A face cream on sale in Aylesbury has been found to contain traces of hazardous element mercury.
Formula AA Arche Pearl Cream, imported from Thailand, could be harmful says Bucks County Council’s Trading Standards which is now investigating the product.
The cream, used to lighten the skin and get rid of acne, has been bought by some people in Aylesbury although Trading Standards could not confirm how many.
The product packaging states it contains no mercury, but the results of the analysis received by Trading Standards this week has shown traces of mercury to be present.
Bucks Trading Standards team leader Gina Green said: “When buying cosmetics it is important to check the details on the packaging.
“Cosmetics should display the following information on their packaging or on the item itself: a full ingredients list, an address within the European Union and the country of origin.
“Untested or inadequately tested products may contain mercury, steroids or other banned substances, so it is very important to check any cosmetics before you buy.”
It is thought the item has now been taken off the shelves, and the means by which it is being imported is being investigated.
