Watch out for mercury in cosmetics; it may be a hidden ingredient in one of your favorite products.  Likely candidates include skin lighteners and anti-aging aids.

Mercury is a poison that seriously damages our health.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to consumers not to use a variety of skin lighteners and anti-aging aids, sold as skin creams, soaps, and lotions, because they contain mercury.  The mercury-tainted cosmetics are manufactured  outside of the U.S. and sold here illegally either in small shops or online.

If you are using lighteners or anti-aging cosmetics, read the list of ingredients.  If the cosmetics contain any of the following chemicals:  “mercurous chloride,” “calomel,” “mercuric,” “mercurio,” or “mercury,” stop using the products immediately.  Wash your face, hands, and any part of your body which has been in contact with the product.  See your doctor for treatment.

Common symptoms of mercury poisoning include:

• Irritability
• Shyness and social withdrawal
• Tremors
• Changes in vision or hearing
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Numbness and tingling in hands, feet, or around the mouth

The FDA further advises us to never use a product that has no labeled ingredients.   For more information on tainted skin care products and the dangers of mercury poisoning, visit the FDA site.  MSNBC also covered the story.

Be safe. If you have any questions about the ingredients in your cosmetic products, call the company and ask.