Heavy metals in cosmetics and tattoos: a review of historical background, health impact, and regulatory limits

Abstract

Millions of individuals worldwide regularly use cosmetics, personal care items, and tattoos. Tattoo ink and other makeup cosmetics also contain potentially toxic heavy metals. Heavy metals may build in the body after prolonged exposure. Most of them, including Pb, Cd, Hg, As, and Sb, are carcinogenic, allergenic, neurotoxic, teratogenic, and mutagenic contributing to hair loss and other cosmetic issues.Despite of numerous researches around the world and regulations on cosmetic items in developed countries to determine safe levels of heavy metals, most consumers have not knowledge enough about the related risks, especially in developing nations where equivalent regulations are absent. In addition, everyday discarded cosmetics by customers pollute the environment, pose threats to microbes, plants, and animals, and are found in the solid waste and wastewater created by the cosmetic business. For these reasons, research, analytical analysis, publishing, surveying, reviewing and enhancing consumers' understanding of current laws, regulations, legislation, and recommendations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and others are all necessary to raise public awareness about the hazards posed by heavy metals.The current mini-review aims to summarize cosmetics and tattoos' historical background and development, focusing on their hazardous ingredients, health impact, and allowable levels of heavy elements according to regulations.