Concentrations of lead in cosmetics commonly used in South Africa

Abstract

In this study, we present evidence of lead in lip liner, oil absorbent powder, mascara, concealer, lipsticks, lip gloss, and foundation. The samples were analyzed for lead by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The levels of lead in concealer, mascara, lip liner, and oil absorbent powder were found to be 7.4 ± 1.3 µg g⁻¹, 15.8 ± 0.2 µg g⁻¹, 29.0 ± 9.2 µg g⁻¹, and 17.3 ± 2.9 µg g⁻¹, respectively. The levels of lead in lipsticks, lip gloss, and foundation ranged from not detected to 73.1 ± 5.2 µg g⁻¹, 4.7 to 11.7 ± 2.8 µg g⁻¹, and 7.8 to 32.9 ± 1.4 µg g⁻¹, respectively. Thus, in the majority of samples, the concentrations of lead are higher than the USFDA maximum permissible concentration of 0.10 µg g⁻¹ in candy and cosmetics. In lipsticks alone, only 25% of 40 samples were found to meet the requirement. Therefore, continuous use of cosmetic products in which lead concentration exceeds the maximum permissible level may pose a health hazard for the female population of South Africa in the long run.

Keywords:

• lead
• cosmetics
• South Africa

Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to Ms Boatile Komane-Mofokeng Department of Somatology, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa for supplying the samples.