Beauty cream recalled over ‘serious chemical risk’ to health

A beauty cream has been urgently recalled after it was discovered to contain a banned ingredient. The product poses a “serious chemical risk” as it contains an excess amount of mercury.

In response, the Office of Product Safety and Standards has said the item has been withdrawn from the market. Faiza Beauty Cream is described as a skin lightening cream in a purple box with yellow writing. It has been sold by Lajawab Foods Limited.

The OPSS urged: “We recommend that owners stop using this product immediately and contact the distributor to request redress.”

The beauty cream poses a serious health risk due to it containing mercury at a concentration of 19170mg/kg (1.9%). “Mercury is prohibited for use in cosmetic products,” the OPSS said.

“Exposure to mercury may cause a wide range of adverse effects, including damage to internal organs, the circulatory system, and the nervous system. The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (‘The Cosmetics Regulation’).”

Mercury can cause kidney damage, nervous system damage, skin irritation and is even dangerous to unborn children. The banned ingredient is typically found in skin-lightening soaps, creams and eye makeup.

Last week, a range of other beauty products were recalled due to dangers to the public. The Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set was removed from Amazon after a banned ingredient was found.

Sun cream, Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes SPF 50, was also recalled. It has been sold in Boots stores across the UK and online, as well as other retailers.

All batch numbers and expiry dates are included in the recall. The recall comes after tests discovered the product failed to meet the level of SPF stated on the product label.