Skin whiteners in commercial use
1- Mercury containing compounds:
In the early days, toxic compounds, such as mercury containing compounds have been used for skin whitening purposes because mercury inactivates the enzyme that leads
to the production of melanin. Long term application of mercurial products to the skin makes the skin and nails darker, because the mercury is deposited in the epidermis and hair follicles (Oakley, 2010).
Mercury poisoning results in acute and chronic toxicity including neurological and kidney damage, as well as acrodynia, which is characterised by pink discoloration of the hands and feet, irritability, photophobia and polyneuritis (Oakley, 2010). These toxic compounds have been banned in the majority parts of the world, and are no longer used in cosmetic products for this purpose. It should be mentioned that there are still some illegal uses of mercury containing products in developing countries.