Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The relentless sale of mercury-laden skin-lightening products in Taguig City, Philippines, has once again come under scrutiny. On March 9, 2025, the EcoWaste Coalition, a vigilant environmental watchdog, conducted test purchases at Sunshine Mall Plaza in Taguig City. Their investigation unveiled the continued sale of banned cosmetics containing alarmingly high levels of mercury, a potent neurotoxin.
Alarming Findings
The EcoWaste Coalition's analysis revealed mercury concentrations in the following products:
Goree Gold 24K Beauty Cream: 31,010 parts per million (ppm)
Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene: 29,110 ppm
Goree Day & Night Beauty Cream: 28,090 ppm
88 Total White Underarm Cream: 2,006 ppm
These levels starkly exceed the permissible limit of 1 ppm for mercury in cosmetics, as stipulated by the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and reinforced by the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Notably, some of these products had been banned by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as early as 2017.
Health Implications of Mercury in Cosmetics
Mercury is incorporated into certain skin-lightening products to suppress melanin production, leading to a lighter skin tone. However, its use poses significant health risks:
Dermatological Issues: Users may experience skin rashes, discoloration, and scarring.
Systemic Toxicity: Chronic exposure can damage the kidneys, brain, and central nervous system.
Reproductive Harm: Pregnant women using such products risk mercury crossing the placental barrier, potentially affecting fetal brain development and leading to neurodevelopmental disorders.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies mercury as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern. Its presence in cosmetics is particularly alarming due to the potential for direct skin absorption and inhalation during application.
Global and Local Responses
In February 2023, countries like Gabon, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka launched a joint initiative to eliminate mercury from skin-lightening products. Supported by a $14 million project, this effort aims to reduce the health and environmental toll of such cosmetics.
Locally, the EcoWaste Coalition has been proactive in identifying retailers violating the ban. In July 2024, they reported at least 20 stores in Taguig City engaged in the unlawful sale of mercury-laden cosmetics.
Despite these efforts, the recent findings indicate persistent non-compliance, underscoring the need for stringent enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
Consumer Awareness and Safety
Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing skin-lightening products. The U.S. FDA warns against over-the-counter products containing hydroquinone or mercury, emphasizing the importance of reading product labels and consulting healthcare providers for safe alternatives.
Furthermore, a recent study highlighted that over 3,000 beauty products targeting specific demographics contain hazardous ingredients, raising concerns about long-term health implications.
Conclusion
The continued sale of mercury-contaminated cosmetics in Taguig City highlights a pressing public health issue. It calls for collaborative efforts between local authorities, health agencies, and consumer advocacy groups to enforce existing bans, educate the public, and promote safer beauty practices. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant, prioritize their health, and support initiatives that advocate for the elimination of toxic substances in personal care products.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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