Toxic beauty? Pakistan cracks down on 6 “hazardous” beauty creams containing mercury!

A new round of regulatory action has brought Pakistan’s beauty industry under scrutiny, as the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has suspended the licenses of six popular beauty cream brands.

The decision follows laboratory findings that brought to light the presence of toxic substances, including mercury and arsenic, in products commonly used in everyday skincare routines. 

The decision, confirmed through a written reply by Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi, highlights non-compliance with Pakistan Standard Specification 3228:2025. This standard outlines safety limits for cosmetic products, ensuring they are free from harmful levels of toxic substances and contamination.

Among others, the brands found to be using hazardous substances included Golden Pearl Beauty Cream, Goree Beauty Cream, Parley 24K Gold Beauty Cream, and Face Fresh Beauty Cream, sold commonly in the Pakistani local market.

These products were selected from routine market surveillance and sent to the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research for testing, when traces of toxic metals were found amid other harmful ingredients including indications of microbiological contamination in some samples.

The health effects go well beyond cosmetic concerns. Mercury, commonly found in certain skin-lightening products, reduces melanin production, and can have harmful consequences. With prolonged use, it may result in skin thinning, higher sensitivity, and uneven pigmentation.

Arsenic, typically present as a contaminant, carries even more severe risks. When absorbed through the skin over time, these substances can affect internal organs, potentially leading to kidney damage and neurological issues.

In response, authorities have prohibited the manufacturing, stocking, and sale of non-compliant products, with licenses to remain suspended until brands meet regulatory requirements. At the same time, PSQCA has intensified its monitoring efforts to ensure unsafe creams are removed from the shelves. 

For consumers, the crackdown serves as a clear reminder that not all beauty products meet the same safety standards. Thorough product research and the choice of dermatologist verified products go a long way to ensure long-term health risks.