Mercury in online skin-lightening cosmetics: A health risk assessment of products from selected Asian countries.

Mercury in skin-lightening cosmetics poses a serious health risk despite international limits of 1 mg/kg set by regulations like the Minamata Convention. This study analyzed 134 products purchased online from seven Asian countries using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Over 58 % of the samples exceeded the permissible mercury limit, with concentrations ranging from 1.8 mg/kg to an alarming 144,893.9 mg/kg. Products from the Philippines, Indonesia, and India showed the highest average mercury levels, reflecting significant regulatory gaps. Health risk assessments revealed that over 94 % of mercury-positive products had hazard quotient (HQ) values exceeding the safety threshold, even under conservative assumptions. The findings highlight widespread non-compliance with safety standards, especially for online cosmetics, where regulatory oversight is limited. Immediate action is needed to strengthen enforcement, enhance consumer awareness, and implement routine monitoring to address the health risks posed by mercury-containing cosmetics.