Skin Whitening Cream: Excessive mercury and lead found in overnight whitening creams- how harmful is it?
- bySherya
- 13 Jul, 2026
FDA Warning on Skin Creams: Some products did not even provide essential information, such as manufacturing and expiration dates. Consequently, an investigation has been initiated into the manufacture and sale of these products.

Gori Beauty Cream Side Effects
Maharashtra FDA Warning On Fairness Creams: Serious questions have now been raised about many creams that claim to make the skin fair and glowing in a few days. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has warned people to avoid using five such cosmetic products after mercury and lead levels were found several times higher than the prescribed limit. The investigation also revealed that some products did not even provide important information like manufacturing and expiry dates. Following this, an investigation has been initiated regarding the manufacture and sale of these products.
Questions were raised about which products?
The products named in the FDA's investigation include Goree Beauty Cream, Goree Beauty Whitening Body Lotion, Goree Whitening Soap, Face Fresh Gold Plus, and Golden Star Beauty Cream. Experts say that these heavy metals can be extremely harmful to the body and may increase the risk of serious illnesses if used long-term.
How much danger does this pose?
According to Dr. Tushar Palve, mercury is illegally added to skin whitening creams because it inhibits the production of melanin. This results in a fairer appearance within 10 to 15 days. However, continued use can cause serious damage to the kidneys, brain, and other organs. He states that high mercury levels can begin affecting the kidneys within 10 to 12 days, while even low levels can cause progressive damage over several months of daily use.
Not only the skin, but these also get harmed.
However, its effects aren't limited to the skin. Mercury can enter the body through the skin and accumulate in the kidneys and bone marrow. According to doctors, this can gradually affect kidney function, and in severe cases, it can even lead to dialysis. It can also cause neurological problems such as hand tremors, memory loss, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and decreased concentration. In some cases, hearing and vision may also be affected.
Avoid using any creams.
Lead levels were also found to exceed the permissible limit. Experts say lead has no scientific use in skin whitening. Its presence indicates poor quality raw materials or unsafe manufacturing processes. Lead can accumulate in the body and cause damage to the brain, kidneys, blood-forming organs, and reproductive system. Doctors say that no amount of lead is considered completely safe, and if it comes in contact with mercury, the health risks increase further. Skin experts advise avoiding using any cream solely to achieve a fairer complexion. If you have blemishes or pigmentation problems on your face, consult a skin expert first.






