Beauty Creams Research Articles

Potential Health Risks of Zn, Fe, and Pb in Medical Skin Creams and Cosmetic Products Derived from Plants in Iraq.

Medical skin creams (SC) and cosmetic products (CP) specially derived from plants have natural chemicals as ingredients which are a major source of heavy metal releases. Therefore, the presence of harmful heavy metals in these materials is a matter of concern. This study has been carried out to assess the concentrations of heavy metals such as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb) in skin creams and cosmetic products that are available in Iraqi pharmacies using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Thirty-three samples from different Iraqi pharmacies of beauty creams, including 13 samples of skin creams and ten samples of cosmetic products. Health risk parameters such as chronic daily intake (CDI), total non-cancer risk (H.I.), and total cumulative cancer risk (TCCR) have been calculated. Based on the results, it is found that the average value of Zn, Fe, and Pb concentrations for SC samples in unit mg/kg were 65.33 ± 14.56, 100.52 ± 21.05, and 2.62 ± 0.64, respectively. At the same time, the average value of Zn, Fe, and Pb concentrations for CP samples in unit mg/kg were 2.30 ± 0.48, 24.18 ± 6.87, and 4.79 ± 1.18, respectively. The results of health risk exposure for SC samples were higher than those for CP samples. But, the values of health risk parameters were within acceptable limits according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Consequently, there is no potential health risk for using medical skin creams and cosmetic products in the present study by Iraqi people.

The cleanliness of Beautyblenders

Keeping makeup tools in sanitary conditions is necessary in order to prevent the risk of pathogenic microbes from multiplying in unhygienic conditions which may pose a risk to health (Bashir & Lambert, 2019). Beautyblenders are a highly regarded product by consumers worldwide (Shah, 2016). The company launched their sponges in 2007 and in 2016, they have sold more than 6.5 million sponges globally (Bashir & Lambert, 2019). It is a reusable pink cosmetic sponge that can be used with a number of different cosmetic products such as foundations, beauty creams, and concealers for application on the face. This study is about examining the public who uses Beautyblenders and their knowledge in regards to cleaning the reusable sponges.

From Himba indigenous knowledge to engineered Fe2O3 UV-blocking green nanocosmetics

This contribution reports on the physical properties of the natural Namibian red Ochre used by the Himba Community in a form of a formulation, so called Otjize as a skin protective and beauty cream. The morphological and crystallographic studies of this red ochre validated its nano-scaled dominating phase of rhombohedral α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals with an additional hydrolized oxide component in a form of γ-FeOOH. The optical investigations showed that such a red ochre exhibits an exceptional UV filtration and a significant IR reflectivity substantiating its effectiveness as an effective UV-blocking & solar heat IR reflector in support of the low skin cancer rate within the Namibian Himba community. In addition, such nanocrystals exhibited a non-negligible antibacterial response against E. Coli & S. Aurus. This study seems confirming the effectiveness of the indigenous Otjize as an effective skin UV protection cream with a sound antimicrobial efficacy against e-Coli & S-Aurus.

Transdermal Co-Delivery of Urea and Recombinant Human Growth Hormone.

Background: Urea with super-hydrating and moisturizing properties is mainly used as an adjunctive treatment of diseases associated with dry skin. In this regard, the recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) with rejuvenating properties is used as a base material in beauty creams. Although urea easily passes through the skin, the epidermal skin barrier restricts the passage of hGH due to its size.Objective: in this research, in order to solve this problem, hydroxy propyl-beta cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) is used as a soluble chemical enhancer.Material and Methods: UV and circular dichroism spectroscopy were used for the investigation of structural modification. The permeation process was studied in vitro on rat skin using vertical Franz diffusion cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used for rhGH activity assessment and evaluation of transdermal delivery.Results: First, due to the denaturing effects of urea on proteins its concentration was optimized to maintain biological structure and protein activity. UV spectroscopy and CD data proved that the secondary structure of rhGH is preserved in the presence of urea (0.5-2 M) and HP-β-CD, which elevates urea and rhGH permeation. Maximum permeability was observed at 120 min after sampling (1424.35 ng.ml.cm-2), which was much higher than the control. Using a higher concentration of urea in the formulation will significantly decrease the level of rhGH delivery.Conclusion: According to results, this strategy can be considered as a successful method for enhanced Co-delivery of rhGH and urea.

