They have names like Fasco Herbal Cream and FC Lemon Herbal Whitening Cream, and are sold in many communities.
Some labels says they contain nothing more than vitamins and natural plants, which has been found to be untrue.
Health Officials said they detected dangerous and illegal levels of mercury in nearly a dozen brands of skin-lightening products.
Consumers are warned to avoid all skin-lightening products unless they are determined to be mercury-free.
Samples tested by the Health Department contained more than 33,000 times the permissible level of mercury.
They urge urged consumers to handle and dispose of the products as hazardous waste.
Mercury can be extremely dangerous, especially to pregnant women and young children.
It can damage the kidneys and nervous system.
Skin whitening and lightening products are marketed largely to dark skinned minority groups.
They are also sold to treat freckles and age spots, which means anyone might use them.
