The Beast of Beauty: Environmental and Health Concerns of Toxic Components in Cosmetics

Plastic pollution in Harari region, Ethiopia: practices and impacts on health and environment

Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the environment and human health on a global level. This study aimed to investigate plastic pollution in the Harari region of Ethiopia. The result indicated that 62% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge about plastic waste, and 59% of them perceived plastic waste as harmful. Polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonates were the types of plastic waste identified. Being female (AOR = 1.82), aged 15-45 (AOR = 1.82), married (AOR = 1.83), and having families >3 (AOR = 2.15) were significantly positively associated with good plastic waste management practice. Being illiterate (AOR = 0.52), and having poor knowledge about plastic waste (AOR = 0.54) were significantly negatively associated with poor management practice. The findings indicated that the Harari region is prone to adverse health and environmental effects from plastic pollution. Policies restricting plastic use, training municipal waste collectors and health extension workers, and improving public awareness are indispensable.

Investigation of mercury contamination in lipstick sold in the Saudi market and the potential health risk

Background: Environmental contamination is a significant global health issue, with cosmetics and pharmaceuticals being major polluters. High concentrations of heavy metals, such as Hg, have been found to have toxic effects and may pose a threat to human health. This study aimed to determine the concentration of mercury (Hg) in lipsticks available in the Saudi Arabia market.

Methods: In this study, 12 lipstick samples from three colors were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to measure the content of Hg.

Results: The concentration range of Hg was 0.004-0.296 ppm. Moreover, the systemic exposure dosage of mercury in the lipstick samples examined in this study ranged from 5.01 × 10-8 to 1.43 × 10-6 μg/kg bw/day, while the range of the margin of safety was from 7.3 × 109 to 2.2 × 108.

Discussion: The Hg concentration in all analyzed samples was less than 0.50 and 1 ppm, which indicated that the Hg level was within acceptable limits according to Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), respectively. On the other hand, the calculated margin of safety values for mercury exceeded the safe standard established by the WHO. The results derived from using hazard quotient (HQ) indices depict the potential carcinogenic health risk posed to consumers who employ red-colored lipsticks.

The dark side of beauty: an in-depth analysis of the health hazards and toxicological impact of synthetic cosmetics and personal care products

Over the past three decades, the popularity of cosmetic and personal care products has skyrocketed, largely driven by social media influence and the propagation of unrealistic beauty standards, especially among younger demographics. These products, promising enhanced appearance and self-esteem, have become integral to contemporary society. However, users of synthetic, chemical-based cosmetics are exposed to significantly higher risks than those opting for natural alternatives. The use of synthetic products has been associated with a variety of chronic diseases, including cancer, respiratory conditions, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruption. This review explores the toxicological impact of beauty and personal care products on human health, highlighting the dangers posed by various chemicals, the rise of natural ingredients, the intricate effects of chemical mixtures, the advent of nanotechnology in cosmetics, and the urgent need for robust regulatory measures to ensure safety. The paper emphasizes the necessity for thorough safety assessments, ethical ingredient sourcing, consumer education, and collaboration between governments, regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and consumers. As we delve into the latest discoveries and emerging trends in beauty product regulation and safety, it is clear that the protection of public health and well-being is a critical concern in this ever-evolving field.

The influence of Leucidal, a natural cosmetic preservative, on fibroblast and keratinocytes. Studies on cells and on model membrane systems

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of Leucidal® Liquid (abbr. Leucidal), which is recommended as a natural cosmetic ingredient of antimicrobial properties, on model membranes of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The toxicity tests on cell lines were also performed to allow for a more detailed discussion of the results. As model membrane systems the lipid Langmuir monolayers were applied. During the investigations, the surface pressure/area measurements, penetration studies and Brewster Angle Microscopy (BAM) visualization were performed for one component and mixed lipid monolayers. It was evidenced that at the membrane - corresponding conditions, the components of Leucidal do not penetrate either model keratinocyte and fibroblast membranes or one component films composed of the major lipids of skin cell membranes. Leucidal makes these systems slightly more expanded and less stable, however this is not reflected in the changes in the film morphology. Only the ceramide systems were sensitive to the presence of Leucidal, i.e. the incorporation of Leucidal components manifested well in the decrease of the films' condensation and alterations in their morphology. The tests on cells demonstrated that Leucidal is non toxic for these types of cells at the concentrations suggested by the producer. A thorough comparison of these results with those published for bacteria model membranes enabled us to discuss them in the context of the mechanism of action of Leucidal components. It was concluded that Leucidal components are of low affinity to the skin cellular model membranes of low content of Leucidal-sensitive ceramides and are not toxic for fibroblast and keratinocyte cell lines. Moreover, the lipid composition of the membrane and its molecular organization can be important targets for Leucidal components, decisive from the point of view of the activity and selectivity of the studied composition.

Efficient photocatalytic activity and selective adsorption of UiO-67 (Zr)/g-C3N4 composite toward a mixture of parabens

In this study, UiO-67 (Zr)/g-C3N4 composites (U67N) were synthesized at wt.% ratios of 05:95, 15:85, and 30:70 using the solvothermal method at 80 °C for 24 h followed by calcination at 350 °C. The composites were characterized using UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen physisorption analysis. In addition, thermal stability analysis of UiO-67 was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis. The photocatalytic performance of the composites was assessed during the degradation and mineralization of a mixture of methylparaben (MeP) and propylparaben (PrP) under simulated sunlight. The adsorption process of U67N 15:85 was characterized through kinetic studies and adsorption capacity experiments, which were modeled using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, respectively. The influence of pH levels 3, 5, and 7 on the photocatalytic degradation of the mixture was investigated, revealing enhanced degradation and mineralization at pH 3. The U67N composite exhibited dual capability in removing contaminants through adsorption and photocatalytic processes. Among the prepared composites, U67N 15:85 demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving removal efficiencies of 96.8% for MeP, 92.5% for PrP, and 45.7% for total organic carbon in 300 kJ/m2 accumulated energy (3 h of reaction time). The detoxification of the effluent was confirmed through acute toxicity evaluation using the Vibrio fischeri method. The oxidation mechanism of the heterojunction formed between UiO-67 (Zr) and g-C3N4 was proposed based on PL analysis, photoelectrochemistry studies (including photocurrent response, Nyquist, and Mott-Schottky analyses), and scavenger assays.

Enzymatic Synthesis and Structural Modeling of Bio-Based Oligoesters as an Approach for the Fast Screening of Marine Biodegradation and Ecotoxicity

Given the widespread use of esters and polyesters in products like cosmetics, fishing nets, lubricants and adhesives, whose specific application(s) may cause their dispersion in open environments, there is a critical need for stringent eco-design criteria based on biodegradability and ecotoxicity evidence. Our approach integrates experimental and computational methods based on short oligomers, offering a screening tool for the rapid identification of sustainable monomers and oligomers, with a special focus on bio-based alternates. We provide insights into the relationships between the chemical structure and properties of bio-based oligomers in terms of biodegradability in marine environments and toxicity in benchmark organisms. The experimental results reveal that the considered aromatic monomers (terephthalic acid and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid) accumulate under the tested conditions (OECD 306), although some slight biodegradation is observable when the inoculum derives from sites affected by industrial and urban pollution, which suggests that ecosystems adapt to non-natural chemical pollutants. While clean seas are more susceptible to toxic chemical buildup, biotic catalytic activities offer promise for plastic pollution mitigation. Without prejudice to the fact that biodegradability inherently signifies a desirable trait in plastic products, nor that it automatically grants them a sustainable "license", this study is intended to facilitate the rational design of new polymers and materials on the basis of specific uses and applications.