Development and evaluation of physico-chemical stability of cosmetic formulations employing the fruits of the Jussara palm tree (Euterpe edulis Martius): tinting shampoo and exfoliant cream

The major goal of this research work was to use the dry extract of the fruits of Jussara palm tree (Euterpe edulis Martius) in the development of a tinting shampoo (0.3% (w/v) anthocyanin extract) and an exfoliating beauty cream integrating granules from the seeds of the fruit (1%, w/v). The dry extract was characterized via determination of the content of anthocyanins by the differential pH method, antioxidant activity by the phospho-molybdenum complex methodology, and antimicrobial activity by the disc-diffusion method. The extraction yield was 2.3% (w/w) (2.25 g dry extract/100 g fruit), with an antioxidant activity of 139.0 ± 5.5% relative to that of ascorbic acid, indicating a high antioxidant capacity. The anthocyanin extract did not exhibit antimicrobial activity. The physico-chemical stability characteristics of both the tinting shampoo and the exfoliating cream were evaluated via accelerated stability studies at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days of storage at 40 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity. The cosmetic products prepared were stable in relation to the physico-chemical characteristics under the conditions studied.

Assessment of some heavy metals in selected cosmetics commonly used in Bangladesh and human health risk

In Bangladesh, use of beauty cream is very much popular and a common daily task for the people. The current study is focusing on the assessment of some toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury contamination in some beauty creams commonly used by Bangladeshi people. The results indicate that the concentrations of lead, cadmium, and chromium exceed the maximum allowable concentrations, whereas mercury is found below the acceptable limit set by WHO/EU. However, according to Health Canada, the concentrations of cadmium and chromium for all the selected samples (except cadmium in sample coded A) was within the permissible limit. Health risks associated with these metal intakes via dermal exposure route are evaluated in terms of chronic daily intake (CDI) and hazard quotient (HQ). The carcinogenic risk (CR) estimated for chromium indicates that it is within the acceptable range. The cancer and non-cancer risk results indicate that although the chances of cancer risk and non-cancer risk resulting from the use of these cosmetic products were unlikely, buildup of these toxic heavy metals overtime on continuous usage could be detrimental for Bangladeshi people.

Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Mercury Present in the Beauty Creams Using Graphene Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Mercury Present in the Beauty Creams Using Graphene Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

A Study on Female Customer Satisfaction on Hair Oil and Beauty Cream with Special Reference to Himalaya Products in Coimbatore District

A Study on Female Customer Satisfaction on Hair Oil and Beauty Cream with Special Reference to Himalaya Products in Coimbatore District

The cosmetic potential of plants from the Eastern Cape Province traditionally used for skincare and beauty

Cosmetic products are directly and indirectly applied to the skin in order to enhance its beauty. Cosmetic products that are directly applied to the skin include creams, lotions and soaps while tablets and supplements are indirectly administered to achieve similar benefits. The aim of the current study was to investigate the cosmetic potential of plants from the Eastern Cape Province used traditionally for skincare and beauty by evaluating their antimicrobial activity, antioxidant potential, photo-protective effect and anti-tyrosinase activity. The antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether (PE), dichloromethane (DCM), 70% aqueous ethanol (v/v) and water extracts was tested against infectious skin microorganisms and skin dermatophytes. Methanolic extracts of medicinal plants were tested for their DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and their ability to delay the oxidation of β-carotene in the β-carotene linoleic acid model. Ethanol extracts of medicinal plants were tested for their photo-protective effects and anti-tyrosinase activity. Ethanol extracts of Arctotis arctotoides (L.f.) O.Hoffm and Cassipourea flanaganii (Schinz) Alston were very potent against all infectious skin microorganisms and skin dermatophytes included in the study with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values less than 1 mg/mL. Methanol extracts of C. flanaganii, Symphytum officinale L and Urtica urens L showed high antioxidant potential. Ethanol extracts from Plantago lanceolata L., C. flanaganii, Acokanthera oblongifolia (Hochst.) Codd, Ilex mitis (L.) Radlk., A. arctotoides and Aloe ferox Mill expressed moderate protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation with sun protection factor (SPF) values between 12 and 30. Furthermore, extracts from Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Hayek, Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth., S. officinale and C. flanaganii showed good anti-tyrosinase activity similar to the positive control with IC50 values between 19.64 and 22.24 μg/mL. The results from the study have shown that extracts from A. arctotoides and C. flanaganii have potential for incorporation into hygiene products such as soaps, creams and sanitizers due to their potential to combat a range of microorganisms. Furthermore, extracts from C. flanaganii, S. officinale and P. lanceolata have potential for incorporation into beauty creams and sunscreen products.

