The Ministry of Climate Change will initiate a crackdown on whitening creams that contain more than 1 per cent mercury after December 31, said Zartaj Gul on Wednesday.
This discovery was made when the ministry checked 59 samples and found 56 of them contained way more than 1pc mercury.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Zartaj said that cosmetic companies had been adding “excessive” amounts of mercury into their products, especially these creams, which made them extremely dangerous.
Calling out these cosmetic companies, Gul said these manufacturers were bent upon “peeling our skin off to whiten it.”
“You play with our skins through these creams you sell for 10 rupees,” the minister continued, adding that both boys and girls fall prey to these creams.
The creams that were harmful to the skin not only include local brands, but some of the famous international brands are also involved in the practice.