Current strategies on bioremediation of personal care products and detergents: Sustainability and life cycle assessment

The increased use of personal care products and detergents in modern society has raised concerns about their potential adverse effects on the environment. These products contain various chemical compounds that can persist in water bodies, leading to water pollution and ecological disturbances. Bioremediation has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges, utilizing the natural capabilities of microorganisms to degrade or remove these contaminants. This review examines the current strategies employed in the bioremediation of personal care products and detergents, with a specific focus on their sustainability and environmental impact. This bioremediation is essential for environmental rejuvenation, as it uses living organisms to detergents and other daily used products. Its distinctiveness stems from sustainable, nature-centric ways that provide eco-friendly solutions for pollution eradication and nurturing a healthy planet, all while avoiding copying. Explores the use of microbial consortia, enzyme-based treatments, and novel biotechnological approaches in the context of environmental remediation. Additionally, the ecological implications and long-term sustainability of these strategies are assessed. Understanding the strengths and limitations of these bioremediation techniques is essential for developing effective and environmentally friendly solutions to mitigate the impact of personal care products and detergents on ecosystems.

Sunscreens and micro(nano)plastics: Are we aware of these threats to the Egyptian coral reefs?

During a snorkeling trip to Marsa Alam and Hamata (southern Red Sea Riviera, Egypt) I explored the coral reefs and the diverse marine habitats of fish and invertebrate species. The area invites recreational diving and snorkeling, but the beaches are littered with all sorts of solid waste (mainly fragmented plastics). Also, there are no local restrictions on sunscreen use. The development of tourism to the area raises questions about the environmental impact and how its further growth will have on coral reefs. Every year, 1.2 million tourists visit the Red Sea coast (about 3287 tourists per day) and release about 1.7 tons/month of sunscreen into the Red Sea. As an ecologist and editorial board member of Science of the Total Environment, I ask myself how we as scientists can increase public awareness and call for prompt actions to protect the coral reefs. The discussion underlines two major threats to the Egyptian coral reefs: sunscreen use and micro(nano)plastics waste. The discussion closes with possible solutions, future perspectives, and recommendations to protect the coral reefs ecosystem of the Egyptian Red Sea.

Human exposure to methyl and butyl parabens and their transformation products in settled dust collected from urban, semi-urban, rural, and tribal settlements in a tropical environment

The present study involved monitoring the distribution of two widely consumed parabens (methyl paraben (MeP) and butyl paraben (BuP)) and their transformation products in indoor dust from different categories of settlement (urban, semi-urban, rural, and tribal homes). The results revealed a prevalent occurrence of parabens in all the settlement categories. A non-normal distribution pattern for MeP and BuP levels across the sampling sites was noted. While comparing the residence time of parabens in dust samples, it was found that the half-lives of the analytes were greater in the dust from urban (MeP t1/2: 47.510 h; BuP t1/2: 22.354 h) and rural (MeP t1/2: 27.725 h and BuP t1/2: 31.500 h) areas. The presence of paraben metabolites, such as hydroxy methylparaben (OH-MeP), para hydroxy benzoic acid (p-HBA), and benzoic acid (BA) in dust samples supports their transformation within indoor spaces. The average daily intake of parabens through dust ingestion and dermal absorption by children was higher than adults. BuP was the prime contributor (>85%) to the total estradiol equivalency quotient (tEEQ) in all the settlement categories.

Physiological impact of personal care product constituents on non-target aquatic organisms

Personal care products (PCPs) are products used in cleaning, beautification, grooming, and personal hygiene. The rise in diversity, usage, and availability of PCPs has resulted in their higher accumulation in the environment. Thus, these constitute an emerging category of environmental contaminants due to the potential of its constituents (chemical and non-chemical) to induce various physiological effects even at lower concentrations (ng/L). For analyzing the impact of the PCPs constituents on the non-target organism about 300 article including research articles, review articles and guidelines were studied from 2000 to 2023. This review aims to firstly discuss the fate and accumulation of PCPs in the aquatic environment and organisms; secondly provides overview of environmental risks that are linked to PCPs; thirdly review the trends, current status of regulations and risks associated with PCPs and finally discuss the knowledge gaps and future perspectives for future research. The article discusses important constituents of PCPs such as antimicrobials, cleansing agents and disinfectants, fragrances, insect repellent, moisturizers, plasticizers, preservatives, surfactants, UV filters, and UV stabilizers. Each of them has been found to display certain toxic impact on the aquatic organisms especially the plasticizers and UV filters. These continuously and persistently release biologically active and inactive components which interferes with the physiological system of the non-target organism such as fish, corals, shrimps, bivalves, algae, etc. With a rise in the number of toxicity reports, concerns are being raised over the potential impacts of these contaminant on aquatic organism and humans. The rate of adoption of nanotechnology in PCPs is greater than the evaluation of the safety risk associated with the nano-additives. Hence, this review article presents the current state of knowledge on PCPs in aquatic ecosystems.

Parabens as environmental contaminants of aquatic systems affecting water quality and microbial dynamics

Among different pollutants of emerging concern, parabens have gained rising interest due to their widespread detection in water sources worldwide. This occurs because parabens are used in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and food, in which residues are generated and released into aquatic environments. The regulation of the use of parabens varies across different geographic regions, resulting in diverse concentrations observed globally. Concentrations of parabens exceeding 100 μg/L have been found in wastewater treatment plants and surface waters while drinking water (DW) sources typically exhibit concentrations below 6 μg/L. Despite their low levels, the presence of parabens in DW is a potential exposure route for humans, raising concerns for both human health and environmental microbiota. Although a few studies have reported alterations in the functions and characteristics of microbial communities following exposure to emerging contaminants, the impact of the exposure to parabens by microbial communities, particularly biofilm colonizers, remains largely understudied. This review gathers the most recent information on the occurrence of parabens in water sources, as well as their effects on human health and aquatic organisms. The interactions of parabens with microbial communities are reviewed for the first time, filling the knowledge gaps on the effects of paraben exposure on microbial ecosystems and their impact on disinfection tolerance and antimicrobial resistance, with potential implications for public health.

