Histopathological Effects of Mercury in Skin-Lightening Cream

Abstract

Rose skin-lightening cream with a mercury content of 77,513 +/- 71,063 ppm was selected and applied on mice for a period of 1 month at different intervals. Mercury levels were measured in a total of 58 liver, kidney, and brain tissue samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometer coupled to vapor generator accessory. The mean mercury concentration in the tissues of treated mice was 67,472 +/- 70,181 microg/g in the range of 0.391-288.759 microg/g. Looking at the mercury concentration in the tissue samples with respect to the application of skin lightening creams at different intervals, the highest mercury concentrations were found in the tissues of mice treated 3 times a day (116.806 +/- 83.182 microg/g, ranges 5.989-288.759 microg/g). On the other hand, the lowest mercury concentrations were found in the tissues of mice treated once a week (16.450 +/- 26.168 microg/g, ranges 0.391-95.642 microg/g). Histopathological changes were clearly seen in the brain, kidney, and liver sections of all treated mice. The severity of pathological changes observed in tissues increased with increasing the number of applications. It is evident that repeated application of Rose skin-lightening creams could induce permanent damage to the kidneys, brain, and liver. This study emphasizes the potential toxicity of mercury skin-lighting creams and the importance of discontinuing their manufacture and use.

Are liver and renal lesions in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) associated with high mercury levels?

“…The signs of chronic inflammation, bile duct proliferation, portal fibrosis and hepatocytic steatosis were similar to those reported in mercury exposed bottlenose dolphins [10] and Arctic beluga whales [11]. Studies on laboratory rodents support these findings [38]. Furthermore, Dietz et al [23] showed that as much as 94% of the mercury in East Greenland polar bear hair sampled during 1892–2001 was likely of anthropogenic origin.…”

Accumulation of Mercury in Ovaries of Mice After the Application of Skin-lightening Creams

“…Our previous results showed that histopathological changes were observed in the brain, kidney, and liver tissues of these mice after Fair & Lovely or Rose application suggesting its possible toxicity [56]. Furthermore, the severity of pathological changes increased as the number of applications increased [56,57]. When mercury contents in the ovary compared to other tissues (Fig.…”

“…Mercury contents in ovary was significantly lower than in kidney and liver (for both, P=0) but not different from brain (P=0.455). Though kidney seems to be the primary reservoir of mercury with marked histological changes after repetitive skin-lightening applications of either Fair & Lovely or Rose, less extensive changes were also noted in liver and brain [56,57]. Although no morphorgical study was done on ovary in this study, one would expect that repeated applications of these skin-lightening creams even if they contain mercury less than the FDA permissible limit of 0.1 µg/g, they could be a major factor contributing to reproductive impairment.…”

Skin‐lightening practice among women living in Jordan: prevalence, determinants, and user’s awareness

“…Although banned in many countries, a number of studies showed that a number of marketed lightening products still contain these compounds 12,13 . About 45% of commonly used skin‐lightening creams in Saudi Arabia were shown to contain mercury above the FDA’s acceptable limit of 1ppm 14 …”