Assessment of metals in cosmetics commonly used in Saudi Arabia.

Cosmetics are one of the most important sources of releasing heavy metals. Different varieties of chemicals are used in cosmetic products as ingredients and some are used as preservatives. There are concerns regarding the presence of harmful chemicals in these products. Among the harmful chemicals, cosmetic products contain heavy metals. The present study was conducted to determine the content of certain heavy metals in the products made in different countries and marketed in Saudi Arabia. Thirty-one products of different brands or misbrands of commonly used cosmetic products (hair cream, beauty cream, skin cream, hair food formula, hair gel, whitening daily scrub, shampoo, shower gel, body care, body lotion, hand wash, daily fairness, shaving cream, toothpaste, germ and beauty soap, and cream soap) were purchased from local markets of Saudi Arabia. Samples were analyzed to determine the concentrations of ten metals (lead, aluminum, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, mercury, and arsenic) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Based on the maximum concentrations, the heavy metal contents were arranged in the following decreasing order: Al>Cu>Mn>Pb>Cr>Ni>Hg>Co>As>Cd in cream products, Al>Pb>Cu>Cr>Mn>Ni>Hg>As>Co>Cd in shampoo products, Al>Cu>Pb>Cr>Mn>Ni>As>Co>Hg>Cd in soap products, and Al>Cu>Mn>Pb>Cr>Co>Ni>Cd>As>Hg in toothpaste products. Since the metal concentrations may relate to specific brands, product type, color, or cost, industrialist would have to check the raw materials before they are gathered into the final products to track the source of these contaminants.

Caviar versus brill eggs: A novel high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry application for evaluating cosmetic ingredients composition

In this study, raw materials, sturgeon and brill roe, were analyzed and compared as regard their use in cosmetic products. Recently, expensive caviar was largely used in beauty creams as lipids source. We compared lipids from caviar and brill eggs to propose a technological alternative. The fatty acids amount was determined with a new GC‐MS method. The triacylglycerols were identified and characterized by HPLC coupled with high resolution MS (HRMS). Both techniques showed a higher content of fatty acids and triacylglycerols in caviar respect to brill eggs. Some fatty acids, such as linoleic and linolenic acids, which are recognized to enhance skin metabolism, are absent, or show very low concentration, in brill eggs respect to sturgeon ones. It was possible to conclude that brill eggs are not a proper substitute of caviar in the formulation of cosmetic.Practical application: The developed analytical techniques provided a satisfactory analytical characterization of the raw materials. Although the sample preparation for GC‐MS analysis is quite time consuming due to the derivatization of fatty acids, the one for triacylglycerols analyzed by HPLC‐HRMS is very fast, and involves the use of a small amount of organic solvent. Fatty acids and triacylglycerols were identified and characterized.Comparison between Acipenser trasmontanus (caviar) and Scophthalmus rhombus eggs as active ingredient in beauty cream. A fatty acid quantitation and triacylglycerols quantitation, and characterization methods are showed. GC‐MS and HPLC‐HRMS are satisfactory tool to provide a full description of the studied raw materials.

Inorganic Mercury poisoning due to the use of Beauty Cream in Hong Kong

Inorganic Mercury poisoning due to the use of Beauty Cream in Hong Kong

Waste to Wealth for the Edible Bird Nest Industry

Edible bird nest (EBN) is a product obtained from the salivary excretion of different species of swiftlets during the breeding season. It is an expensive health food product. The raw EBN needs intensive cleaning before it can be consumed. Currently, EBN is increasingly used in cosmetic products. The cleaning procedure generally produced about 30 % (w/w) of waste. To date, there is no work conducted to study the composition of the waste recovered from the cleaning process and converting the waste into useful downstream products. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the composition of the EBN wastes and to formulate a value added facial cream product from the EBN waste. EBN waste (residues) was collected from the cleaning water of EBN samples from the swiftlet species Aerodramusfuciphagus using the centrifugation method. The chemical composition of the EBN waste (residues) was analyzed qualitatively using the FTIR technique. Similarly, the different grades of processed EBN samples (2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and biscuit white) from the swiftlet species Aerodramusfuciphagus were quantitatively analyzed using the elemental analyzer. The residual EBN showed high protein content (47.33±3.09 %) and carbohydrate content of 2.4±0.37 %. Interestingly, nitrite, nitrate and lead were not present in the EBN waste. Thus, EBN waste is considered safe to formulate a facial cream. The collagen content in EBN is good as an anti-aging beauty cream. Since the EBN is a very expensive product, the residual EBN waste has good potential to formulate a value added product without any loss in its nutritional health benefits to achieve a similar effect as EBN. The high protein content retained in EBN waste makes the wash off water from EBN washings a suitable nutrient – rich component for the formulation of health and beauty products.

