A sample of a skin-lightening cream imported from Mexico was reported as testing at dangerous levels, according to recent reports.
The cream, called Aguamary, tested at 8% mercury. In comparison to the FDA limit of 1 part per million, 8% is extremely high.
The cream is marketed as an acne and facial blemish treatment, as well as claiming to have skin-lightening effects.
Using products with high amounts of mercury can have serious side effects. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include mental illness, nervousness, memory loss, anxiety, tremors, tingling sensations in extremities, and loss in hearing taste, and vision, among others. Pregnant women exposed to mercury can cause fetus deformities. Children are also at a high risk for injuries related to mercury exposure.
As a personal injury attorney in Newport Beach, I recommend never using a product with mercury listed as an ingredient, and I also advise against using products without ingredient lists. If you have such a product, place it in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it. Wash thoroughly anything that came in contact with the product. As a personal injury lawyer, I recommend you see a doctor if you were exposed to the product for a long period of time. When using cosmetic products, always read the ingredients.
