The Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution (BSTI) has found harmful chemicals in eight fairness creams. A BSTI press release said they found mercury in six creams among the 13 they tested. They also found both mercury and hydroquinone (a skin-lightening agent) in two creams. All these creams are imported from Pakistan.

These products were purchased from the market by a regular surveillance team of the BSTI and tested, said the press release. The Gauri brand skin cream of Gauri Cosmetics contains a mercury level of 755.85 ppm, the Chandni brand skin cream 629.96 ppm, QC International's New Face brand skin cream 590.38 ppm, Dew brand skin cream of Creative Cosmetics Pvt Ltd 285.88 ppm, Golden Pearl

brand’s skin cream of Golden Pearl Cosmetics Pvt Ltd 654.13 ppm, and Faiza Beauty Cream (Poonia Brothers Pvt. Ltd) contains 590.45 ppm of mercury.

The Nur brand Skin Cream of Noor Gold Cosmetics contains a mercury level of 193.88 ppm and a hydroquinone level of 1980.88 ppm. The White Pearl Plus brand skin cream of White Pearl Cosmetics has 948.93 ppm of mercury and 434.73ppm of hydroquinone.

The highest Bangladesh standard for skin creams (BDS1382: 2019) is 1 ppm for mercury and 5ppm for hydroquinone. Long-term use of creams containing high levels of mercury and hydroquinone can lead to various complications including various skin diseases.

The BSTI has directed a halt to the sale and distribution of these creams containing. Legal action would be taken against the importers, suppliers, and sellers (including online ones) violating the order.

At the same time, the BSTI has urged buyers not to use these skin creams. Consumers have been advised to buy only those cream products that have the BSTI logo and the importer’s name and address.