Organic ultraviolet absorbents in soils and typical plants from an industrial metropolis in China: Concentrations, profiles and environmental implications

There is accumulating evidence of the toxicity of organic ultraviolet absorbers (OUVAs); however, limited information is available regarding the presence of OUVAs in terrestrial environments and organisms. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of 11 OUVAs in soils and typical plant species from an industrial metropolis in China. Total OUVA concentrations in soils ranged from 1.30 to 80.3 ng g-1 DW. Based on comparison with previously reported data, OUVA contamination in soil was not severe. Benzophenone and octocrylene were the dominant OUVAs in soils, with median contributions to total concentrations of 25% and 15%, respectively. Source assessment revealed that the observed OUVA contamination primarily originated from industrial activities and the use of personal care products. The concentration of 11 OUVAs in plants ranged from 159 to 4470 ng g-1 DW, at high levels. Our findings imply that great attention should be given to the presence of these chemicals in plants because of the risk they could pose as well as the potential for biomagnification as plants are eaten by insects and birds. Our results also indicate the necessity to further study the geochemical behavior of these chemicals in urban ecosystems in order to better manage the harmfulness to terrestrial ecological health caused by their exposure through the food chains.

Toxicity of Beauty Salon Effluents Contaminated with Hair Dye on Aquatic Organisms

Cosmetic residues have been found in water resources, especially trace elements of precursors, couplers, and pigments of hair dyes, which are indiscriminately disposed of in the sewage system. These contaminants are persistent, bioactive, and bioaccumulative, and may pose risks to living beings. Thus, the present study assessed the ecotoxicity of two types of effluents generated in beauty salons after the hair dyeing process. The toxicity of effluent derived from capillary washing with water, shampoo, and conditioner (complete effluent-CE) and effluent not associated with these products (dye effluent-DE) was evaluated by tests carried out with the aquatic organisms Artemia salina, Daphnia similis, and Danio rerio. The bioindicators were exposed to pure samples and different dilutions of both effluents. The results showed toxicity in D. similis (CE50 of 3.43% and 0.54% for CE and DE, respectively); A. salina (LC50 8.327% and 3.874% for CE and DE, respectively); and D. rerio (LC50 of 4.25-4.59% and 7.33-8.18% for CE and DE, respectively). Given these results, we can infer that hair dyes, even at low concentrations, have a high toxic potential for aquatic biota, as they induced deleterious effects in all tested bioindicators.

The development and application of a novel hazard scoring tool for assessing impacts of cosmetic ingredients on aquatic ecosystems: A case study of rinse-off cosmetics

The cosmetic industry has been committed to promoting less hazardous products to reduce the environmental impacts of cosmetic ingredients. This requires identifying safer cosmetic ingredients for developing cosmetic formulations that are less harmful to the environment. However, one of the challenges in developing eco-friendly cosmetics relies on integrating all environmental hazard (EH) information of cosmetic ingredients to select the most eco-friendly ones (i.e., ingredients least harmful to the aquatic environment). Thus, we developed a hazard scoring tool (IARA matrix), which integrates data on biodegradation, bioaccumulation, and acute aquatic toxicity, providing a hazard index to classify cosmetic ingredients (raw materials) into categories of EH (low, moderate, high, or very high). The classification of the IARA was based on parameters established by Cradle to Cradle (C2C), the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and European Regulation 1272/2008, considering the most conservative values of each source. The Leopold matrix was employed as a model for the tool, using a numerical scale from 0 to 6 (lowest to highest EH). According to the IARA, we have successfully demonstrated that ultraviolet (UV) filter ingredients have the highest EH out of 41 cosmetic ingredients commonly used for rinse-off products. In addition to UV filters, triclosan (bactericide) and dimethicone (emollient) presented the second-highest EH for aquatic ecosystems, and humectants presented the lowest hazard index. By applying the IARA in the case study of rinse-off products, we have estimated that the aquatic hazard of cosmetic products can be reduced 46% by identifying less hazardous ingredients and combining them into a cosmetic formulation. In summary, the IARA tool allows the estimation of the EH of cosmetic ingredients, provides safer products, and helps achieve sustainability for cosmetic products. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1619-1635. © 2023 SETAC.

Single-Particle ICP-MS/MS Application for Routine Screening of Nanoparticles Present in Powder-Based Facial Cosmetics

The short- and long-term impacts of nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer products are not fully understood. Current European Union (EU) regulations enforce transparency on products containing NPs in cosmetic formulations; however, those set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are lacking. This study demonstrates the potential of single-particle inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (spICP-MS/MS) as a screening method for NPs present in powder-based facial cosmetics (herein referred to as FCs). A proposed spICP-MS/MS method is presented along with recommended criteria to confirm particle presence and particle detection thresholds in seven FCs. FC products of varying colors, market values, and applications were analyzed for the presence of Bi, Cr, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sn, Ag, Al, and Zn NPs based on their ingredient lists as well as those commonly used in cosmetic formulations. The presence of NPs smaller than 100 nm was observed in all FC samples, and no correlations with their presence and market value were observed. Here, we report qualitative and semi-quantitative results for seven FC samples ranging in color, brand, and shimmer.

Polyphenols: Natural Preservatives with Promising Applications in Food, Cosmetics and Pharma Industries; Problems and Toxicity Associated with Synthetic Preservatives; Impact of Misleading Advertisements; Recent Trends in Preservation and Legislation

The global market of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products requires continuous tracking of harmful ingredients and microbial contamination for the sake of the safety of both products and consumers as these products greatly dominate the consumer's health, directly or indirectly. The existence, survival, and growth of microorganisms in the product may lead to physicochemical degradation or spoilage and may infect the consumer at another end. It has become a challenge for industries to produce a product that is safe, self-stable, and has high nutritional value, as many factors such as physical, chemical, enzymatic, or microbial activities are responsible for causing spoilage to the product within the due course of time. Thus, preservatives are added to retain the virtue of the product to ensure its safety for the consumer. Nowadays, the use of synthetic/artificial preservatives has become common and has not been widely accepted by consumers as they are aware of the fact that exposure to preservatives can lead to adverse effects on health, which is a major area of concern for researchers. Naturally occurring phenolic compounds appear to be extensively used as bio-preservatives to prolong the shelf life of the finished product. Based on the convincing shreds of evidence reported in the literature, it is suggested that phenolic compounds and their derivatives have massive potential to be investigated for the development of new moieties and are proven to be promising drug molecules. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the significant role of phenolic compounds and their derivatives in the preservation of perishable products from microbial attack due to their exclusive antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties and the problems associated with the use of synthetic preservatives in pharmaceutical products. This article also analyzes the recent trends in preservation along with technical norms that regulate the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products in the developing countries.

Factors Affecting the Consumption of Traditional Food in Tourism-Perceptions of the Management Sector of Catering Facilities

The topic of this study is the factors that influence the consumption of traditional food products (TFPs) in tourism, as seen from the perspective of management-sector employees in food and beverage catering facilities. The paper aims to analyse the economic, environmental, social, and touristic factors that highly influence the consumption patterns of catering facilities which are significant providers of traditional gastronomic experiences in tourism, by using the specially designed TFPct scale. The study was conducted on a sample of 300 catering facilities in AP Vojvodina (the Republic of Serbia). An explanatory factor analysis was used to confirm the key factors that influence the consumption of traditional products used to prepare the meals that are a part of what catering facilities offer. Subsequently, a binary logistics regression model was used to establish which of the indicated factors has a statistically significant effect on the management's decision to purchase these products for their catering facility. The study showed that the TFPct scale is appropriate for this type of research, and that economic factors are key factors in the consumption of traditional products. Moreover, compared with other types of catering facilities, interest in the consumption of these products is clearly expressed by a la carte restaurants.

