New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday that her office has ordered three companies—Aleena Cosmetics, Axabee Skincare, and Singhcart, LLC—to immediately stop selling skin-lightening creams and cosmetics containing dangerously high levels of mercury.
Investigators found that the companies’ products contained mercury concentrations up to 30,000 times the legal limit under New York law. Mercury exposure can cause neurological damage, kidney and liver harm, skin rashes, and serious risks to fetal development.
“Mercury is poison, not a beauty treatment,” said Attorney General James. “Products with mercury levels this high are dangerous and illegal. My office is shutting down these unlawful sales to protect consumers throughout New York.”
The Office of the Attorney General purchased products from the companies, all based in Nassau County, and had them independently tested. Under state law, only trace amounts—less than one part per million—are allowed in cosmetics. Cease-and-desist letters have been issued, and the companies must confirm compliance within five business days. Failure to comply could result in civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation per day.
Attorney General James also warned New Yorkers about the risks of mercury in skin-lightening creams, which are often marketed to women of color and sold in immigrant and minority communities. Mercury exposure is not limited to direct use; it can contaminate household items and pose risks to infants.
Consumers are urged to avoid products that do not list ingredients, list mercury or related compounds, or are manufactured abroad with labels in languages other than English. Anyone who has used such products should consult a health care provider, and anyone experiencing symptoms of mercury poisoning—including tremors, memory problems, or numbness—should contact the New York Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
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