The first quantitative rating system of the antioxidant capacity of beauty creams via the Briggs–Rauscher reaction: a crucial step towards evidence-based cosmetics

Oxidative damage is the primary cause of skin aging. Skin care products are numerous and overwhelming, yet there is certain similarity among different formulations. Moisturizers are ubiquitous and the presence of particular added ingredients supports specific marketing claims. The antioxidant effects of botanical polyphenols possess tremendous marketing appeal, because oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the skin ability to neutralize them. The concept of evidence-based cosmetics lacks a widely accepted method to estimate the antioxidant capacity of the beauty cream. This was the motive force of the present study: for the first time we put forth a quantitative rating system of skin care products. The overall antioxidant power of 75 widely used and advertised beauty creams was comparatively measured via the oscillating Briggs-Rauscher (BR) reaction. Many dermocosmetic products confirmed their ability to ensure protection against free radicals, even if differences among various creams are striking and often not correlated with the their price. The method we developed is simple and cheap and it can allow dermatologists and consumers to compare and choose effectively; on the other hand, producers can used this method to select the most active antioxidant cosmetic agent to optimise the product performance.

Genetic background for mercury metabolism

Exposure to toxic mercury (Hg) is a growing health hazard throughout the world today. Recent studies show that mercury exposure may occur in the environment, and increasingly in occupational and domestic settings. Children are particularly vulnerable to Hg intoxication, which may lead to impairment of the developing central nervous system, as well as pulmonary and nephrotic damage. Several sources of toxic Hg exposure in children have been reported in biomedical literature: (1) methylmercury, the most widespread source of Hg exposure, is most commonly the result of consumption of contaminated foods, primarily fish; (2) ethylmercury, which has been the subject of recent scientific inquiry in relation to the controversial pediatric vaccine preservative thimerosal; (3) elemental Hg vapor exposure through accidents and occupational and ritualistic practices; (4) inorganic Hg through the use of topical Hg-based skin creams and in infant teething powders; (5) metallic Hg in dental amalgams, which release Hg vapors, and Hg2+ in tissues. This review examines recent epidemiological studies of methylmercury exposure in children. Reports of elemental Hg vapor exposure in children through accidents and occupational practices, and the more recent observations of the increasing use of elemental Hg for magico-religious purposes in urban communities are also discussed. Studies of inorganic Hg exposure from the widespread use of topical beauty creams and teething powders, and fetal/neonatal Hg exposure from maternal dental amalgam fillings are reviewed. Considerable attention was given in this review to pediatric methylmercury exposure and neurodevelopment because it is the most thoroughly investigated Hg species. Each source of Hg exposure is reviewed in relation to specific pediatric health effects, particularly subtle neurodevelopmental disorders.

Photocatalytic degradation of methylparaben by TiO2: Multivariable experimental design and mechanism

Methylparaben is widely used as a bactericide and as an antimicrobial agent in the formulation of personal care products (PCPs) such as tooth pastes, deodorants, beauty creams, solar filters, and bath gels. Owing to a certain estrogenic activity, a possible relationship with breast cancer has been proved by many researchers. Photocatalytic degradation of methylparaben was carried out in an aqueous suspension of TiO2 irradiated by ultraviolet light. A multivariable center composite design based on response surface methodology was applied to estimate the individual and interaction factors including pH, TiO2 loading, oxygen concentration and light flux. An acceptable semi-empirical expression (R2=0.9896) was obtained via data analysis to predict the response of 50% methylparaben removal time, and optimal experimental conditions were also achieved thanks to the experimental design (pH 9, TiO2 loading 2.5gL−1, dissolved oxygen concentration 18mgL−1 and light flux 5.8×1015photonss−1cm−2). Under these conditions, after 6h of irradiation, 80% of methylparaben mineralization evaluated through total organic carbon measurement was obtained and 10 photocatalytic intermediates were identified by GC–MS. In addition, a tentative reaction pathway was proposed.

