You may have them in your cupboards. Maybe, you use them, still. Beware: they are dangerous, illegal, harmful… and are the subject of a recall or ban by the European sanitary authorities. Underneath, you may find all the cosmetic products targeted by the RAPEX alert system this week: whitening creams formulated with mercury.
Skin lightening product
Brand: Feique Rose 
Name: Whitening Anti-Freckle Pckage
Type: AK: 027
Barcode: 6927347910219
• Country of origin: China
• Notifying country: Norway
Risk type: chemical
The product contains mercury (measured value: 16 400 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by public authorities (to importer): ban on the marketing of the product and any accompanying measures.
Skin lightening product
Brand: Faiza 
Name: Beauty cream
Type: 223190
Barcode: 6199561995666
• Country of origin: Pakistan
• Notifying country: Norway
Risk type: chemical
The product contains mercury (measured value: 28500 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by public authorities (to importer): ban on the marketing of the product and any accompanying measures.
Skin lightening product
Brand: Chandni 
Name: Whitening cream
Batch number: MFG.02/17
Barcode: 0102196013014
• Country of origin: Pakistan
• Notifying country: Norway
Risk type: chemical
The product contains mercury (measured value: 1160 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by public authorities (to importer): ban on the marketing of the product and any accompanying measures.
Skin product
Brand: Beauty Clinic 
Name: Cream with lycopene
Barcode: 3215650214173
• Country of origin: Pakistan
• Notifying country: Norway
Risk type: chemical
The product contains mercury (measured value: 11200 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by public authorities (to importer): ban on the marketing of the product and any accompanying measures.
Skin lightening product
Brand: Faiza Beauty 
Name: Lotion
Barcode: 8993138993349
• Country of origin: Pakistan
• Notifying country: Norway
Risk type: chemical
The product contains mercury (measured value: 554 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by public authorities (to importer): ban on the marketing of the product and any accompanying measures.
Skin lightening product
Brand: Flori’s - Duo 
Name: Crème de visage a l’huille d’Argan
Barcode: 7785693257780
• Country of origin: France
• Notifying country: Norway
Risk type: chemical
The product contains mercury (measured value: 8300 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by public authorities (to importer): ban on the marketing of the product and any accompanying measures.
Skin lightening product
Brand: Feique (MEDIA-56603s right ml-4)
Type: AK: 032
Barcode: 6927347910257
• Country of origin: China
• Notifying country: Norway
Risk type: chemical
The product contains mercury (measured value: 19700 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by public authorities (to importer): ban on the marketing of the product and any accompanying measures.
Skin lightening product
Brand: Natural Face, Nice Cosmetics Pakistan 
Name: Beauty cream
Type: 280669
• Country of origin: Pakistan
• Notifying country: Norway
Risk type: chemical
The product contains mercury (measured value: 17300 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by public authorities (to importer): ban on the marketing of the product and any accompanying measures.
Source
• Rapid Alert System - Weekly Reports, Report 50, European Commission, December 13, 2019
