Spectrophotometric determination of cadmium, chromium, lead and nickel in five selected body creams sold in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) were evaluated in five body creams sold in different shopping malls and markets in Benin City metropolis. The samples were classified into bleaching creams, toning creams and moisturizers. The moisture content of each cream sample was determined using standard methods while the heavy content was obtained using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Pb was found to have the highest concentration in bleaching cream 2 (9.70 ppm) and the lowest in moisturizer 1 (1.50 ppm). The concentration range for Cd was from 9.20 ppm in moisturizer 2 to 2.90 ppm in the toning cream. The highest concentration of Ni was found in moisturizer 1 (7.00 ppm) and the lowest was in bleaching cream 2 (1.20 ppm). Cr was not detected in the bleaching and toning creams but it was found to be 26.00ppm in moisturizer 1. The results were compared with international standards and were found to be within the limits set by the cosmetic standards of USA, Canada and WHO. The results from this study has shown that the use of these body creams exposes users to some level of concentration of these toxic metals which could constitute potential health hazard due to their ability to bio-accumulate. Therefore, there should be regular monitoring of heavy metals and other chemicals used in the manufacture of body creams.