Cosmetics

Heavy metals, such as antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), are recognized as toxic and carcinogenic. These metals can generate allergic reactions if ingested or allowed to come into contact with our skin. Their use in cosmetics, as pigments, stabilizers and biocides, has been regulated in several markets for a number of years, but stricter rules are now enforced.

Read more:

https://www.sgs.com/en/news/2017/07/heavy-metals-in-cosmetics

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00003-016-1044-2

Researchers at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health tested 32 different lipsticks and lip glosses commonly found in drugstores and department stores. They detected lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and five other metals, some of which were found at levels that could raise potential health concerns. Their findings were published Thursday, May 2 in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Read more:

https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1205518