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.