Elemental impurities in lipsticks: Results from a survey of the Portuguese and Brazilian markets

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018

Authors

Pinto, E (Author) Other; Paiva, K (Author) Other; Carvalhido, A (Author) Other; Agostinho Almeida (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology

Vol. 95

Pages: 307-313

ISSN: 0273-2300

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 12 Citations

Scopus - 16 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-VNY

DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.04.009

Abstract (EN): For safety reasons, European regulations prohibit the use of a long list of metal(loid)s as ingredients of cosmetic products. However, their presence as impurities in finished products is virtually unavoidable, even under GMP conditions. This study aimed at determining the elemental profile of lipsticks available in the Portuguese and Brazilian markets. A total of 96 lipsticks were purchased in Brazil (n = 53; 9 brands) and Portugal (n = 43; 7 brands) and the content of 44 elements was determined. Results ranged from < 1 mu g/g to several tens of mu g/g (e.g., Sn, Mn, Zn). Significant differences were found between Portuguese and Brazilian products for several elements, particularly for Pb. For the elements of major toxicological concern (Pb, Cd, As, Sb, Hg), mean values were always below the current limits set by the German competent authority. However, a significant percentage of exceedances were observed for Pb (24%) and Cd (21%). A safety assessment was carried out for the toxicologically relevant elements. Results showed that, except for Pb, the systemic exposure resulting from lipstick use represents less than 0.2% (ca. 3% for Pb) of the respective permitted daily exposure even in the worst-case scenario (i.e., ingestion of the total amount of product applied).

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7