Probiotic potential of Lactobacillus plantarum DMR14 for preserving and extending shelf life of fruits and fruit juice

The harmful effects of chemical preservatives are driving the need for natural ones. To meet this demand, probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fermented oats in this study. The goals of this study were to separate and identify probiotic LAB from fermented oats, to determine how effective these LAB are at combating pathogenic microorganisms in vitro, and to investigate their preservative capacity by applying the bacterium's cell-free supernatant (CFS) to specific fruits and fruit juice. The isolated strain was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum DMR14 using morphological, biochemical, and molecular investigation. Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-oxidant, pH tolerance, and antibiotic resistance assays were used to evaluate the strain's probiotic potential, showing that Lactobacillus plantarum DMR14 had the strongest antagonistic and anti-biofilm capacity against Shigella boydii. Furthermore, the bacteriocin-containing compounds, cell-free supernatant (CFS) of the LAB, were tested against three fruits and one fruit juice, with the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of the bacterium lengthening the shelf life of the fruits compared to the untreated ones. Furthermore, while the concentration of coliform bacteria decreased in the treated sugarcane juice, an increase in the concentration of lactic acid bacteria suggested that the strain may be used as a fruit preservative in food industries.

Investigation of interfacial adsorption between microplastics and methylparaben in aqueous solution

Microplastics and parabens are considered to be a global contaminants, especially in the aquatic ecosystem. The interfacial interaction between four types of microplastics including polystyrene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride, and methylparaben were investigated in this study. The results showed that molecular layer dominates the adsorption, with the rate significantly affected by both internal diffusion and external diffusion. Among the four types, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride showed the smallest and biggest adsorption capability, with the values were 0.656 and 1.269 mg g^-1, respectively. For the adsorption capability, smaller particle size and higher pH value possessed positive effects. However, the existence of metal ions could inhibit the adsorption process, except for a weak promotion at low salinity. Physical adsorption effects, such as electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bond formation, and covalent bond formation, had been identified that dominated the adsorption. This finding could be served as a speculative foundation for the further study of the toxicity, migration, and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in aquatic ecosystem.

Current research trends on cosmetic microplastic pollution and its impacts on the ecosystem: A review

Since the advent of microplastics, it has become a vital component, directly or indirectly, in our daily lives. With advancements in their use, microplastics have become an integral part of personal care, cosmetics, and cleaning products (PCCPs) and emerged as a domestic source of environmental pollution. Over the years, researchers have ascertained the harmful effects of microplastics on the environment. In this context, the assessment and monitoring of microplastics in PCCPs require considerable attention. In addition, it raises concern regarding the need to develop innovative, sustainable, and environmentally safe technologies to combat microplastic pollution. Therefore, this review is an endeavor to uncover the fate, route and degradation mechanism of cosmetic microplastics. In addition, the major technological advancement in cosmetic microplastic removal and the steps directed toward mitigating cosmetic microplastic pollution are also discussed.

A Novel Approach in Skin Care: By-Product Extracts as Natural UV Filters and an Alternative to Synthetic Ones

The cosmetic industry has been focusing on replacing synthetic ingredients with natural ones, taking advantage of their bioactive compounds. This work assessed the biological properties of onion peel (OP) and passion fruit peel (PFP) extracts in topical formulations as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants and UV filters. The extracts were characterized regarding their antioxidant capacity, antibacterial capacity and sun protection factor (SPF) value. Results revealed that the OP extract exhibited better results, which can result from the high concentrations of quercetin, as identified and quantified in HPLC analysis. Afterward, nine formulations of O/W creams were produced with minor changes in the quantity of additives: OP and PFP extract (natural antioxidants and UV filters), BHT (synthetic antioxidant) and oxybenzone (synthetic UV filter). The stability of the formulations was determined for 28 days; it was verified that they remained stable throughout the study period. The assays of the formulations' antioxidant capacity and SPF value revealed that OP and PFP extracts have some photoprotective properties and are excellent sources of antioxidants. As a result, they can be incorporated in daily moisturizers with SPF and sunscreens replacing and/or diminishing the quantities of synthetic ingredients, reducing their negative effects on human health and the environment.

ORAİBİ H. Health Risk Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Lipsticks Sold in Local Markets in Iraq

Heavy metals found in cosmetics are a safety threat to the health of consumers. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the levels of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) in lipstick makeup. The level of heavy metals in lipstick was discovered by using an analytical technique with high selectivity and sensitivity, namely atomic absorption spectrometry. Twenty lipsticks were selected from the same brands, yet differing in price. Ten original (expensive) and ten knockoff (cheap) lipsticks were chosen from shops in Diyala, Iraq. The detection-limit (LOD) was in between 0.01 and 0.1, the quantification-limit (LOQ) was within 0.03 and 0.33, the recovery values (Rec.%) ranged from 100.17% to 101.1%, the RE values were 0.81%, and the RSD values were 1.33%. The results also revealed that the levels of metals are in the order of Pb > Cd > Zn > Cu > As > Cr. However, the levels of heavy metals that were estimated in this study were less than the permissible limit set by the executive authorities, so there seems to be no concern associated with these heavy metals. However, the daily and frequent use of lipstick by women exposes them to low levels of toxic metals as these metals accumulate over time and pose adverse effects on the health of the users. The results of the hazard quotient (HQ) and health risk index (HI) indicate there was no harmful effect on human health related to heavy metals present in lipstick. Whereas the results of the biological activity of the samples indicated that there was no bacterial growth in expensive samples, cheap samples were contaminated with some types of organisms; this indicates poor quality.

Quantification and identification of airborne small microplastics (<100 μm) and other microlitter components in atmospheric aerosol via a novel elutriation and oleo-extraction method

The atmosphere is a significant pathway for distributing plastic particles and other micro-litter particles from their sources to other environmental compartments. There is a big gap regarding the standardized method for the quantification and identification of airborne microplastics (MPs), especially those in the range of 5-100 μm (small microplastics, SMPs) and airborne micro-litter components (MLCs), i.e., plastic additives, natural fibers and non-plastics synthetic fibers. This study aimed to develop and optimize a pre-treatment method (i.e., elutriation, oleoextraction, and purification) to extract SMPs and MLCs simultaneously from urban aerosol samples. The quantification and simultaneous chemical characterization were performed via Micro-FTIR. The method developed was then applied to two samples from different seasons, i.e., summer and late fall - winter. Micro-litter particles followed the Poisson distribution, and the fiducial limit (confidence interval) was calculated accordingly. Non-parametric statistical tests were performed to evaluate significant differences among the samples. The most abundant plastic polymers were polyethylene (HDPE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Among MLCs, flame retardants, UV filters, stabilizers, and rayon were identified. The results of this study will contribute significantly to establishing standardized and accredited methods to quantify and identify airborne SMPs and MLCs.

