8 August 2022, Quezon City. The toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition for the nth time urged online shopping platforms to take down ads for skin whitening cosmetics banned or flagged by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for containing mercury and/or for lacking market authorization.
With the help of an intern from the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), the group was able to track 100-page product advertisements for such unauthorized and unsafe cosmetics that were placed on Lazada and Shopee by third party sellers.
“In time for the 8.8. online shopping sale, our intern carefully monitored these hugely popular online shopping sites from August 1 to 6. Much to our disappointment, hundreds of FDA-banned or flagged skin care products, especially skin lightening facial creams, are being advertised and sold as if these products are legal and safe,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.
The group used the