An unauthorized underarm whitening cream continues to be illegally imported, distributed, and sold to Filipino consumers despite a public health warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) four years ago.

On June 7, 2021, the FDA released Advisory No. 2021-1187 warning the public against the purchase and use of 88 Total White Underarm Cream, a Thailand-made product that claims to “reduce body odor while providing a whitening effect and smooth skin tone.” The cream is in an orange plastic container packaged in a white and orange box with images of assorted fruits.

Subsequent investigation carried out by the EcoWaste Coalition found the said underarm cream laden with 3,130 parts per million (ppm) of mercury, way beyond the 1 ppm limit set for mercury as a heavy metal contaminant under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.

“Despite the health advisory issued in 2021, this mercury-laced product for lightening the armpits is sold with impunity in some physical as well as online stores,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “We urge concerned regulatory and law enforcement agencies to take further action to rid the market of banned mercury-containing cosmetics and uphold the people’s rights to health and to a healthy environment.”

Regulatory actions by product safety and health authorities in Sweden, Singapore, and Hong Kong reinforced the findings and calls for regulatory and law enforcement activities by the toxics watchdog group.

In 2023, Safety Gate, the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products, published a notification from the Swedish government against 88 Total White Underarm Cream, as the product contains 4,100 ppm of mercury, warning, “Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain, and nervous system,” and that “it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.”

In 2024, the government of Singapore also banned 88 Total White Underarm Cream for containing mercury and other banned ingredients such as betamethasone (a potent steroid) and salicylic acid (an anti-acne and exfoliating agent). After applying the said cream, a woman suffered from a severe skin reaction requiring hospitalization.

According to an alert published by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the woman was “diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) due to mercury exposure.” As explained by HSA, “DRESS syndrome is a severe hypersensitivity reaction characterized by skin rash, blood abnormalities, and multi-organ involvement (e.g., injury to the liver and/or kidneys), which can be life threatening.”

In the same year, the government of Hong Kong conducted an operation against the sale of 88 Total White Underarm Creams, which were found to contain betamethasone, an undeclared steroid substance for treating inflammation. Hong Kong’s Department of Health warned, “Inappropriate application of steroids could cause skin problems and systemic side effects such as moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, skin atrophy, adrenal insufficiency, and osteoporosis.”

Also in 2024, the EcoWaste Coalition reported to the FDA its discovery of mercury-containing Pumepime Total White Underarm Cream and Q-nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream, which both originated from Thailand. The latter was consequently banned through Advisory No. 2024-1717.

To prevent mercury exposure, the EcoWaste Coalition repeated its call on the general public to accept our natural skin tone and refuse chemical whiteners, particularly those already flagged by the FDA for containing mercury and/or for lacking market authorization. It also reminded consumers to:

– Stop using unauthorized products such as those laced with mercury and to keep them out of children’s reach.
– Consult a doctor if you are using mercury-added skin-lightening products.

– Exercise caution when purchasing cosmetics online or offline, and beware of unauthorized, counterfeit, and adulterated products being offered for sale.

– Be wary of products making over-the-top claims such as immediate and miraculous results, no side effects, and 100% safety.