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Health Canada Beauty & personal care

Unauthorized Facial Creams Pose a Risk to Health Due to High Levels of Mercury

Issued December 21, 2012
Issue
Health Canada's testing of "EV Princess Express Peeling," "EV Princess Extra Whitening Night Cream" and "Ling Zhi BB Whitening Cream" identified levels of mercury that are beyond the allowable limit set by Health Canada. All three are unauthorized natural health products promoted as facial creams. The amount of mercury in these products may present a significant health risk to Canadians, including vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women who are most susceptible to mercury's toxic effects. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle cramps, diarrhea, heart abnormalities, anemia, and liver and nervous system problems.
What to do
Speak to your healthcare practitioner about any questions or concerns regarding these products. Report any adverse reaction you suspect may be related to these products to Health Canada. Read the label of the products you buy to verify that they have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.