Mercury is a metallic element that is naturally occurring in the environment. Mercury can have several forms but is most often recognized as a shiny, silver-white, dense liquid. Metallic mercury finds many uses including in thermometers, electrical switches, dental amalgams and some industrial manufacturing. In addition to metallic (liquid) mercury, the element can exist in combination with other elements to form compounds. Mercury compounds are the most common form that exists naturally in the environment. As noted above, the use of such compounds in cosmetic products is strictly regulated by the FDA. - See more at: http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/mercury#sthash.OS8GF83x.dpuf