Metal Concentrations in Cosmetics Commonly Used in Nigeria

Abstract

Trace amounts of potentially toxic metals can be either intentionally added to cosmetics or present as impurities in the raw materials. In the present study, the levels of lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, and mercury have been assessed in 28 body creams and lotions, 10 powders, 3 soaps, 5 eye make-ups, and 4 lipsticks widely available on Nigerian markets. The increases over suggested or mandated levels of lead in these creams and lotions ranged from 6.1 to 45.9 and from 1.2 to 9.2 mg kg−1 when compared with Cosmetic Ingredients Review Expert Panel 2007 and German safe maximum permissible limit of lead in cosmetics, respectively. About 61% of the body cosmetics, the lotions, and the creams contained detectable levels of nickel ranging from 1.1 to 6.4–9.2 mg kg−1. Chromium and mercury were undetected in 100% of the cosmetic product. Taken together, lead and cadmium were high in creams and lotions. Most of the imported creams and creamy white coloured cosmetics contained higher levels of metal contaminants than the other colours. Regulatory Agencies in developing nations should take appropriate action for cosmetics that contain lead and cadmium beyond the reference limits.

Evaluation of Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb levels in commonly used cosmetics and some adverse reactions in Ibadan Metropolis, South-West Nigeria

“…This implies that the cosmetics are still safe for use as far as Ni is concerned but continuous use of these cosmetics over a long period of time could be dangerous to human health. Nickel levels in the various cosmetics were lower than that observed in the study carried out by Orisakwe and Otaraku (2013) who detected Ni concentrations in creams and lotions from Nigeria with concentrations, ranging between 1.09 mg/kg to 6.41mg/kg. Comparing the concentration of heavy metals in each cosmetic, eyeliner had the highest concentration of Pb, 87.88ppm ( fig.…”

“…This may lead to the development of opportunistic infections (Ananthapadmanabhan, 2004). Some cosmetics contain heavy metals which can be absorbed with attendant consequences on the prolonged application (Orisakwe, 2013). The use of cosmetics cuts across race, gender, age, socialeconomic strata.…”

Constituents of “teabacco”: A forensic analysis of cigarettes made from diverted nicotine replacement therapy lozenges in smoke‐free prisons

“…33 In our comparison of the upper limits of potential elemental exposure (teabacco cigarettes versus traditional tobacco cigarettes), we identified 190 μg (0.19 mg) of lead per 20 teabacco cigarettes smoked. While there is currently no universally accepted allowance for safe lead ingestion, 34,35 a previous tolerable weekly intake of 25 μg per kg body weight was deemed unacceptably high. 31,36,37 As a result, any individuals smoking a 'pack-a-day' of teabacco each week are at risk of some negative health effects due to potential exposure nearing the withdrawn weekly intake.…”

Metals in cosmetics: implications for human health

“…The presence of chemical substances in cosmetics is connected with their intentional use as antioxidants, preservatives, emollients, surfactants, pigments, fragrances, UV absorbers, etc. Moreover, apart from the substances used intentionally, whose presence in cosmetics is allowed and in many countries strictly governed by the relevant legislation, other dangerous chemical substances of accidental origin may also be present in these products (Harada et al ., ; Lee et al ., ; Al‐Saleh et al ., ; Oyedeji et al ., ; Adepoju‐Bello et al ., ; Volpe et al ., ; Khalid et al ., ; Orisakwe and Otaraku, ; Soares and Nascentes, ).…”