounds are readily absorbed through the skin on topical application and have the tendency to accumulate in the body.
These products are often applied to large areas of the skin, left on the skin for hours at a time, and used repeatedly for weeks, months or years. Mercury-containing skin lightening cosmetics pose significant risks to users. Mercury absorbed through the skin from lightening products can damage the skin itself, the kidneys, and the nervous system.
The symptoms of mercury poisoning include emotional disturbances, unsteadiness, inflammation of the mouth and gums, general fatigue, memory loss, forgetfulness and headaches. It may also lead to kidney damage.
Mercury-containing skin lightening cosmetics pose significant risks to users.
Ammoniated mercury, used in some skin-lightening
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Mercury can accumulate in the body over time, making diseases and disorders potentially linked to one’s exposure, difficult to diagnose. High mercury levels can damage major organs as well as the immune system.
The main adverse effect of the inorganic mercury contained in skin lightening soaps and creams is kidney damage.9 Mercury in skin lightening products may also cause skin rashes, skin discoloration and scarring, as well as a reduction in the skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections.1,3
Other effects include anxiety, depression or psychosis and peripheral neuropathy.1–3
The medical literature reports specific instances of individuals suffering from the aforementioned health effects following exposure to mercury through skin lightening creams and