Mercury contents of skin-lightening creams marketed in saudi arabia

الملخص EN

During the field survey it became evident that several branded and many homemade skin-lightening creams are available in the Saudi market.

Eighty-eight different samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of mercury because it was reported to be toxic.

Shimadzu AA-6800 Atomic Absorption spectrometer with HVG-1 hydride vapour generator was used in the present study.

The FDA limit for the presence of mercury in skin-lightening creams is 1 ppm.

About 60% of the samples analyzed contained mercury to be much higher than the FDA permissible limit.

The use of such creams may lead to health hazards.

Therefore, it is recommended that all skin-lighting creams should be checked for mercury levels, before marketing.