INDIANA – FDA advises consumers not to use over-the-counter (OTC) skin lightening products due to high levels of mercury and/or hydroquinone. The agency also recommends consumers talk to their doctor about treatment options for certain skin conditions, including aged or dark spots. There are no FDA-approved or legally marketed OTC skin lightening products.
Since 2019, FDA laboratory testing has found certain skin-lightening products contain high levels of mercury. Applying them to your skin repeatedly can allow mercury to be absorbed into your bloodstream, potentially causing serious and potentially permanent health problems. Some health risks include:
- kidney damage, such as the build-up of protein in the kidney caused by toxins, drugs, or chemicals, potentially leading to rapid kidney failure
- neurological damage such as tremors, tingling or numbness, headaches, fatigue, and mood or cognitive disturbances, and direct skin injury from repeated use of these products
The longer and more frequently these products are used, the greater the risk of harm. Certain groups, including children and pregnant individuals, face heightened risks and should avoid exposure to these products.
FDA laboratory testing also found hydroquinone, a skin-lightening substance, in some of these products. The FDA has received reports of serious skin problems from people using skin-lightening products that contain hydroquinone. These problems include skin rashes, swelling of the face, and discoloration of the skin, which may be permanent (a condition called ochronosis).
FDA does not allow mercury in drugs or in cosmetics, except under very specific conditions – conditions that these products do not meet. OTC skin lightening products containing hydroquinone have not been approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
Most of these skin-lightening products are marketed as topical products, such as creams, but some may also be injectable products.
The table below is a list of skin-lightening products tested by FDA laboratories and found to contain mercury and/or hydroquinone.
If you have questions, call your health care professional or the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222, which is available 24 hours a day.
Skin-lightening Products Tested by FDA
| Product Name and Seller | Country of Origin | Year Tested | Lab Results – Mercury Content (parts per million) | Lab Results – Hydroquinone Content (%) | Recall Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deluxe Silken Bleaching Cream, eBay  | Jamaica | 2026 | 19,027 | n/a | |
La Crema De Rebeca, eBay | Unknown | 2026 | 17,578 | n/a | |
La Crema De Rebeca, Lacremaderebeca.com  | Unknown | 2026 | 17,374 | n/a | |
Jhalak® Hand & Foot Beauty Cream, eBay  | Pakistan | 2026 | 17,827 | n/a | |
Orbi 20® Whitening Cream, eBay  | Pakistan | 2026 | 27,762 | n/a | |
Omni® GOLD Anti-Marks Cream Extra Brightening, eBay  | Pakistan | 2026 | 12,227 | n/a | |
Dr. Yanhee Cream Set (Blue), eBay | Thailand | 2026 | 10,668 | n/a | |
Dr. Yanhee Cream Set (Green), Luessentials.store | Thailand | 2026 | 12,295 | n/a | |
CCM Special Cream Turmeric, Oylaostore.com | Unknown | 2022 | 8,088 | n/a | |
CCM Perfect 365 White Cream, Oylaostore.com | Unknown | 2022 | 4,322 | n/a |
