Abstract :
Mercury is a toxic metal in small concentrations that can cause poisoning.
Mercury is used as an active ingredient in whitening creams. The limit of mercury
metal contamination in cosmetics is not more than 1 mg/ kg or 1 mg/ L (1 bpj or 1
ppm). This study aims to determine the presence of mercury and its levels in
branded and unbranded facial whitening cream.
This research uses the literature study method. Data collection uses
secondary data was taken from scientific journals and scientific papers in the last
10 years. Data analysis uses descriptive analysis.
The mercury qualitative test uses a color test with reagen of KI 0,5 N and
NaOH. Quantitative test using Atomatic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).
The qualitative test result of KI 0,5 N in 18 samples showed positive
mercury by producing red orange deposits. In 7 samples showed positive results
of mercury when tested with NaOH to produce yellow deposits. The results of
quantitative test, 17 samples identified the lowest of mercury that is 0,00066 ppm
and the highest level of 1,66794 ppm.
Based on this research, it was concluded that the facial whitening cream is
both branded and unbranded circulating the market contains mercury. 4,6% of the
total sample containing mercury exceeds the normal limit, namely 1 mg/ kg or 1
mg/ L (1 bpj or 1 ppm).