A hair and skin product marketed as medicinal clay could put users at risk of lead poisoning, according to a warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Consumers should not use Bentonite Me Baby clay by Alikay Naturals, and those who have used the product should contact their doctor, the FDA said.
Lead exposures can damage the central nervous system, kidneys and immune system. Chronic exposure in children is associated with impaired cognitive function.
Bentonite Me Baby is sold online and in retail outlets, including Target, Amazon.com and Sally Beauty Supply. The FDA’s tests have found elevated lead levels in the product, but the agency has not confirmed cases of lead poisoning associated with it.
Customers and health care providers can report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report or by calling 800-332-1088.