Ending Toxic Uses of Mercury

IPEN members work to end threats to health and the environment from uses of mercury in several products, including cosmetics and dental fillings. Research by IPEN POs has exposed high levels of mercury in dozens of cosmetics and POs have worked with leading dental organizations for safer alternatives to mercury-based amalgam. Their work has helped strengthen restrictions and advance global bans on mercury in products where safer alternatives exist.

Eliminating Mercury from Cosmetics

Most consumers are not aware that many skin bleaching, lightening and whitening products contain mercury, a substance that is toxic to and easily absorbed by the skin. Users of mercury containing skin whitening cosmetics may experience skin discoloration, rashes, scarring and reduced resistance to bacterial and fungal infections. Repeated applications can cause damage to the brain, the nervous system and the kidneys. Mercury in skin whitening cosmetics also poses a threat to the environment, especially to marine life. Mercury from the product is eventually discharged through the wastewater and enters the food-chain, contaminating seafood and disturbing marine ecosystems.

Click below to see research reports and recent news from IPEN members’ work to expose and end this toxic use of mercury.

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Ending Mercury Use in Dentistry

IPEN members work for national and global policies to end the use of mercury in dental amalgam. Click the video to see three IPEN members talk about their work to eliminate mercury from dentistry in their countries.

In 2025, following a decade-long effort by the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry and supported by many IPEN members, delegates at the Mercury Treaty Sixth Conference of Parties agreed on a global phase-out of mercury in dental fillings by 2034. Economic and safer alternatives to mercury based dental amalgam are readily available including composite resin, glass ionomer, porcelain, and gold, among other options.

IPEN also remains concerned as studies have shown that mercury purported to be intended for dental amalgam is actually feeding the illegal trade in mercury used for artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM). Click below to read more about IPEN’s work on mercury in ASGM.