Determination of toxic element levels (lead and cadmium) in commonly used cosmetic products in Iran

Abstract

Toxic elements are commonly used in cosmetic products for many reasons like coloring pigments or blocking ultraviolet light; however, the level of some metals exceed specific concentration which can cause serious safety issues. This study aims to evaluate the content of lead and cadmium in samples of sunscreen and foundation creams, most frequently used brands of cosmetic products, in Iran. Concentration of lead in the sunscreens and foundation creams was lower than that of USFDA standards. The content of cadmium was higher than Europe Union standard. Effort must be made to inform the users about the harmful consequences of cosmetics.

• Cosmetics
• toxic element
• lead
• cadmium
• atomic absorption

Acknowledgements

The results presented here are from a MSC thesis. This study was financially supported by the Research Council of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Mashhad University of Medical Sciences 10.13039/501100004748

Notes

¹ Directive 76/768/EEC of the Council of 27 July 1976. Official Journal of the European Communities, L 262, 27 September 1976, 169–200.