Despite its suspension between neighbouring countries India and Pakistan, the Pakistani skin-lightening cream was reportedly being seen circulating in the market through illegal channels, identified as Goree Beauty Cream. The product is being sold in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and other parts of the country, both at local shops and major e-commerce platforms. Priced between Rs 380 and Rs 800, the cream has raised brows of health experts concerned after laboratory tests reportedly detected dangerously high levels of toxic heavy metals, including mercury and lead. Exposure to these substances could damage vital organs, including the kidneys, and affect the nervous system.
The cream was found to contain 5,000 parts per million of mercury, significantly exceeding the permissible limit of less than one ppm. As per doctors, mercury can interfere with melanin production, which is responsible for determining skin colour, by suppressing the production of this pigment. Mercury-containing creams can make the skin appear lighter. However, this cosmetic effect comes with a serious health risk. Prolonged use of such creams containing toxic levels of mercury can damage the skin. It may also have an indirect impact on other vital organs. Continued exposure to mercury can cause skin thinning and make underlying blood vessels more visible.
Authorities in Maharashtra have banned the cream after doctors reported kidney-related problems among eighteen women who used the product. On investigating the cases, medical professionals found a common history of using Goree Beauty Cream. Subsequent laboratory tests reportedly detected high levels of lead and mercury in the product.
According to police sources, the product, which originates in Pakistan, is being smuggled into Madhya Pradesh through Amaravati and Nagpur before being transported through Khandwa and Burhanpur to other parts of the state. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the routes that can be used to bring the product into India.
Goree Skin Lightening Cream has faced regulatory action in several other countries as well. Earlier in 2025, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration also flagged certain products from the brand over safety concerns and lack of regulatory approval. It issued a health advisory flagging violations of cosmetic labelling requirements, including the omission of details such as the manufacturer’s name and address, batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date.
In a similar context, New Zealand’s medicine regulator Medsafe in 2021 warned consumers against using Goree Beauty Cream.