Determination of Arsenic, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Nickel, and Lead in Cosmetic Face-Powders: Optimization of Extraction and Validation

Absorption-based colorimetric detection of nickel(II) ion by phase separation of thermoresponsive magnetic nanoparticles under microflow

Therma-Max™ LSA Streptavidin is a thermoresponsive magnetic nanoparticle (TMNP). It can be introduced conveniently to molecular recognition groups by avidin-biotin interaction. In this study, we demonstrated the detection of nickel(II) ions by the magnetic separation of TMNP induced by their phase transition under microflow. The NTA-tagged TMNP solution mixed with a Ni2+ sample was introduced into a microchannel with a well structure. Moreover, the sample was heated to induce the thermally induced aggregation of TMNP. The Ni-capturing TMNP were trapped in the well by magnetic fields. The supernatant was removed from the outlet, and a dimethylglyoxime (DMG) solution was introduced into the device for colorimetric detection in the well. Because DMG has a higher stability constant with Ni2+, sensitive colorimetric detection of Ni2+ can be achieved in devices where the sample volume, e.g., optical pathlength, is short. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, a recovery test was conducted using a commercially available cosmetic sample. Therein, complete collection was achieved.

Theoretical Health Risk Assessment Based on Potentially Toxic Element Profiling of Cosmetic Products in Istanbul Street Bazaars

Toxic elements that pose a potential threat to human health are found as impurities in various cosmetic products. In this study, the inorganic profile of 19 elements (Li, B, Mg, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb) in 90 cosmetic products (lipsticks, lip glosses, lip pencils and eye shadows) were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after microwave acid digestion method and hazard indices (HI) of 9 toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, As, Hg, Sb, and Al) were calculated for the assessment of theoretical health risk. Satisfactory method performance parameters were found for each analyte. The results were compared with the maximum permissible limits set by regulatory agencies; 38 of 41 lip products (92.68%) and all eye shadows (n = 49) exceeded the established limits. The HI was found to be ≥ 1 in 82.76% of lip products for oral exposure, whereas HI was ≤ 1 for dermal exposure in all lip products (n = 41) and only one eye shadow sample was ≥ 1 (2.04%). Remarkable results were also detected for 19 elements in this study, which conducted a comprehensive inorganic profiling for the first time. Wide-range concentrations of Mg, Al, Ba, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Sr elements were remarkable. HI values were firstly brought out in this study, although Al, as a well-known toxic element, has not been listed in regulations yet. In conclusion, it is obviously seen that continuous monitoring of cosmetics is crucial not only for toxic elements but also for other essential or non-toxic elements to prevent consumers from long-term exposure.

Insights into Health Risks of Face Paint Application to Opera Performers: The Release of Heavy Metals and Stage-Light-Induced Production of Reactive Oxygen Species

Face paints used by opera performers have been shown to contain high levels of heavy metals. However, whether frequent exposure, via dermal contact and inadvertent oral ingestion, results in occupational diseases is unknown, as is the potential exacerbation of toxicity by high-intensity irradiation from stage lights. In this study, we examined the release of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn from 40 face paints and the consequent health risks posed by different practical scenarios involving their use. The results showed that the in vitro bioaccessibility (IVBA) of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the tested products was, on average, 7.0, 5.5, 19.9, and 7.9% through oral ingestion and 1.1, 2.2, 1.6, and 1.2% through dermal contact, respectively. Stage light irradiation significantly increased the IVBA associated with dermal contact, to the average of 4.8, 34.9, 5.7, and 1.9% for Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn, respectively. The increase was mainly due to the light-induced generation of reactive oxygen species, particularly hydroxyl free radicals. The vitality and transcriptional response of 3D skin models as well as a quantitative risk assessment of skin sensitization indicated that dermal contact with face paints may induce predictable skin damage and potentially other skin diseases. Long-term exposure to face paints on stage may also pose a non-carcinogenic health risk. The demonstrated health risks to opera performers of face paint exposure should lead to strict regulations regarding the content of theatrical face paints.

Analysis of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in colored cosmetics marketed in Pakistan

Heavy metal contamination of the cosmetic products poses potential harm for consumers' health. We aimed to determine the concentration of Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd) in locally available colored cosmetics such as lipsticks, foundation cream, facial powder, and eye shadows. We determined concentration of As, Pb, and Cd in 40 samples of colored cosmetics by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and determined significant differences in As and Cd concentrations across the colored cosmetics. We detected a high concentration of Pb and As in lipstick and eye shadow samples. Concentration of Pb and Cd in the samples of foundation creams was at safe level. Most of the cosmetic samples contained heavy metals above safe levels posing a threat to the health of female consumers who use them for long periods. Regulatory bodies in Pakistan must adopt and enforce international standards for colored cosmetics.

Toxic effects of selected trace elements contained in make-ups on female university students in Nigeria

Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), beryllium (Be), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and thallium (Tl) are reportedly notorious toxic contents of make-ups, with potential to cause cancer and chronic kidney disease, warranting investigation on their toxic effects. One hundred female university students were randomly selected as consistent users of make-ups for upward of 3 years. The serum/urine levels of the 8 elements were regressed against the kidney functions (estimated glomerular rate, eGFR) of the subjects. At coefficient of - 0.009, As had insignificant (0.518) level. The coefficient for Cd was - .155 and insignificant (0.423). At coefficient of - 039, Pb level was insignificant (0.595). The coefficient, 0.061, for Hg was insignificant (0.462). At - 1.585, the coefficient of Be was insignificant (0.292). The coefficient for Ni, 1.384, was insignificant (0.354). At - .002, the coefficient of Se was insignificant (0.635). The coefficient, 0.039, for Tl was significant at 5% (0.015). This finding internally validated the mean serum Tl level, 201.4900 ± 20.63316 μg/L, which was much higher than the normal level of < 2 µg/L and within the toxic range of > 200 µg/L. A policy is needed to address the use of make-ups containing Tl.