Despite global ban, suspected mercury skin products stay on Amazon and Temu

More than 20 skin-bleaching products suspected of containing mercury remained listed on third-party marketplaces operated by Amazon, Temu and TikTok Shop in the United States and several other countries, despite an international ban on mercury-containing cosmetics. Reuters found that none of the products identified mercury as an ingredient and said it could not independently confirm the toxin’s presence, but reported that sellers often obscure product origins and relist items under new names. Mercury can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system, and the World Health Organization says there is no known safe level of exposure. The products remain attractive because mercury produces rapid lightening effects and is cheaper than legal alternatives, underscoring enforcement challenges in a multibillion-dollar global skin-lightening market.