Multispectroscopic, virtual and in vivo insights into the photoaging defense mediated by the natural food colorant bixin

An upsurge in early onset of photoaging due to repeated skin exposure to environmental stressors such as UV radiation is a challenge for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical divisions. Current reports indicate severe side effects because of chemical or synthetic inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) in anti-skin aging cosmeceuticals. We evaluated the adequacy of bixin, a well-known FDA certified food additive, as a scavenger of free radicals and its inhibitory mechanism of action on MMP1, collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. The anti-skin aging potential of bixin was evaluated by several biotechnological tools in silico, in vitro and in vivo. Molecular docking and simulation dynamics studies gave a virtual insight into the robust binding interaction between bixin and skin aging-related enzymes. Absorbance and fluorescence studies, enzyme inhibition assays, enzyme kinetics and in vitro bioassays of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells highlighted bixin's role as a potent antioxidant and inhibitor of skin aging-related enzymes. Furthermore, in vivo protocols were carried out to study the impact of bixin administration on UVA induced photoaging in C57BL/6 mice skin. Here, we uncover the UVA shielding effect of bixin and its efficacy as a novel anti-photoaging agent. Furthermore, the findings of this study provide a strong foundation to explore the pharmaceutical applications of bixin in several other biochemical pathways linked to MMP1, collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase.

Occurrence, effects, and ecological risks of chemicals in sanitizers and disinfectants: A review

In response to the novel coronavirus referred to as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – a virus that causes COVID-19 disease has led to wide use of sanitizers and disinfectants. This, in turn, triggered concerns on their potential deleterious effects to human health and the environment due to numerous chemicals incorporated in both product categories. Here, the current state of science regarding the occurrence and ecological effects of different classes of chemicals in these products (e.g., ultraviolent filters, fragrances, etc.) are summarized in different natural (e.g., rivers) and engineered (e.g., wastewater treatment plants) systems. Data collected in the literature suggests chemicals incorporated in sanitizers and disinfectants are present in the environment, and a large portion are toxic to fish, algae, and daphnia. Using the risk quotient approach based on occurrence data, we found eight chemicals that posed the highest risk to aquatic organisms in freshwater systems were benzalkonium chloride, 4-chloro-m-cresol, sodium ortho phenyl phenate, hydrogen peroxide, 1, 2-propanediol, 4-Methyl-benzilidine-camphor, ethylhexyl methoxy cinnamate, and octocrylene. Considering limited occurrence and effects information for most chemicals, further studies on environmental monitoring and potential consequences of long-term exposure in aquatic ecosystems are recommended.

Optimized High-Content Imaging Screening Quantifying Micronuclei Formation in Polymer-Treated HaCaT Keratinocytes

Research on nano- and micro-plastic particles (NMPPs) suggests their potential threat to human health. Some studies have even suggested genotoxic effects of NMPP exposure, such as micronuclei (MN) formation, while others found the opposite. To clarify the ability of NMPP to induce MN formation, we used non-malignant HaCaT keratinocytes and exposed these to a variety of polystyrene (PS) and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) particle types at different concentrations and three different sizes. Investigations were performed following acute (one day) and chronic exposure (five weeks) against cytotoxic (amino-modified NMPPs) and genotoxic (methyl methanesulfonate, MMS) positive controls. An optimized high-content imaging workflow was established strictly according to OECD guidelines for analysis. Algorithm-based object segmentation and MN identification led to computer-driven, unsupervised quantitative image analysis results on MN frequencies among the different conditions and thousands of cells per condition. This could only be realized using accutase, allowing for partial cell detachment for optimal identification of bi-nucleated cells. Cytotoxic amino-modified particles were not genotoxic; MMS was both. During acute and long-term studies, PS and PMMA particles were neither toxic nor increased MN formation, except for 1000 nm PS particles at the highest concentration of unphysiological 100 µg/mL. Interestingly, ROS formation was significantly decreased in this condition. Hence, most non-charged polymer particles were neither toxic nor genotoxic, while aminated particles were toxic but not genotoxic. Altogether, we present an optimized quantitative imaging workflow applied to a timely research question in environmental toxicity.

Chemicals of concern in personal care products used by women of color in three communities of California

BACKGROUND

Personal care products (PCPs) may contain chemicals associated with adverse health effects. Prior studies found differences in product use by race/ethnicity and suggest some women are disproportionately exposed to chemicals of concern (CoCs).

OBJECTIVE

We quantified chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive or developmental harm, or endocrine disruption in PCPs used by women of color.

METHODS

We documented PCPs in stores frequented by Black, Latina, and Vietnamese women in their communities in California and CoCs on ingredient labels of 546 unique hair, skin, makeup, nail, deodorant/perfume, and intimate care products. Community partners chose 31 products for a combined targeted and suspect screen (National Institute of Standards and Technology mass spectral library search) two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS) analysis to detect chemicals not on ingredient labels.

RESULTS

We found that 65% of labels included CoCs, and 74% of labels had undisclosed ingredients listed as "fragrance." The most prevalent chemicals were parabens, cyclosiloxanes, and formaldehyde releasers. GCxGC-TOFMS found additional CoCs, including fragrances, solvents, preservatives, ultraviolet filters, and contaminants.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings contribute to awareness of potentially hazardous chemicals in PCPs, can help estimate disparities in chemical exposure, and complement research on health inequities due to chemical exposures from various contributors.

IMPACT STATEMENT

This study is one of the first detailed assessments of chemicals of concern found in various types of PCPs used by several racial/ethnic groups. We found that over half of the 546 products selected by community partners as marketed to and/or used by them contained ingredients linked to cancer, reproductive or developmental harm, or endocrine disruption. Laboratory analysis identified additional chemicals in a subset of products, including unlabeled fragrance chemicals and contaminants. Elucidating exposures to chemicals in PCPs is important for risk assessment and health inequity research.

Pickering Emulsions: A Novel Tool for Cosmetic Formulators

The manufacturing of stable emulsion is a very important challenge for the cosmetic industry, which has motivated intense research activity for replacing conventional molecular stabilizers with colloidal particles. These allow minimizing the hazards and risks associated with the use of conventional molecular stabilizers, providing enhanced stability to the obtained dispersions. Therefore, particle-stabilized emulsions (Pickering emulsions) present many advantages with respect to conventional ones, and hence, their commercialization may open new avenues for cosmetic formulators. This makes further efforts to optimize the fabrication procedures of Pickering emulsions, as well as the development of their applicability in the fabrication of different cosmetic formulations, necessary. This review tries to provide an updated perspective that can help the cosmetic industry in the exploitation of Pickering emulsions as a tool for designing new cosmetic products, especially creams for topical applications.

