Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Levels in Frequently Used Cosmetic Products in Iran

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the content of lead and cadmium in most frequently used brands of cosmetic products (lipstick and eye shadow) in Iran. Fifty samples of lipstick (5 colors in 7 brands) and eye shadow (3 colors in 5 brands) were selected taken from large cosmetic stores in Isfahan (Iran) and lead and cadmium of them were analyzed. The results showed that the concentration of lead and cadmium in the lipsticks was within the range of 0.08–5.2 µg/g and 4.08–60.20 µg/g, respectively. The eye shadow samples had a lead level of 0.85–6.90 µg/g and a cadmium level of 1.54–55.59 µg/g. The content range of the heavy metals in the eye shadows was higher than that of the lipsticks. There was significant difference between the average of the lead content in the different brands of the lipsticks and eye shadows. Thus, the continuous use of these cosmetics can increase the absorption of heavy metals, especially Cd and Pb, in the body when swallowing lipsticks or through dermal cosmetic absorption. The effects of heavy metals such as lead can be harmful, especially for pregnant women and children. Therefore, effort must be made to inform the users and the general public about the harmful consequences of cosmetics.

Assessment of cadmium and lead concentrations in different types of cosmetics products consumed in Iran

“…Our results were in agreement with research conducted by Nourmoradi et al, which high level of Cd and Pb in dark colors was higher than in bright colors. [12] In another study conducted in Iran, the pink and violet color had the highest and lowest concentration of Pb. Furthermore, the brown and orange color have the highest and lowest Cd concentration, respectively.…”

“…[3] In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the presence of toxic substance such as Cd and Pb in cosmetic products at a levels more than suggested a safe limit of 3 μg/g for Cd [4] and 10 μg/g for Pb. [5] The research on the presence of Cd [6][7][8][9] and Pb [9][10][11][12] in cosmetic products is reported over than recommended limit in some studies. One of the main causes of this will be the use chemical substance as additive to keeping them in good condition.…”

Metals in cosmetics: implications for human health

“…In addition, based on the available literature we have created ranges of metal concentrations in colour cosmetics. These concentrations 2.2 -300,000 0 -99,000 0 -258.33 (Sainio et al, 2000;Lee et al, 2008;Al-Saleh et al, 2009;Atz and Pozebon, 2009;Omolaoye et al, 2010;Al-Dayel et al, 2011;Contado and Pagnoni, 2012;Volpe et al, 2012;Al-Qutob et al, 2013;Mousavi et al, 2013;Nourmoradi et al, 2013;Umar and Caleb, 2013;Faruruwa and Bartholomew, 2014) Eye liners/Eye pencils (Nnorm et al, 2005;Lee et al, 2008;Al-Saleh et al, 2009;Atz and Pozebon, 2009;Gondal et al, 2010;Perkin Elmer, 2012;Sah, 2012;Al-Qutob et al, 2013;Gunduz and Akman, 2013;Khalid et al, 2013;…”

The Beast of Beauty: Environmental and Health Concerns of Toxic Components in Cosmetics

“…Many chemicals including natural mineral mica, shine, dyes, coloring agents, and different trace metals, are used as additives in cosmetics formulation to augment their brightness and realize superior quality with boosted effects [4]. Incorporation of high contents of trace metals including arsenic, antimony, chromium, cadmium, copper, cobalt, manganese, lead and nickel into lip cosmetics is a major issue in cosmetics application because of their potential adverse consequences [132,133]. These trace metals used in cosmetic formulations can accumulate in the skin, and some metals including aluminum, lead, cadmium, and mercury, are capable of diffusing across the skin barrier and thus entering blood vessels [134].…”