BSTI warns of dangerous levels of mercury detected in 8 skin cream brands

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has detected dangerous levels of mercury in some skin lightening creams sold in the country's market. The organization said that using these products can have serious harmful effects on the skin, kidneys and nervous system. Therefore, the public has been urged to refrain from using these products.

BSTI said that in recent times, skin lightening creams of various foreign brands have been seen being sold in the country's market. Most of them are entering the country through various unauthorized ways outside the legal import process. As a result, it is not possible to regularly verify the quality and safety of these products.

After analyzing some skin creams collected from the market in the laboratory, mercury levels were found in eight brands much higher than the permitted standards in Bangladesh. BSTI has stated that this is of great concern for public health.

The brands whose products have been detected with excess mercury in the tests are—

Chandni Whitening Cream
New Face Beauty Cream
Navia Beauty Cream
Navia Whitening Cream
Nur Whitening Cream
Dew Beauty Cream
Gauri Beauty Cream
Natural Pearl Screen Cream

According to BSTI, prolonged use of mercury-containing cosmetics can cause serious health risks to the kidneys, nervous system and other body parts in addition to skin damage. Such chemicals can be especially harmful to children and pregnant women.

BSTI Director General Kazi Imdadul Haque said that the organization's main responsibility is to ensure the protection of public health. Therefore, consumers are advised not to use cosmetics of unauthorized or unknown sources.

BSTI has also called on the relevant institutions to strengthen surveillance against cosmetics imported and sold illegally. Consumers are also advised to check the product's legitimacy, manufacturer information, and approvals before purchasing cosmetics.