Why do cosmetics contain mercury? Reveal the truth and risks behind the scenes
In recent years, cosmetics safety issues have frequently attracted public attention, especially the issue of mercury-containing cosmetics that has been repeatedly exposed. As a heavy metal, mercury is seriously harmful to human health, but why are mercury ingredients still added to cosmetics? This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to reveal the causes and harms of mercury in cosmetics and how to avoid risks.
1. The main reasons why cosmetics contain mercury
Mercury is usually added to cosmetics to achieve rapid whitening and freckle removal effects. Mercury compounds inhibit the production of melanin, making skin look fairer in the short term. However, behind this "quick effect" lies huge health risks.
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Quick whitening | Mercury can block the production of melanin and whiten the skin in the short term |
| low cost | Mercury compounds are cheap and reduce production costs |
| Regulatory loopholes | Some small workshops take advantage of regulatory blind spots to illegally add |
2. Dangers of mercury-containing cosmetics
Long-term use of mercury-containing cosmetics can lead to serious consequences, including skin damage, damage to the nervous system, and even effects on kidney function. The following are typical cases compiled from relevant reports in the past 10 days:
| Hazard type | Specific performance | Case source |
|---|---|---|
| skin damage | Pigmentation, skin allergies, redness | Data from a consumer complaint platform |
| nervous system damage | Memory loss, insomnia, mood swings | Clinical report of a tertiary hospital |
| kidney damage | Proteinuria, abnormal renal function | A medical journal study |
3. How to identify and avoid mercury-containing cosmetics
Consumers can identify and avoid mercury-containing cosmetics by:
1.View ingredient list: Regular cosmetics will label the complete ingredients. Avoid buying products containing ingredients such as "mercury" and "mercurous chloride".
2.Be wary of quick-acting products: Products claiming “whitening in 7 days” and “removing freckles in 3 days” are likely to contain prohibited ingredients.
3.Choose formal channels: Purchase well-known brand products through official channels and avoid low-priced cosmetics from unknown sources.
4.Pay attention to the test report: The recent blacklist of mercury-containing cosmetics announced by regulatory authorities:
| Product name | Manufacturing company | Mercury content (mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| XX whitening cream | A cosmetics company in Guangzhou | 6782 |
| XX freckle removal cream | A biotechnology company in Shenzhen | 4521 |
4. Industry supervision and consumer rights protection
Recently, the State Food and Drug Administration has strengthened its supervision of the cosmetics market and launched special rectification actions. If consumers find suspicious products, they can report them through the following channels:
1. Complaint platform on the official website of the State Food and Drug Administration
2. 12315 Consumer Complaint Hotline
3. Local market regulatory authorities
At the same time, consumers should pay attention to retaining proof of purchase, product packaging and other evidence for use when safeguarding their rights.
5. Expert advice
Dermatologists remind: True whitening and freckle removal is a step-by-step process, and any product that claims "immediate results" is worthy of caution. The following safe ways are recommended to improve skin tone:
1. Use daily sun protection
2. Use products containing safe whitening ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide.
3. Maintain a healthy daily routine and eating habits
The safety of cosmetics is related to everyone’s health. I hope that through the popular science in this article, we can better identify and avoid the hazards of mercury-containing cosmetics and choose safe and effective skin care products.
check the details
check the details
en
