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Talk about dangerous chemicals in your skincare!  The FDA has issued a warning that mercury has been found in a number of skin care products marketed as skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments.  Products with this toxic metal have been found in at least 7 states.

The products are manufactured abroad and sold illegally in the U.S.  They are often found in shops in Latina, Asian, Middle Eastern, or African communities as well as online.  Many dollar store chains sell products that have been manufactured abroad, so be diligent about checking labels.

Avoid any products that have labels and ingredient lists in a foreign language, but also check product labels for the following mercury-derived ingredients:

• Mercurous chloride
• Calomel
• Mercuric
• Mercurio
• Mercury

If any of these ingredients happens to be in your product STOP using it immediately.  Mercury can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and may hinder the development of the brain in unborn babies and young children.  It’s some pretty serious stuff!

The FDA suggests that you stay away from all beauty products that don’t have labels or ingredient lists as well as those labeled in a foreign language.  Protect yourself and your family.  Make sure to use skin care products that contain safe ingredients (up to 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your blood stream) as well as labels you can read.