Evaluation of pollutants in perfumes, colognes and health effects on the consumer: a systematic review

Cosmetic products, especially perfumes and colognes, are widely used in various communities. However, the use of these products can have side effects on consumers. This article aims to review the relevant literature published up to August 2020 to determine whether perfumes and colognes can affect people's health. Relevant articles were identified through electronic search. A total of 562 articles were selected and finally 37 related articles were included in the study after the screening process. The results of this systematic study showed that phthalates, aldehydes, parabens and aluminum-based salts are the most important contaminants in aromatic products that cause side effects such as allergies, breast cancer, reproductive disorders, especially in males, skin allergies, nervous system damage and migraine headaches for consumers. The incidence of complications in people using these products depends on parameters such as age, gender, race, amount of substance consumed, duration of use and economic status, and regarding the relationship between diseases such as cancer, respiratory disorders and endocrine with common contaminants in aromatic products, incidence of these diseases is probable in consumers which require further research to prove.

Dynamic Covalent Cross-linked Nanogel-stabilized Pickering Emulsion for Responsive Microstructures

Designing new dynamic matrices in combination with a highly diverse material formation approach as Pickering emulsionsprovides us with the tools to engineer innovative dynamic porous microstructures in a highly controllable fashion. Here we make use of nanogels (nGels), which exhibits dynamic covalent cross-linking capabilities, as surface stabilizing agents in view of their highly controllable physiochemical properties. The method provides successful formation of dynamic covalent cross-linked hydrogel microstructures based on ketone and amine functionalized nGels using Pickering emulsions was shown. In this system we incorporated a pH-triggerable responsive behavior. The physiochemical properties of the resulting microstructure can be further tailored by modifying the intramolecular interactions at the interface, making this systems interesting for a wide range of applications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Comparative evaluation of carvacrol and eugenol chitosan nanoparticles as eco-friendly preservative agents in cosmetics

The current status of controversy regarding the use of certain preservatives in cosmetic products makes it necessary to seek new ecological alternatives that are free of adverse effects on users. In our study, two different natural terpenes Carvacrol and Eugenol were encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles in different ratios of Chitosan:terpene. The nanoparticles were characterized by DLS and TEM showing a maximum particle size of 100 nm. The chemical structure, thermal properties, and release profile of terpenes were evaluated showing a successful protection of terpene in Chitosan matrix. Two different release profile were observed showing a faster release profile in the case of Eugenol. Antimicrobial properties of nanoparticles were evaluated against typical microbial contaminants found in cosmetic products, showing higher antimicrobial properties with chitosan encapsulation of terpenes. Furthermore, natural moisturizing cream inoculated with beforementioned microorganisms was formulated with Carvacrol-chitosan nanoparticles and Eugenol-chitosan nanoparticles to evaluate the preservative efficiency, indicating a highest preservative efficiency with the use of Eugenol-chitosan nanoparticles.

Microplastic consumption induces inflammatory signatures in the colon and prolongs a viral arthritis

Global microplastic (MP) contamination and the effects on the environment are well described. However, the potential for MP consumption to affect human health remains controversial. Mice consuming ≈80 μg/kg/day of 1 μm polystyrene MPs via their drinking water showed no weight loss, nor were MPs detected in internal organs. The microbiome was also not significantly changed. MP consumption did lead to small transcriptional changes in the colon suggesting plasma membrane perturbations and mild inflammation. Mice were challenged with the arthritogenic chikungunya virus, with MP consumption leading to a significantly prolonged arthritic foot swelling that was associated with elevated Th1, NK cell and neutrophil signatures. Immunohistochemistry also showed a significant increase in the ratio of neutrophils to monocyte/macrophages. The picture that emerges is reminiscent of enteropathic arthritis, whereby perturbations in the colon are thought to activate innate lymphoid cells that can inter alia migrate to joint tissues to promote inflammation.

Algae bioprocess to deal with cosmetic chemical pollutants in natural ecosystems: A comprehensive review

Elevated demand and extensive exploitation of cosmetics in day-to-day life have hiked up its industrial productions worldwide. Organic and inorganic chemicals like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and so forth are being applied as constituents towards the formulations, which tend to be the mainspring ecological complication due to their enduring nature and accumulation properties in various sections of the ecosystem. These cosmetic chemicals get accrued into the terrestrial and aquatic systems on account of various anthropogenic activities involving agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and domestic effluents. Recently, the use of microbes for remediating persistent cosmetic chemicals has gained immense interest. Among different forms of the microbial community being applied as an environmental beneficiary, algae play a vital role in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by their biologically beneficial metabolites and molecules, resulting in the biobenign and efficacious consequences. The use of various bacterial, fungal, and higher plant species has been studied intensely for their bioremediation elements. The bioremediating property of the algal cells through biosorption, bioassimilation, biotransformation, and biodegradation has made it favorable for the removal of persistent and toxic pollutants from the environment. However, the research investigation concerned with the bioremediation potential of the algal kingdom is limited. This review summarizes and provides updated and comprehensive insights into the potential remediation capabilities of algal species against ecologically hazardous pollutants concerning cosmetic chemicals.

The Use of Calcium Phosphates in Cosmetics, State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Calcium phosphates (CaPs) belong to a class of biomimetic materials widely employed for medical applications thanks to their excellent properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility and osteoinductivity. The recent trend in the cosmetics field of substituting potentially hazardous materials with natural, safe, and sustainable ingredients for the health of consumers and for the environment, as well as the progress in the materials science of academics and chemical industries, has opened new perspectives in the use of CaPs in this field. While several reviews have been focused on the applications of CaP-based materials in medicine, this is the first attempt to catalogue the properties and use of CaPs in cosmetics. In this review a brief introduction on the chemical and physical characteristics of the main CaP phases is given, followed by an up-to-date report of their use in cosmetics through a large literature survey of research papers and patents. The application of CaPs as agents in oral care, skin care, hair care, and odor control has been selected and extensively discussed, highlighting the correlation between the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of the materials with their final applications. Finally, perspectives on the main challenges that should be addressed by the scientific community and cosmetics companies to widen the application of CaPs in cosmetics are given.

Insights into Paraben Adsorption by Metal-Organic Frameworks for Analytical Applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are attractive materials used as sorbents in analytical microextraction applications for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) from environmental liquid matrices. The demanding specs for a sorbent in the analytical application can be comprehensively studied by considering the interactions of the target analytes with the frameworks by the use of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, computational analysis, and adsorption studies, including the kinetic ones. The current study intends a better understanding of the interactions of target CECs (particularly, propylparaben (PPB) as a model) and three Zn-based layered pillared MOFs: CIM-81 [Zn₂(tz)₂(bdc)] (Htz = 1,2,4-triazole and H₂bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid) and their amino derivatives [Zn₂(NH₂-tz)₂(bdc)] CIM-82 and [Zn₂(tz)₂(NH₂-bdc)] CIM-83 (NH₂-Htz = 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole and NH₂-H₂bdc = 2-amino-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid). The crystal structures of the two solvate compounds (dma@CIM-81 (dma = dimethylacetamide) and acetone@CIM-81) were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction to determine the points of interaction between the framework and the guest molecules. They also served as a starting point for the computational modeling of the PPB@CIM-81 compound, showing that up to two PPB molecules can be hosted in one of the pores, while only one can be trapped in the second pore type, leading to a maximum theoretical capacity of 291.9 mg g^-1. This value is close to the value obtained by the adsorption isotherm experiment for CIM-81 (283 mg g^-1). This value is, by far, higher than those previously reported for other materials for the removal of PPB from water, and also higher than the experimental values obtained for CIM-82 (54 mg g^-1) and CIM-83 (153 mg g^-1). The kinetics of adsorption is not very fast, with uptake of about 40% in 3 h, although a 70% release in methanol is achieved in 1 h. In addition, a further comparison of performance in analytical microextraction (requiring only 10 mg of CIM-81) was carried out together with chromatographic analysis to support all insights attained, with the method being able to monitor CECs as low as μg L^-1 levels in complex environmental water samples, thus performing successfully for water monitoring even in multicomponent scenarios.

