New Delhi: Products containing toxic mercury that are banned in many countries are still being offered on major online marketplaces, raising fresh concerns about the safety of consumers buying skin-lightening creams and soaps online.
A Reuters investigation found more than 20 products suspected of containing mercury available through third-party sellers on Amazon, Temu and TikTok Shop in several countries, including India, France, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates. Reuters said it could not independently confirm the presence of mercury in the products it identified.
Products can return under new names
The investigation found that some products removed from online platforms were later listed again under different names or by different sellers.
In some cases, sellers appeared to obscure product names or origins. Reuters also purchased several products from Amazon websites in different countries, as well as products from Temu and TikTok Shop.
The platforms said such products violate their policies and that they were taking steps to remove prohibited listings and act against sellers.
Mercury can seriously harm health
The concern is significant because mercury is toxic to humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) says exposure to mercury-containing skin-lightening products can cause kidney and nervous system damage, as well as skin problems.
The Minamata Convention sets a limit of 1 part per million (ppm) for mercury in skin-lightening products. WHO notes that despite restrictions, such products continue to be advertised and sold online in several parts of the world.
A hidden danger for online shoppers
One of the challenges is that mercury may not always appear on the ingredient label. WHO notes that some products containing mercury may not identify it clearly, leaving consumers unaware of what they are applying to their skin.
The latest findings underline the difficulties regulators and online marketplaces face in preventing banned cosmetics from returning to digital shelves.