The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has detected dangerously high levels of the toxic heavy metal mercury in several illegally sold skin-whitening (fairness) creams available in the country`s market. Laboratory tests found mercury concentrations in eight brands far exceeding the maximum limit permitted under Bangladesh`s national standards. BSTI has urged traders and consumers to stop selling, distributing, stocking, and using these products.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, BSTI said laboratory analysis of skin-whitening creams collected from the market revealed the alarming findings. Under the Bangladesh Standard (BDS-1382), the maximum permissible mercury content in cosmetics is 1.00 parts per million (ppm). However, some of the tested products contained mercury levels more than 100 times above the allowable limit.
According to BSTI, the sale of imported skin-whitening creams has increased in Bangladesh in recent years. A significant portion of these products enters the country illegally through passengers` luggage or smuggling routes, bypassing official import procedures. As a result, their quality and safety cannot be verified. In response, BSTI collected market samples and conducted laboratory testing.
The test results showed that Chandni Whitening Cream, manufactured by Pakistan`s S.J. Enterprise, contained 120.39 ppm of mercury. Other products found with excessive mercury levels included:
- Dew Beauty Cream (Creative Cosmetics, Pakistan) – 123.37 ppm
- Noor Whitening Cream (Noor Enterprise, Pakistan) – 82.76 ppm
- Navia Whitening Cream (Loya International, Pakistan) – 79.70 ppm
- Navia Beauty Cream (Loya International, Pakistan) – 59.82 ppm
- New Face Beauty Cream (QCI Company, Pakistan) – 44.72 ppm
- Goree Beauty Cream (Goree Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd., Pakistan) – 56.93 ppm
- Natural Pearl Skin Cream (GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Company, China) – 67.49 ppm
BSTI Director General (Secretary) Kazi Imdadul Haque said there can be no compromise when it comes to public health.
"Protecting consumers` lives and health is BSTI`s highest priority. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone involved in the production, import, or marketing of cosmetics containing harmful substances," he said.
He added that BSTI regularly conducts market surveillance, collects product samples, carries out laboratory testing, and operates mobile courts to ensure the availability of safe consumer products.
The agency also advised consumers to avoid purchasing or using skin-whitening creams from unknown or unauthorized sources. Before buying cosmetics, consumers should verify that the products have BSTI approval and are legally marketed. BSTI further encouraged the public to report any suspicious products to the authorities.
Experts warn that mercury is an extremely toxic heavy metal. Prolonged use of mercury-contaminated skin creams can damage the skin`s natural protective barrier, making it abnormally thin and increasing the risk of permanent scarring, allergies, and various skin disorders.
Beyond skin damage, mercury can gradually accumulate in the body, causing serious kidney damage, neurological complications, and impairments to memory and physical function. For pregnant women, exposure to mercury poses an additional risk, as it may interfere with the normal physical and mental development of the unborn child.
BSTI has therefore urged the public not to use the eight identified skin cream brands and to avoid purchasing illegally imported cosmetic products.
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