What is really inside your skin whitening cream?

The CCP cracks down on toxic mercury-ridden fairness creams

Pakistan’s obsession with fair skin has fueled a dangerous market for skin whitening creams, many of which are found to contain harmful levels of mercury. The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has launched an inquiry into companies suspected of using mercury in their products, which is banned in many countries due to its toxicity.

Several popular brands have been accused of using mercury without disclosing its presence, with some going as far as falsely advertising their products as “mercury-free” or claiming they contain no harmful ingredients. This deceptive marketing has raised significant concerns, especially when it comes to the health risks posed by mercury in cosmetics.

In a press release dated 15th October, the CCP stated, "The Commission has initiated action against all those companies responsible for selling or promoting these harmful products. It warned that such practices not only endanger public health but also create unfair market advantages for violators." This decision was made to ensure fairness in the competitive cosmetics market and to protect consumers from unsafe products.

CCP has launched a nationwide probe against companies involved in making, marketing, and selling #mercury-laden #skin #whitening creams. The move aims to #protect #consumers from serious health risks and to ensure fair #competition in the cosmetics market. pic.twitter.com/mpHiYcIGAs

— Competition Commission of Pakistan (@CCP_Pakistan) October 15, 2025

Mercury in cosmetics can cause serious health problems, including kidney damage, neurological disorders, and skin diseases. Despite this, some products continue to contain mercury, putting users at risk.

In an interview with The Express Tribune, aesthetic physician Dr. Kamran Qureshi explained the dangers of skin lightening creams that contain mercury. He said, "As long as skin lightening creams do not contain mercury and steroids it would not make any difference in making the skin light but if it does contain mercury then it becomes a very tricky situation, it makes the skin layer thin and there is a very good chance of having pigmentation over a period of time."

Many skin lightening creams also contain hydroquinone, a bleaching agent described as “the biological equivalent of paint stripper.” Hydroquinone can damage the skin by removing its top layer, increasing the risk of skin cancer and causing fatal liver and kidney damage.

The issue of skin whitening products containing harmful ingredients is not new. Back in 2019, former Minister of State for Climate Change, Zartaj Gul, raised concerns about the damaging impact these products have on women’s self-esteem. She described fairness products as a violation of women’s human rights, as they perpetuate the idea that dark skin is inferior to lighter skin tones. Gul further emphasised that cosmetic companies were jeopardising the health of young girls by selling mercury-intensive products.

The CCP’s investigation aims to protect public health and hold companies accountable for their actions. In their recent press release, the CCP sent a nationwide message to the public: "Consumers are urged to stop using any whitening cream suspected of containing high levels of mercury. Citizens are encouraged to report deceptive advertising or unsafe products through the CCP Online Complaint Portal at www.cc.gov.pk."