Many Skin-Lightening Creams Contain Harmful Chemicals.

reports that many skin-lightening products contain chemicals that can be harmful, such as mercury or hydroquinone. The article explains that the Food and Drug Administration “classifies skin whitening creams as both a cosmetic and a drug,” and FDA spokesperson Peter Cassell said that mercury has been prohibited in cosmetics since 1973. https://www.npr.org/2018/02/25/588632658/you-have-dark-skin-and-you-are-beautiful-the-long-fight-against-skin-bleaching