Gabon, Jamaica and Sri Lanka unite to fight hazardous skin lightening products

The governments of Gabon, Jamaica and Sri Lanka have joined forces to combat harmful beauty practices, launching a joint $14 million project to phase out the use of mercury in skin-lightening products.

Using cosmetics to inhibit the body's production of melanin, leading to skin lightening, is a centuries-old practice in many parts of the world that still carries a toxic toll.

Skin lightening products are used by both men and women to not only lighten the skin, but also to fade freckles, freckles, age spots and treat acne.

However, consumers are often unaware that many of these products contain harmful chemicals, including mercury, a toxic substance that poses risks to human health and pollutes the environment.