Abstract
Kohl is a traditional cosmetic widely used in Asia and Africa. In recent years, demand for kohl-based eyelids and lipsticks has increased in Europe, linked to migratory phenomena of populations from these continents. Although the European legislation prohibits the use of heavy metals in cosmetics due to the harmful effects to human health, particularly to pregnant women and children, these elements are still present in certain products. The European Union recommended levels are Pb < 20 ppm, As < 5 ppm, Cd < 5 ppm, Sb < 100 ppm, and Ni < 200 ppm. In Germany, levels are more restrictive: Pb < 2 ppm, As < 0.5 ppm, Cd < 0.1 ppm, Sb < 0.5 ppm, and Ni < 10 ppm. Here, we analyzed 12 kohl-based cosmetics in different presentations (powder, paste, and pencil) that were purchased in Spanish and German local shops. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer was used to identify toxic elements and heavy metals. Levels of Pb ranged between 1.7 and 410,000 ppm in six of the study samples, four of which had levels above the recommended limit of at least two heavy metals. Arsenic (a carcinogenic element) values were within the range allowed by the EU in only 58% of the studied samples. Moreover, two products doubled this limit, reaching levels of 9.2 and 12.6 ppm. In one of the products, cadmium, related to toxic keratitis, was four times higher (20.7 ppm) than that allowed, while in two other products, these limits were doubled (11.8 and 12.7 ppm). Our results indicate the need to supervise the manufacture of kohl-based traditional products and the analysis of their composition prior distribution in European countries.
Highlights
Most cosmetics are based on artificial chemicals, there is increasing interest in products formulated on natural compounds to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors present in many artificial goods [1]
We analyzed 12 kohl-based products purchased in retail shops in Spain and Germany to evaluate if their composition complies with current European Union (EU) legislation on cosmetics [40], with a special focus on toxic elements such as Pb, As, Cd, and Sb [43,44]
The German legislation was considered as reference for these analysis as it establishes more restrictive limits regarding the presence of toxic elements and heavy metals in cosmetics [45,46]
Summary
Most cosmetics are based on artificial chemicals, there is increasing interest in products formulated on natural compounds to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors present in many artificial goods [1].
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