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles from Iris tuberosa as Potential Preservative in Cosmetic Products

Biogenic-silver nanoparticles emerge as new nanosilver platforms that allow us to obtain silver nanoparticles via "green chemistry". In our study, biogenic-silver nanoparticles were obtained from Iris tuberosa leaf extract. Nanoparticles were characterized by a UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamical light scattering technique. The transmission electron microscope revealed spheric and irregular nanoparticles with 5 to 50 nm in diameter. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated against typical microbial contaminants found in cosmetic products, showing high antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, natural moisturizing cream was formulated with biogenic-silver nanoparticles to evaluate the preservative efficiency through a challenge test, indicating its promising use as preservative in cosmetics.

Nanoadsorbents in focus for the remediation of environmentally-related contaminants with rising toxicity concerns

Modern lifestyle demands high-end commodities, for instance, cosmetics, detergents, shampoos, household cleaning, sanitary items, medicines, and so forth. In recent years, these products' consumption has increased considerably, being antibiotics and some other pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs). Several antibiotics and PPCPs represent a wide range of emerging contaminants with a straight ingress into aquatic systems, given their high persistence in seawater, effluent treatment plants, and even drinking water. Under these considerations, the necessity of developing new and affordable technologies for the treatment and sustainable mitigation of pollutants is highly requisite for a safer and cleaner environment. One possible mitigation solution is an effective deployment of nanotechnological cues as promising matrices that can contribute by attending issues and improving the current strategies to detect, prevent, and mitigate hazardous pollutants in water. Focused on nanoparticles' distinctive physical and chemical properties, such as high surface area, small size, and shape, metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been investigated for water remediation. MNPs gained increasing interest among research groups due to their superior efficiency, stability, and high catalyst activity compared with conventional systems. This review summarizes the occurrence of antibiotics and PPCPs and the application of MNPs as pollutant mitigators in the aquatic environment. The work also focuses on transportation fate, toxicity, and current regulations for environmental safety.

Nanoparticles from the Cosmetics and Medical Industries in Legal and Environmental Aspects

This paper presents the application and role of nanomaterials, with particular emphasis on the cosmetics and medical industries. Methods of obtaining materials at the nanoscale and their characteristic structure, which determines their attractiveness and risk, especially in recent years, have been described. The subject of the work was to indicate the hazards and risks that are associated with the properties of nanomaterials; dimension, and high chemical and physical activity, thus making ways to capture and monitor them difficult. Legal and environmental aspects were taken into account, and the involvement of the European Commission in this subject and the activities carried out in a few European countries as well as in Japan, the USA and Canada were analyzed.

Tracing skin aging process: a mini- review of in vitro approaches

Skin is a rather complex, yet useful organ of our body. Besides, skin aging is a complicated process that gains a growing interest as mediates many molecular processes in our body. Thus, an efficient skin model is important to understand skin aging function as well as to develop an effective innovative product for skin aging treatment. In this mini review, we present in vitro methods for assessments of skin aging in an attempt to pinpoint basic molecular mechanisms behind this process achieving both a better understanding of aging function and an effective  evaluation of potential products or ingredients that counteract aging. Specifically, this study presents in vitro assays such as 2D or 3D skin models, to evaluate skin aging-related processes such as skin moisturization, photoaging, wound healing, menopause, and skin microbiome as novel efforts in the designing of efficacy assessments in the development of skincare products.

Intention to Purchase Halal Cosmetics: Do Males and Females Differ? A Multigroup Analysis

As Muslims bound to Islamic teachings, the attitude of young millennials preferring non-halal international cosmetics is trivial. Despite the acceptance of halal food, literature on the acceptance of halal cosmetics remains scarce. The intention to purchase halal cosmetics is crucial for the sustainability of halal cosmetics manufacturers. The authors used the theory of planned behavior to identify factors influencing the purchase intention of halal cosmetics among Muslim millennials. Since cosmetics are not exclusively used by females, as males are starting to use them in their daily lives, gender was incorporated into the framework to assess its moderating effect on the relationship. Furthermore, brand image was included in the theory of planned behavior. Data were collected from three universities in Malaysia. A total of 501 responses were analyzed with smart partial least squares to run a multigroup analysis. The analysis revealed that subjective norms have a stronger effect on females, and perceived behavioral control has a greater effect on males. Although attitude and brand image have a positive effect on the intention to purchase halal cosmetics, gender has no effect. The findings are essential for halal cosmetics manufacturers to craft a marketing strategy aimed at Muslim millennials in Malaysia.

Fate and distribution of benzotriazole UV filters and stabilizers in environmental compartments from Gran Canaria Island (Spain): A comparison study

Tourism is an economic sector of great importance worldwide. In coastal areas, this activity is associated with the use of personal care products, such as ultraviolet (UV) filters and stabilizers. Therefore, assessing their presence and the exposure of living organisms to the impact of this kind of pollutant in such areas could be especially important. The Canary Islands (Spain) are considered an outermost region, and their main economic activity is based on tourism, both national and international. Thus, this area could be remarkably vulnerable to this kind of pollution, and its characterization could be useful to infer conclusions for other similar regions. With this aim, the occurrence of organic UV filters and stabilizers in different environmental matrices in Gran Canaria Island is presented in this work. Six benzotriazole compounds, UV-P, UV-326, UV-327, UV-328, UV-329 and UV-360, were found in wastewater, seawater, sludge, sediment, seaweed and fish samples. The numerous studies devoted to establishing the distribution of these target compounds in many different matrices on a touristic and particularly overcrowded island such as Gran Canaria can be used to understand the pollution situation in similar locations. The works in which determination procedures using different extraction techniques were optimized and validated for the analysis of liquid and solid samples are summarized. They are critically discussed regarding their characteristics and analytical parameters. This research is of interest to environmental managers specializing in the conservation of coastal areas where tourism is an important industry since the active components of UV filters and stabilizers can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the trophic chain.

