Heavy Metals: The Notorious Daredevils of Daily Personal Care Products

What is it about?

The global cosmetic products market is expected to reach as $806 billion by 2023. US FDA estimated 12,500 chemicals used in cosmetics but more than 1300 are banned or restricted in the EU. Lead and Nickel found in lipsticks and powders at level restricted by EU guideline in Polish market. Kajal/Surma has been reported as source of lead toxicity in children. A similar study with Malaysian eye-shadows shows the same. Lead level of eye cosmetics consumers in Pakistan, India, and Saudi Arabia in comparison with non-consumers was 300%. Lip cosmetics to the digestive tract damages various vital organs once reaching into systemic circulation. Cadmium and lead were profound among lipstick samples of Iran and were the most predominant in most Indian cosmetics, along with arsenic. Henna (mehendi), as temporary paint-on tattoos and hair dying, is reported to be very rich in heavy metals such as mercury and lead. Even in Germany, arsenic contents of lipsticks, eye shadows, and eyebrow pencils was significantly higher than the BVL. According to Health Canada, 100% of all cosmetics product tested positive for nickel and over 90% tested positive for both lead and beryllium. Cosmetics use in pregnancy is not uncommon. Prenatal lead exposure is has risk of premature delivery, reduced postnatal growth, lower mental growth in childhood, schizophrenia and dementia in adulthood. Prenatal arsenic exposure may cause low birth weight, head and chest circumference in infants, inflammation and atherosclerotic disease in adults. Chronic mercury poisoning from skin whitening cream may cause irritability, tremor, gingivitis, memory loss, edema, proteinuria, abdominal pain, hyperthyroidism, and abortion.Heavy metals may be intentionally added to detergents as preservatives, pigments (lead), skin lightening, as well as antimicrobial agents (mercury). Cobalt and nickel metals commonly found in lipstick, eye-shadow, face paint and hair cream associated with contact dermatitis.

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Photo by Christal Yuen on Unsplash

Photo by Christal Yuen on Unsplash