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New York authorities ordered three New York companies Aleena Cosmetics, Axabee Skincare, and Singhcart, LLC to immediately stop selling skin-lightening creams and other cosmetics that allegedly contain unlawful and dangerous levels of mercury, state officials said.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the order Oct. 8, citing her office’s investigation that accused the three companies of selling dozens of products with mercury concentrations up to 30,000 times greater than the legal limit under state law.
James also warned New Yorkers about the risks of illegal elevated mercury levels in skin-lightening products, which can cause neurological damage, kidney and liver harm, skin rashes, or pose serious risks to fetal development.
“Mercury is poison, not a beauty treatment, and no company has any business selling it to consumers,” James said in a statement.
What NY AG says about mercury in skin lighteners
The investigation into mercury in skin lighteners stemmed from reports from public health advocates and community organizations.
State investigators purchased and tested a range of products from Aleena Cosmetics and Axabee Skincare, both based in Malverne, Nassau County. Independent laboratory testing found that all of the skin-lightening products purchased and tested from the two companies contained illegal mercury levels, in some cases 30,000 times higher than allowable levels, James said.
Under New York law, only “trace amounts” of mercury — less than one part per million — are allowed in these products. The investigation was able to purchase several of the same illegal products from Singhcart, LLC, based in Valley Stream, Nassau County, James said.
As a result, James’ office issued cease-and-desist letters to the three companies, directing them to immediately stop selling any products containing unlawful levels of mercury. The companies must confirm compliance within five business days, James said, noting failure to comply may result in legal action and civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation per day.
Allena Cosmetics’ website had an urgent recall alert posted on its website Oct. 8 that cited the investigation. Axabee didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter, and Singhcart couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
What to know about skin-lightening products risks in NY
Skin-lightening products are frequently marketed to women of color and sold in immigrant and minority communities, James said.
Mercury is often added to these products, also marketed as “beauty creams” or “pearl creams”, which claim to whiten or brighten the skin or treat dark spots, acne, scars, freckles, or wrinkles, James said, noting these products are often available in small shops, bodegas, and online.
Notably, exposure risk is not limited to direct use, James added, asserting mercury can contaminate household items such as towels, bedding, and clothing. It can also be inhaled as vapor; and it can be ingested accidentally.
Put simply, even people who do not use the products directly may be exposed, including infants, James said.
How to avoid dangerous mercury-containing products
James added New Yorkers can reduce their risk of mercury exposure by avoiding products described by the following:
- It does not list ingredients.
- It lists mercury, calomel, mercuric, mercurous, or mercurio as an ingredient.
- The products are manufactured abroad and labeled only in languages other than English.
Consumers who have used non-prescription skin-lightening products should consult their health care provider about testing for mercury exposure, the attorney general’s office noted.
Symptoms of mercury poisoning
Symptoms of mercury poisoning include irritability, tremors, memory problems, changes in vision or hearing, depression, and numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or around the mouth. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately call the New York Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
The OAG investigation found the following products contained illegal levels of mercury: 2025.10.8 Mercury Skin Lightener.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has also published a list of skin-lightening products containing high levels of mercury.
How to report sales of mercury containing skin lightening products in NY
Consumers can report the sales of these products in New York City by calling 311 or, outside of the city, reporting to OAG’s Environmental Protection Bureau or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Products containing mercury should never be thrown in the garbage and must be disposed at approved disposal sites. For disposal instructions, consumers can visit the New York City Department of Sanitation or DEC websites.
The attorney general’s office noted it was working with WE ACT for Environmental Justice, the Zero Mercury Working Group, DOHMH, and DEC to protect vulnerable communities from mercury in skin lighteners and other products.