A comprehensive risk assessment of toxic elements in international brands of face foundation powders

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and wearing masks in many countries, women are keen on elegance, beauty and the use of face foundations. Assessment of health risks associated with the regular use of face foundation by females is dynamic due to the emerging products. The most common international 14 brands of face foundation powders were collected and the concentrations of different elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, V and Zn) in each sample were determined. A combined approach merging the conventional and computational tools was used for investigating the risk of exposure to toxic elements. Monte Carlo simulations were applied to calculate risks associated with twenty elements. We attempted different probability distribution functions for concentrations because the actual distribution functions are not known, and the only data available are the mean value and standard deviation of concentrations obtained from experiment. Our results indicate that the total non-carcinogenic health risk through exposure to different elements (Hazardous Index, HI) does not strongly depend on the choice of the probability distribution function for the concentrations. We also show that taking into account probability distributions of other variables and parameters such as body weight, exposed skin area, skin adhesion, etc. does not significantly change the main result rather just slightly broadening the final Hazardous Index distribution function. We found that calculated HI is well below unity for all considered samples, i.e., the dermal exposure to toxic elements in the considered facial powders is negligible and the considered face foundation powders are quite safe to use.

Worldwide actions against plastic pollution from microbeads and microplastics in cosmetics focusing on European policies. Has the issue been handled effectively?

Microbeads are solid primary microplastics < 5 mm in diameter that are added to cosmetic products for cleansing and/or exfoliation of the skin. After use, they are discharged into the drain and end up in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs), from which they can escape into waters. Once disposed, there is no efficient method of recovery and the environmental conditions do not allow full biodegradation. Focusing mainly on the possible effect of microbeads on the environment and the human health, and taking into account that there have always been alternatives with similar cost, scientists suggested banning microbeads from cosmetic products. Despite the increasing knowledge on the microplastics' effects, the pressure from non-governmental organizations (NGO's) and the increasing public concern, few European and other countries worldwide have taken legislative steps against microbeads, and even fewer against other microplastics used in cosmetic products, mainly because it is a common belief that cosmetic industries responded massively to the call for a phase-out. Although EU acted soon after scientists focused on microbeads' effects by restricting cosmetics with microbeads to bare the EU Ecolabel in 2014, there is still no European-wide ban, which will probably take place as of 2022. Present study offers a thorough literature review on the presence of microbeads in cosmetics up to date, focusing primarily on the actions against their use, and questioning whether future pollution from microbeads or/and microplastics in cosmetics has been successfully handled.

Unexpected effect of ozone on the paraben's mixture degradation using TiO2 supported nanotubes

Titanium dioxide can present advantages when coupled with ozonation. Moreover, the catalytic ozonation can be enhanced by radiation. The main disadvantage of this technology is the use of a suspended catalyst entailing a separation step. Thus, catalytic ozonation was analysed using supported TiO₂ nanotubes prepared by anodization at different voltages. The effect of different radiation sources on the catalytic ozonation of parabens was tested. The increase on voltage preparation led to plates with higher surface areas from 60 to 280 cm². However, this did not improve the parabens mixture degradation during UVA photocatalytic ozonation. The use of sunlight radiation allows a significant reduction in terms of time necessary for total parabens degradation from 15 to 10 min. However, the amount of ozone required doubles. Catalytic ozonation presents worst results than single ozonation. This means that molecular ozone is the main responsible for degradation. No dissolved ozone was detected at the experiments with supported nanotubes which could mean that it was adsorbed on the catalysts surface decreasing the degradation rates. The presence of municipal wastewaters as matrix inhibited parabens degradation for both single and catalytic ozonation, mainly due to the trapping ozone effect. In fact, for the TOD of 4.5 mg/L it was just possible to remove about 80% of parabens when MWW compared to 100% when UP was used. Even so, the presence of supported nanotubes during ozonation seems to be required to reduce the toxicity of the resultant treated effluent. In fact, the wastewater luminescence inhibition decreased (from 100 to 43%) and germination index increased (from 7 to 97%) with catalytic ozonation which may enable treated water reuse.

Lignin-Based Sunscreens—State-of-the-Art, Prospects and Challenges

This review covers the latest developments and challenges in the field of broad-spectrum sunscreens and how sunscreens based on lignin address their requirements in terms of sunlight protection, antioxidants, and preservatives.

Persistence, ecological risks, and oxidoreductases-assisted biocatalytic removal of triclosan from the aquatic environment

Triclosan (TCS) has been immensely employed in health care products and consumer items, as an active agent with fungicidal and bactericidal potentialities, such as soaps, sanitizers, tubes of toothpaste, deodorants, skin creams, and so on for over last five decades. The ultimate excretory route of TCS ends in our water matrices, thus has been frequently detected with ecological and human-health related matters and hazards. Bioactive residues of TCS reach into the key atmosphere compartment through numerous routes, such as (1) scarce or ineffective elimination or degradation throughout the treatment practices, (2) abandoned landfill leachates, (3) leakage from the discarded TCS-containing materials, and so on. Such persistence and occurrence of TCS or its degraded but bioactive residues have growing attentions. Its complete removal and/or effective prevention are still challenging tasks for safeguarding the environment. Owing to the highly effective catalytic and stability potential, enzyme-based bio-degradation approaches are considered an evocative substitute for TCS mitigation from environmental matrices. As compared to enzymes in their pristine form, immobilized enzymes, with unique catalytic, stability, selectivity, and reusability profile, are of supreme and strategic interest in environmental biotechnology. Herein, an effort has been made to signify the novel bio-catalytic and bio-degradation potentialities of various oxidoreductases, including laccases, and peroxidases including soybean peroxidase, versatile manganese peroxidase, and horseradish peroxidase with suitable examples. Following a brief introduction, the focus is given to the presence of TCS in the key atmosphere compartments. Potential sources, acquaintance, and hazardous influence of TCS are also discussed with recent and relevant examples. The second half shows the TCS removal/degradation potentialities of soluble enzyme-based catalytic systems and immobilized-enzyme-based catalytic systems. Finally, the concluding remarks, along with possible future directions are given in this significant research arena.

Mitigation of environmentally-related hazardous pollutants from water matrices using nanostructured materials - A review

An unprecedented rise in population growth and rapid worldwide industrial development are associated with the increasing discharge of a range of toxic and baleful compounds. These toxic pollutants including dyes, endocrine-disrupters, heavy metals, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals are destructing nature's balance and intensifying environmental toxicity at a disquieting rate. Therefore, finding better, novel and more environmentally sound approaches for wastewater remediation are of great importance. Nanoscale materials have opened up some new horizons in various fields of science and technology. Among a range of treatment technologies, nanostructured materials have recently received incredible interest as an emerging platform for wastewater remediation owing to their exceptional surface-area-to-volume ratio, unique electrical and chemical properties, quantum size effects, high scalability, and tunable surface functionalities. An array of nanomaterials including noble metal-based nanostructures, transition metal oxide nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes, and graphene/graphene oxide nanomaterials to their novel nanocomposites and nanoconjugates have been attempted as the promising catalysts to overcome environmental dilemmas. In this review, we summarized recent advances in nanostructured materials that are particularly engineered for the remediation of environmental contaminants. The toxicity of various classes of relevant tailored nanomaterials towards human health and the ecosystem along with perspectives is also presented. In our opinion, an overview of the up-to-date advancements on this emerging topic may provide new ideas and thoughts for engineering low-cost and highly-efficient nanostructured materials for the abatement of recalcitrant pollutants for a sustainable environment.