Toxic Chemical in Men’s Skin-Lightening Creams

Toxic mercury not only lurks in women’s skincare creams, it is present in men’s skincare products too. Recent tests in the Philippines have found this potent neurotoxin in fairness creams for men.

Toxics watchdog group Ecowaste Coalition found high levels of the chemical in two brands of Pakistan-made creams bought online – Chandni Whitening Cream Men’s (blue packaging) and Arena Gold Fairness Cream for Men.

Based on X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) screening tests carried out by the group, Chandni had 21,430 parts per million (ppm) of mercury, and Arena Gold 30,130 ppm.

Chandni Whitening Cream Men’s, advertised as the “perfect fairness solution for men, claims “regular use rejuvenates skin and provides a youthful glow”. It further claims it is “suitable for all skin types and does not cause any side effects” despite containing 21,430 ppm of mercury. This product was manufactured in May 2025.

Manufactured in June 2025, Arena Gold Fairness Cream for Men, as written on its label, “is a specialized skin formulated to match men’s lifestyle, deeply cleanses the tough men’s skin pores without leaving it dry”.

Both products list their ingredients on the packaging. However, mercury or its compounds were nowhere to be found on the list despite the high levels of mercury found in the analysed samples.

The tests were done by the Coalition as part of its advocacy work to protect public health and the environment from toxic chemicals. Based on their findings, the group is now calling on e-commerce and social media platforms to remove listings for toxic, mercury-laced skin lighteners and to ensure online shopping is mercury-free.

CAP’s check shows that these two products are also available online in Malaysia. Our authorities should analyse these and other cosmetics sold here for the presence of mercury and other toxic chemicals, and ban them if necessary. Meanwhile consumers are advised to avoid buying the two implicated products.

Violates Global Agreement

The mercury levels of the analysed Chandni and Arena Gold facial creams are in blatant violation of the global agreement to end mercury use in cosmetics, the EcoWaste Coalition pointed out.

Under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, parties are required to phase out the manufacture, import, and export of mercury-added cosmetics such as skin lightening creams and soaps, with 2020 as the original phase-out deadline. In 2023, the Conference of the Parties agreed to ban the production and trade of all mercury-added cosmetics by 2025.

High Health Risks

“Men using these unauthorised products to lighten their skin are unknowingly exposing themselves to mercury – a highly toxic chemical known to cause damage to neurological, renal, reproductive, and dermal health,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

“Men, as well as women, using mercury-laden skin lighteners also expose and harm people around them. Babies, children, and other non-users can be badly affected by inhaling mercury vapours from adulterated products or by touching materials like beddings and towels contaminated with mercury,” she said.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), mercury is added to some skin lightening products “to block the production of melanin, leading to lighter skin tones”, listing “kidney and liver damage, neurological problems, and developmental issues in children” among the health effects.

Symptoms of mercury exposure may include uncontrollable shaking, sudden personality shifts, trouble sleeping, and memory deterioration. It may also lead to hearing and vision problems, attention deficits, and altered taste. High exposure may result in renal failure.

Stay Natural, Stay Safe

To prevent mercury exposure through the use of adulterated skin lightening products, consumers – women and men – are advised to:
● Love the skin you are in and say no to skin bleaching, lightening, or whitening products.
● If the source of the product or its ingredients is unclear, do not buy or use.
● Reject products with improper labels and those with information you do not understand.
● Steer clear of unauthorised, banned, or flagged cosmetics.
● Discontinue use of mercury-added cosmetics, dispose of them safely, and seek medical evaluation and advice