A recent study discovered a troubling link between fairness creams containing mercury and the development of Membranous Nephropathy (MN), a kidney disorder characterized by protein leakage. The research suggests that a specific variant of MN, neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL-1), may have an increased association with cancer.
The study examined 22 documented cases of MN occurring between July 2021 and September 2023, revealing a concerning correlation between the use of fairness creams containing high levels of mercury and the onset of this kidney condition.
Fairness creams are still fairly popular in our society perpetuating harmful beauty stereotypes based on the notion that fair skin is superior. We often talk of how fairness creams can affect one’s self worth and confidence but his study highlights the serious health risks associated with these products, highlighting the need to reevaluate such societal beauty standards and the products endorsed to achieve them.
