Cosmetics to come under microscope

Nadira Gunatilleke

The Cosmetic Devices and Drugs Regulatory Authority (CDDA) will issue a gazette notification soon in connection with the acceptable limits for heavy metals contained in cosmetic products, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

He said this will be done in consultation with the Legal Unit of the Health Ministry. The CDDA had instructed the Food and Drug Inspectors countrywide to collect random samples of skin creams for testing of heavy metal content.

Advertisements have created a huge demand for skin whitening/lightening creams (fairness creams) in Sri Lanka and both males and females buy such creams to get a fairer skin. But most of the Asian people have brown skin which is much healthier than the white skin when it comes to being affected with skin cancers and similar diseases, he said.

The standard of the skin whitening/lightening (fairness creams) available in the local market are not up to the standard and they contain mercury, which is a poisonous heavy metal harmful to human health.

According to WHO, exposure to mercury, even in small amounts may cause serious health problems.

Mercury may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.