Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection of trace metal contents of children cosmetics

Abstract

Consumption of cosmetic products in daily life in order to improve skin quality or appearance is becoming quite common. Over time, it may expose consumers to skin problems and effects caused by the absorption of chemical elements. Clean cosmetic production is important for our health. However, heavy metals can be found as impurities in raw materials or as by-products of the cosmetic production process. Women's ingestion and exposure to organic and inorganic contaminants in cosmetics through dermal absorption, due to reasons such as personal habits and characteristics of the living environment, may contribute to carcinogenic risks following daily dietary exposure. NCS ZC 81002b (Human Hair) was performed as a certified reference material in method validation. This work was conducted to evaluate element concentrations of selected elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Hg, Cd and Pb) in 3 different brands of children's cosmetic products such as bright and colorful 22 eye shadows (7 different colour) 4 lipsticks (3 different colour) and 4 nail polishes (3 different colour) used by children in Turkey. The sample solutions were analyzed with the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique after the microwave digestion system. Consequently, the highest concentration of Al used as pigment was found in the eye shadow, lipstick and nail polish samples for the 3 brands, while the Se concentrations were the lowest in lipstick samples. The results of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, which are restricted or banned for use in cosmetic products in most countries, are below the limits set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada Product Safety Laboratory (PSL).

Experimental study for inorganic and organic profiling of toy makeup products: Estimating the potential threat to child health

“…Among brands, the highest Pb concentration was observed in brand A, specifically in the sample A-4 coded, with a concentration of 171.200 µg g −1 which was 85-fold higher than the permissible limit set by BVL. In a recent study, the concentration of Pb was found in the range of 0.05–12.20 µg g −1 for child toy makeup, which was much lower than our findings (< LOQ–171.20 µg g −1 ) (Kopru & Soylak 2024 ). While the highest mean concentration of Pb was obtained at 363.889 µg g −1 in adult cosmetic research, in the current study, it was obtained at 81.71 µg g −1 (Mercan et al 2023 ).…”

“…The current study showed that 2 in 10 brands were above the permissible limit set for Cd element; however, other brands were found < LOQ. According to the recent paper, the concentrations of Cd were determined with a concentration range < 0.01–0.25 µg g −1 , which is consistent with our study in toy makeup samples (Kopru & Soylak 2024 ). Similarly, trace amounts of Cd levels were reported in adult cosmetics as well (Mercan et al 2023 ).…”

“…In this study, only 2 samples (BRAND I-1 and I-3) exceeded the limit for Hg; however, the rest of the concentrations of samples were observed < LOQ. The concentration of Hg ranged from 0.004 to 0.90 µg g −1 in Kopru et al’s paper, which was lower than those of the current study (< LOQ–4.92 µg g −1 ) (Kopru & Soylak 2024 ). Moreover, the maximum mean concentration of Hg was found fairly higher in this study when compared to the results of Mercan et al’s paper (0.45 µg g −1 ) (Mercan et al 2023 ).…”

“…Moreover, it is also known to induce genotoxic and cytotoxic damage (Benbrahim-Tallaa et al 2005 ; Gentry et al 2010 ; Shankar et al 2014 ; Tapio & Grosche 2006 ). According to our results, the highest As concentration was detected as 27.68 µg g −1 in the BRAND A-4 coded sample, which was remarkably higher than those of a previous study (0.84 µg g −1 ) (Kopru & Soylak 2024 ). On the other hand, the mean concentration of As in adult cosmetic products was observed compatible with this study.…”

Mass-Spectrometry-Based Research of Cosmetic Ingredients

“…Bobaker et al [ 253 ] studied traditional plant-based beauty products marketed in Libya, respectively, henna (derived from the Lawsonia inermis ) and walnut tree bark (also known as souak—used both as a dental care product and as a popular enhancer for henna colors) and raised concerns about the potential presence of heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, and As in these cosmetics, posing health risks (due to their narrow safety margins) through skin absorption, and their accumulation in internal organs, which can result in toxicity. Before heavy metal analysis by ICP-MS, the samples were processed (walnut tree bark samples), oven-dried, and subjected to microwave-assisted digestion after the addition of a nitric acid (HNO 3 )/hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) mixture [ 260 , 261 , 262 ]. ICP-MS analysis (Perkin Elmer SCIEX Elan 9000 ICP-MS, Perkin-Elmer SCIEX, Norwalk, CT, USA) of the samples revealed the presence of Pb, Cd, and As, with mean concentrations (Pb > Cd > As) having abnormally high standard deviations, which can be attributed to differences in product manufacturing, contamination levels, and the diverse sources of the products, influenced by varying climatic conditions.…”