Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Some Cosmetic Products (Foundation, Blusher, and Face Powder) By Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Abstract

The concentrations of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) in three brands of cosmetics; Five type from each foundation cream, blush and face powder, all samples were collected in during April 2023, from Benghazi city markets in the east of Libya. After wet digestion, the samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean concentrations observed in the cosmetic samples of foundation cream ranged between 0.00 to 2.10 mg/kg of Pb; 0.13 to 7.56 mg/kg of Cd; 0.17 to 2.69 mg/kg of Cr; 0.00 to 12.89mg/kg of Mn and 3.53 to 11.25 mg/kg of Zn.

While the mean concentrations observed in the cosmetic samples of blusher ranged between 0.00 to 10.98 mg/kg Pb; 1.95 to 7.48 mg/kg Cd; 0.00 to 8.89 mg/kg Cr; 0.26 to 0.65mg/kg Mn and 1.14 to 18.59mg/kg Zn. and the mean concentrations observed in the cosmetic samples of face powder ranged between 1.76 to 5.92mg/kg Pb; 0.00 to 3.24 mg/kg Cd; 0.00 to 10.89 mg/kg Cr; 0.39 to 3.84mg/kg Mn and 0.17 to 6.51mg/kg Zn. all study samples were subjected to microorganism analysis and all results were negative, meaning they were free of any bacterial contamination. However, chemical analysis showed that, the results obtained revealed that Pb, Cd and Mn in most samples of study were higher than WHO permissible limits (World Health Organization). However, it would be preterm to jump into conclusion to decide the fates of the analyzed products on the bases of their heavy metal concentrations as the possibilities of counterfeiting or spuriousness of named brands cannot be overemphasized. An urgent need arises for strict regulations in Libya and concerted effort must be made to curb spuriousness of known brand and also in informing cosmetics users on the harmful effects of over consumption of cosmetics and heavy metal accumulations in the body.