As the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, UNEP in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention highlights the urgent need to address the harmful effects of skin-lightening mercury-containing products (SLPs).
Toxic beauty ideals are among the many effects of racism, with people worldwide too often feeling pressure to change their skin tone, putting health at risk.
- Using cosmetics to inhibit the body’s production of melanin, leading the skin to appear lighter, is a centuries-old practice that continues in many parts of the world today.
- People of all genders use skin-lightening products (SLPs) formulated to fade freckles, blemishes, age spots and treat acne; however, many use these products to intentionally lighten their skin color. Consumers are often unaware that these products contain a host of harmful chemicals including mercury, causing skin rashes and discoloration; scarring; nervous, digestive and immune system damage, as well as anxiety and depression. Pregnant women, babies, and young children are particularly at risk.
- According to WHO, some people use creams and soaps to lighten their skin color, but many skin-lightening products contain mercury and other chemicals dangerous to health. These products are TOXIC. Mercury can cause kidney damage, neurological disorders and other health effects.
- Minamata Convention COP-5 amended the Convention text to further limit mercury use and need on the global market. The amendment makes explicit that NO mercury can be added to cosmetics.
Spread the word: share our key messages #SayNoToHate #FightRacism #MercuryFreeCosmetics
True radiance comes from within, not from mercury.
Brightness is not in your skin, brightness is who you are.
The color of beauty is the color you are born with.
Do not perpetuate harmful cultural norms. Do not use skin-lightening products. Your skin is beautiful as it is.
Skin lightening products contain toxic components: spread the word, share our social media cards!
Skin lightening products expose communities to mercury: spread the word, share our social media cards!
Videos
Interviews of Amira Adawe, The Beautywell Project
Interview of Catherine Tetteh, Melanin Foundation
Project and Community of practice
The GEF-funded, UNEP-led project Eliminating Mercury Skin Lightening Products aims to eliminate mercury-containing skin-lightening products by supporting government legislation to ban mercury-added products in accordance with the Minamata Convention, strengthening national capacities, and raising awareness.
This project is carried out by WHO and the Biodiversity Research Institute in collaboration with the Governments of Gabon, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka.
Join the community of practice! All relevant stakeholders and experts are welcome to express interest in information and knowledge exchange on eliminating mercury-containing skin-lightening products.
Event
Minamata Convention COP-5 co-organized with the GEF and UNEP a special event questioning the normalization of skin-lightening and confronting the perpetuation of harmful cultural norms.
