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In 2025, the very public recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a broad range of skin whitening products containing undeclared, hazardous levels of mercury and hydroquinone, has become a notable issue of public health. The use of poisonous chemicals like mercury and hydroquinone in brightening and skin lightening cosmetics is especially controversial and forbidden and regulated by many nations because of their health risks. That undeclared amounts of chemicals are found in many over-the-counter (OTC) skin care items being sold in the market is a serious public health issue.[1]

FDA Recall of Mercury- and Hydroquinone-Containing Skin Whitening Products with Unlabelled Mercury and Hydroquinone

Recall , July 23, 2025

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In 2025, the very public recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a broad range of skin whitening products containing undeclared, hazardous levels of mercury and hydroquinone, has become a notable issue of public health. The use of poisonous chemicals like mercury and hydroquinone in brightening and skin lightening cosmetics is especially controversial and forbidden and regulated by many nations because of their health risks. That undeclared amounts of chemicals are found in many over-the-counter (OTC) skin care items being sold in the market is a serious public health issue.[1]

FDA and Philippines FDA Recall of Aneeza Face Beauty Cream and Aneeza Gold Beauty Soap

This notice is about the consumer health advisory and recall for Aneeza Face Beauty Cream, whose recall was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Aneeza Gold Beauty Soap, whose recall was announced by the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA Philippines). The two products contain mercury, hydroquinone, or both, which pose potential unsafe risks to consumers and is prohibited from use or restricted to a safe amount in over-the-counter cosmetics.

Product Description

  • Aneeza Face Beauty Cream

Marketed as a facial whitening and anti-acne cream, this product is distributed internationally, specifically in ethnic beauty markets. It claims to even out skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and remove acne marks or scars.

  • Aneeza Gold Beauty Soap

Sold as a luxury fairness soap, this product also claims to have some whitening benefit. It is widely circulated in many Asian countries as well as some Middle Eastern nations and is often used in combination with the cream to achieve skin-lightening effects.

Product example :

Brand name: aneeza gold

Product type: beauty cream

Issue: contain mercury and/or hydroquinone

Reasons for Recall

  • Mercury Detected: Mercury is a toxic element and heavy metal. It can also be absorbed through the skin and can build up in our bodies. It can cause damage to the kidneys, is considered neurotoxic, and can also interfere with the development of the fetus for pregnant users.
  • Hydroquinone Usage: Hydroquinone is efficacious for hyperpigmentation; however, hydroquinone is not approved for over-the-counter (OTC) sales in the U.S. because it is associated with the adverse effects of skin irritation, ochronosis (or a bluish-black discoloration), and long-term carcinogenic concerns.
  • In both the FDA U.S. and the FDA Philippines advisories, studies that identified these products are unregistered, contain banned substances, and provide false and misleading cosmetic skin whitening claims that may not be safe.
Recall of Aneeza Face Beauty Cream and Aneeza Gold Beauty Soap blog

Regulatory Findings and Consumer Safety Risks

  • The U.S. FDA has an up-to-date list of skin products containing mercury and/or hydroquinone, including Aneeza Face Beauty Cream among banned products: US FDA Product Warning [2]
  • The Philippines FDA, Advisory No. 2024-1653, stated that Aneeza Gold Beauty Soap, has been laboratory tested that confirmed the presence of mercury, above the allowable limit of 1 ppm, thus illegal to sell [3]
  • Both countries stated these products lack registration, labelling, and registration of manufacturer, creating a serious risk of unknown hidden ingredients to consumers.

Manufacturer Guidance

Manufacturers and importers of Aneeza products should take immediate action to stop the sale, voluntarily recall the product, and comply with testing, disclosure, and registration in their respective authorities. Continued sale or export of these products could result in:

  • Law enforcement action under public health law
  • Seizure of product at border inspection posts or retail
  • Addition to global import alert lists, including by the U.S. FDA Import Alert 66-38

 Regulatory authorities continue to recommend that all inventory batches are screened for heavy metals and that the formulation compositions are disclosed for public accountability.

Commentary from the Food Research Lab

As your expert partner on formulation, safety assessment, and regulatory compliance, FRL understands that using science to design products should be the top priority for all brands. The presence of hazardous substances like mercury and hydroquinone in products is not only a severe regulatory failure, but also represents a direct threat to consumer safety and health.

 FRL continues to advise purchasers of personal care products to:

  • Screen for heavy metals regularly
  • Sourcing GRAS compliant ingredients
  • Use Globally Harmonized International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) compliant label statements
  • Engage a third party to carry out a toxicological risk assessment.

 Contractors must prioritize the long-term skin health of all consumers over short-term skin whitening and work with recognized research and development laboratories to assist in regulatory compliance and the overall health and safety of the public.

Beware: Consumer Informed Recall Action

Consumers who purchased or used Aneeza Face Beauty Cream or Aneeza Gold Beauty Soap should:

  • Stop using it immediately
  • Contact a dermatologist, especially in instances of rashes, irritation, and/or worsening pigmentation
  • Report adverse effects to their local FDA or healthcare provider
  • Arrange for disposal at a hazardous waste facility—do not put in the regular trash, which is considered purposefully contaminating the environment with mercury

Stay informed with target market areas’ updates, and order via registered; batch certified products only.

Summary

The Aneeza Face Beauty Cream and Aneeza Gold Beauty Soap in Canada recall exemplifies the global growing awareness of hazardous cosmetic ingredients. Regulatory agency awareness and education is becoming increasingly proactive, and manufacturers must respond similarily by relevant compliance in their processes as well as supporting evidence-based consumer education.  Together, customer education and manufacturers’ responsibility promote skin wellness and product trustworthiness over time.

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