Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Selected Personal Care Beauty Creams Purchased from Egyptian Local Markets

Abstract

Cosmetics are a major source of heavy metal releases. Various types of chemicals as ingredients, some of which are used as preservatives, are used in cosmetic products. The presence of harmful chemicals in these materials is a matter of concern. Cosmetic products include heavy metals among the harmful chemicals. This study has been carried out to assess the level of heavy metals in Egyptian products. Nineteen different brand products of beauty creams including oily skin creams, dry skin creams, Natural skin creams, whitening creams and ACNE creams were purchased from local Egyptian markets or misbrands of frequently used beauty creams. Samples have been analyzed to determine concentration of heavy metals; lead (Pb), mercury (Hg); cobalt (Ni), manganese (Mn) , copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), concentrations of heavy metals; lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cobalt (Ni), manganese (Mn) , copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chrome (Cr), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), tin (Sn) and other materials have been identified. Samples have been analyzed. Based on the mean concentrations, ACNE creams were found to be highly contaminated types with lead, mercury, Arsenic, Zinc and Nickel, while, whitening creams were found to be highly contaminated varieties with manganese, iron and tin. On the other hand, the highest concentration of copper was found in dry skin creams. The health risk exposure was evaluated for estimated weekly intake and the most of these elements are identified as potential impurities and known to be toxic. The results of the study show that the prolonged use of these products threat human health. Consequently, quality control is suggested to impose acceptable limits of contaminants in cosmetics.