Is Mercury safe during pregnancy?
Found illegally in some imported skin-lightening, anti-aging and acne creams. Stop using them, especially when pregnant or nursing.
What the sources say
FDA warns that some skin lighteners and anti-aging creams, often imported or sold online, contain mercury, which can damage the kidneys and nervous system. FDA says pregnant people, nursing babies and young children are especially vulnerable, and mercury passes into breast milk. Check labels for mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, mercurio or mercury, but note mercury often is not listed at all; avoid unlabeled lightening creams.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
ammoniated mercury, calomel, hydrargyrum, mercuric, mercuric chloride, mercurio, mercurous chloride, quicksilver
Sources
- FDA: Mercury Poisoning Linked to Skin Products
- FDA: FDA Warns Consumers of Skin Products Containing Mercury and/or Hydroquinone
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.