Mercury ban in cosmetics: Why it's harmful to your health and where it might be hiding
The Indian government is now considering a ban on mercury-based cosmetics, following a recommendation by a central drug regulation panel. If implemented, this move would phase out mercury-containing products from the Indian market, including popular makeup, creams and skincare sold online.
Mercury isn't just bad for your skin, it can harm your brain, nerves, and even your family's health.
Mercury is sometimes used in skin-lightening creams, anti-wrinkle products, and eye makeup to deliver quick results, according to the FDA. But over time, it can do serious damage. Skin rashes
Discolouration
Thinning skin
Permanent scarring
Mood changes, memory issues, and numbness
Long-term neurological harm
Worse still? When you use mercury-laced products, your family can be exposed too, through shared towels, bedding, or even just the air. Up to 70 parts per million (ppm) of mercury in eye makeup
Just 1 ppm in other cosmetics
But that might soon change. The government is looking to ban anything with more than 1 ppm, bringing India in line with global safety standards under the Minamata Convention, a UN-backed treaty.
Cosmetic brands may soon need to self-declare if they use mercury. Surprise lab tests and random product checks are also on the cards.
An official told Mint: 'We're asking companies to share alternatives and will set a hard deadline to phase mercury out.'
Here's what beauty-conscious shoppers should do: Read the label. If a product doesn't list ingredients, skip it.
Look out for terms like 'mercurous chloride,' 'calomel,' or 'mercuric iodide', these are mercury.
Wash your hands thoroughly if you've used anything questionable.
Dispose of products safely, not in the regular bin.
• Pregnant women
• Young children and babies
Mercury can pass through breast milk or affect brain development in kids.
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