The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers about the use of over-the-counter (OTC) skin lightening products. These products can contain high levels of mercury and/or hydroquinone that can cause serious health effects including kidney damage, neurological damage, and skin problems. Consumers should talk to their health care provider about treatment options for aged or dark spots as there are no FDA approved OTC skin lightening products.
Exposure from Virginia
In 2010, the Virginia Department of Health and California Department of Public Health investigated relatives in Virginia and California that used skin-lightening cream produced in Mexico containing mercury. Symptoms of exposure reported included numbness, tingling, dizziness, forgetfulness, headaches, and depression. A link to epidemiologic and environmental investigations can be found here.
For more information and a list of skin lightening products tested by FDA laboratories and found to contain mercury and/or hydroquinone, visit FDA Warns Consumers of Skin Products Containing Mercury and/or Hydroquinone | FDA.