L’Oréal has hit back at claims that more than half of its lightening product contain mercury.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claimed that it found traces of mercury in some of L’Oréal India’s skin lightening products.
While traces of mercury can unintentionally be present in some products, due to its presence in air and water, the Indian Drugs and Cosmetics Act dictates that no cosmetics containing mercury compounds should be manufactured in the region.
In tests undertaken in April 2016, the FDA said it found traces of 0.6 parts per million (ppm), 1.02 ppm, 1.69 ppm, 1.87 ppm and 2.38 ppm of mercury, respectively, in Garnier Men Power Light Intensive Fairness Facewash, Garnier Men Power Light Sweat+Oil Control Fairness Moisturiser, L’Oréal Pearl Perfect Fairness+Soothing Cream/Night, L’Oréal Pearl Perfect Fairness+ Moisturising Cream/Day and L’Oréal Pearl Perfect Re-Lighting Whitening Facial Foam.
The FDA did not withdraw the products from sale, but instead it asked L’Oréal to respond to the claims.
L’Oréal is standing by its products and has questioned the FDA’s methodology. A spokesperson for L’Oréal India told Cosmetics Business: “L’Oréal does not add mercury to its products in India or anywhere in the world.”
The spokesperson added: “We have challenged the FDA report and the methodology used by them and are awaiting a report from the Central Drug Laboratory in Kolkata. We will continue to work closely with the FDA to clarify this discrepancy.”
L’Oréal has also clarified that the four Garnier products included in the report were intended for the export market. Production of these products has been suspended until the company gets clarification on the matter.
L’Oréal added: “L’Oréal India is highly committed to India and to the safety of our consumers. All the ingredients we use are in full compliance with regulations, subjected to rigorous evaluation and follow the highest international standards.”
