Kerala health minister warns about lipsticks and face creams: How to spot harmful products?

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Kerala Health Minister Veena George has raised caution against the excess mercury content in many fake cosmetic products that are sold in the state. In a Facebook post, the minister urged to check whether the cosmetic products are made by licensed companies. She also advised to look for the address of the manufacturer on the label before purchasing a product. The Kerala Drugs Control Department launched the state-wide ‘Operation Soundarya’ to check whether toxic chemicals are used in cosmetic products and also to seize fake products. The operation that was launched in 2023 was executed in two phases. The authorities seized cosmetic products worth Rs 7 lakh that were produced and distributed without a license or following guidelines. Cases have been filed against 33 manufacturers for violating the rules.
Why be careful about lipsticks and face creams
Mercury levels exceeding permissible limits were detected in the lipstick and face cream samples that were tested at the lab. Many samples contained mercury at an alarming level of 12,000 times more than the permissible limits. These toxic chemicals could cause several health problems, including severe damage to the internal organs. Meanwhile, the drug controller has been instructed to make the inspections stricter. The Minister, in her social media post, urges the consumers to check whether the cosmetic products are manufactured by licensed companies and to look for the address of the manufacturers on the label. The minister also shared the toll-free number 18004253182 to register complaints.
How to identify products with mercury
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, products with chemicals like mercury can cause skin discolouration, scarring, skin rashes, damage to the digestive, nervous and immune systems and even depression. The Food and Drugs Administration explains that if you want to see whether the product you buy, marketed as a skin-lightening or anti-ageing product, has the words ‘mercurous chloride,’ ‘mercury,’ ‘mercuric,’ ‘mercurio,’ or ‘calomel’ on it, steer clear of it. If no label lists the ingredients, assume it is a problematic product. If the product you want to buy does not have information in English or a language you can read to understand the ingredients, exercise extreme caution as it might have harmful content. Tremors, depression, irritability, changes in hearing or vision, numbness and tingling of body parts can also be taken as signs of mercury poisoning.