EcoWaste Coalition Denounces Continued Breach of Global Mercury Ban in Cosmetics

• Mercury-laced skin-lightening products remain widely available despite global phase-out deadlines in 2020 and 2025 under the Minamata Convention.
• EcoWaste Coalition testing identified 27 contaminated products between January and July 2026, with mercury concentrations as high as 33,970 ppm.
• Contaminated items originate from Pakistan, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, and Thailand, and continue to be sold online and in physical shops despite health warnings.

Global Policy Failures

• The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which entered force in 2017, prohibits mercury in cosmetics to protect health and the environment.
• COP5 established a binding 2025 deadline to eliminate mercury-added cosmetics, removing the previous one ppm threshold.
• Despite these mandates, global enforcement is lacking, allowing the production, import, and export of hazardous goods to continue.

Market Monitoring and Evidence

• EcoWaste Coalition used X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis to screen products marketed for acne, anti-aging, and skin whitening.
• Of 27 products tested:
  • 22 from Pakistan (e.g., Arayna Papaya, Arena Gold, Chandni, Face Fresh).
  • 2 from Taiwan (Lianibo, Meiduzi).
  • 1 from China (Nen Fu Mei Yan).
  • 1 from Thailand (Berry Plus).
  • 1 from Indonesia (Rose White).
• Many of the detected products were manufactured as recently as 2025 and 2026.

Implications and Advocacy

• The Philippine FDA has issued at least 10 public health warnings against specific contaminated brands.
• EcoWaste Coalition urges stronger crackdowns on e-commerce and social media platforms facilitating these illegal sales.
• Advocates emphasize the need to address colorism and discriminatory beauty standards to reduce demand for toxic chemical whiteners.