Skin lightening creams and soaps are sources of mercury. - GreenMedInfo Summary

Exposure through human skin from application of skin lightening creams and soaps (SLCS) based on mercury salts has often escaped attention of environmental scientists. The skin absorption of Hg from an adult on a daily basis in this type of exposure, depending on the product used, can be higher than Hg originated from dental amalgam filling, Thimerosal-containing flu vaccine, and fish-methylmercury. Hg from SLCS is retained more in brain of albino than pigmented animals. Therefore, environmental Hg scientists should be aware of this important but often neglected source of low-dose Hg exposure during pregnancy and lactation when measuring adverse health effects on child growth and development.