THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised all consumers against the purchase of four more cosmetic products that have not passed through quality evaluation, three of which were tested to contain mercury.
FDA is referring to the following products: Nuriz Shoppe-UV Pearl Cream, Nuriz-D’Solve, Aura Gorgeous Night Cream, and NV Anti Blemish Toner 1.
According to the FDA, the four cosmetic products have been tested by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, Ministry of Health in Malaysia as part of their post-marketing surveillance activities. Results of the laboratory analysis revealed that these products are not compliant with the technical standards set forth by the Asean Cosmetic Directive (ACD).
Products Nuriz Shoppe-UV Pearl Cream, Nuriz-D’Solve and Aura Gorgeous Night Cream have been verified to contain mercury exceeding the maximum allowed limit of one part per million (ppm).
The FDA said mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal which is known to be severely hazardous to health even in small amounts.
People exposed to mercury exhibits symptoms which include but not limited to tremors, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, gingivitis or inflammation of the gums, pink discoloration of the hands and feet especially in children, irritability, and photophobia or sensitivity to light.
Nursing mothers are doubly vulnerable because mercury is passed on to nursing babies through breast milk which can affect the baby’s development.
Meanwhile, the NV Anti Blemish Toner 1 has been found to contain hydroquinone and tretinoin, both of which are no longer allowed to be part of a cosmetic product and are now classified as drugs in the Philippines because of its multiple serious adverse like sensitivity to light, skin redness and permanent skin discoloration, when used indiscriminately.
In addition to that, the FDA also explained that tretinoin may also cause harm to developing fetus and women planning to get pregnant or are already expecting are strongly advised to avoid using products containing tretinoin.
Because of the hazards posed by these products, the FDA strongly advised the public to be vigilant and report to the office any encounter with the four products.