The Consumer Council and the Customs and Excise Department conducted tests on 19 models of low cost face creams. Samples of 6 models were detected with excessive levels of the toxic heavy metal mercury, posing a severe health risk to their users.
The test found excessive levels of mercury in 6 of the 19 models of low cost face cream: 5 with mercury reaching a high 3,700ppm to 15,000ppm, while another 1 model with 2.5ppm just slightly above the limit. In the worst of the samples, the excessive mercury content was as high as 15,000 times. According to the Mainland's Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics, the safety limit of mercury in cosmetic products, including face cream, is a maximum level of 1ppm.
The 6 face cream models and the detected mercury contents were ：
- 新嬌麗回春素10天強力祛斑增白消斑王套裝（1.6ppm-2.5ppm）
- 由美回春素特效美白祛斑王（3,700ppm）
- Mui Lee Hiang - Cream for Acne & Blemishes（4,200ppm-4,300ppm）
- 嬌麗回春素特效強力祛斑王（祛斑1号/2号）（5,000ppm-6,700ppm）
- 新嬌麗回春素10天強力美白祛斑日晚套（9,900ppm-13,000ppm）
- 新嬌麗回春素7天特效美白祛斑AB套（12,000ppm-15,000ppm）
Consumers are strongly advised to cease using these products. And if they feel any discomfort, they should immediately seek medical attention. Produce the unused portion of the face cream and state the period of time of usage to medical personnel to help facilitate appropriate treatment.
Overdose of mercury may cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may include: tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, impaired hearing and vision or change in taste. In most severe cases, it may cause renal impairment.
These low-cost face creams were generally available at smaller stores with beauty products, and outlets specializing in products favoured by minority ethnic groups in Hong Kong.