Organic UV filters and their photodegradates, metabolites and disinfection by-products in the aquatic environment

Organic ultraviolet (UV) filters are compounds used to absorb UV radiation and are increasingly being used as a result of growing concern about UV radiation and skin cancer. Their growing use may increase environmental contamination and exposure through the food chain. There is therefore major concern about the environmental fate and potential effect of organic UV filters used in beauty creams, hair sprays, shampoos, and other personal-care products, as well as those added to plastics and other materials to prevent degradation of polymers and pigments. This review describes the processes undergone by these compounds once released into the environment and the instrumental methods based on chromatography and mass spectrometry reported in the literature for their determination in environmental samples. We include concentrations found in the environment (e.g., water, soil, sediments, sludge and biota). The main focus is on metabolites, photodegradates and by-products of wastewater treatment.

Occurrence of Some Organic UV Filters in Wastewater, in Surface Waters, and in Fish from Swiss Lakes

Organic UV filters are used in personal care products such as sunscreen products, and in cosmetics, beauty creams, skin lotions, lipsticks, hair sprays, hair dyes, shampoos, and so forth. The compounds enter the aquatic environmentfrom showering, wash-off, washing (laundering), and so forth via wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) ("indirect inputs") and from recreational activities such as swimming and bathing in lakes and rivers ("direct inputs"). In this study, we investigated the occurrence of four important organic UV filter compounds (benzophenone-3, BP-3; 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, 4-MBC; ethylhexyl methoxy cinnamate, EHMC; octocrylene, OC) in wastewater, and in water and fish from various Swiss lakes, using gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analyses. All four UV filters were present in untreated wastewater (WWTP influent) with a maximum concentration of 19 microg L(-1) for EHMC. The data indicate a seasonal variation with influent loads higher in the warmer season (June 2002) than in the colder one (April 2002). The influent loads were in the order EHMC > 4-MBC approximately BP-3 > OC. The concentrations in treated wastewater (WWTP effluent) were considerably lower, indicating substantial elimination in the plants. 4-MBC was usually the most prevalent compound (maximum concentration, 2.7 microg L(-1)), followed by BP-3, EHMC, and OC. UV filters were also detected in Swiss midland lakes and a river (Limmat) receiving inputs from WWTPs and recreational activities. However, all concentrations were low (<2-35 ng L(-1)); no UV filters (<2 ng L(-1)) were detected in a remote mountain lake. Data from passive sampling using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) supported the presence of these UV filters in the lakes and the river and suggested some potential for accumulation of these compounds in biota. SPMD-derived water concentrations increased in the order Greifensee < Zürichsee < Hüttnersee. This order is reversed from that observed for methyl triclosan, used as a chemical marker for WWTP-derived lipophilic contaminants in the lakes. This indicated inputs of UV filters from sources other than WWTPs to the lakes during summer,for example,inputs from recreational activities. Fish (white fish, Coregonus sp.; roach, Rutilus rutilus; perch, Perca fluviatilis) from these lakes contained low but detectable concentrations of UV filters, in particular, 4-MBC (up to 166 ng g(-1) on a lipid basis). 4-MBC concentrations relative to methyl triclosan were lower in fish than in SPMDs exposed in the same lakes, suggesting that 4-MBC is less bioaccumulated than expected or metabolized in fish. The lipid-based bioconcentration factor (BCF(L)) estimated from the fish (roach) data and SPMD-derived water concentrations was about 1-2.3 x 10(4) and thus approximately 1 order of magnitude lower than expected from its Kow value.

A Review Of Mercury in Lake Victoria, East Africa: Implications for Human and Ecosystem Health

Lake Victoria, East Africa, has been the site of many recent studies measuring mercury (Hg) concentrations in water, fish, sediment, soil, and humans. Most of these studies were motivated by concerns about Hg contamination from processing of gold ore on the southern shores. Total Hg (THg) concentrations in fish were usually below permissible World Health Organization (WHO) concentrations and international marketing limits and do not threaten the lucrative export industry. Nile perch 3-10 kg and most >10 kg had THg concentrations above the WHO threshold concentrations for at-risk groups (200 ng/g). Elevated THg concentrations in large Nile perch are not of major concern because Nile perch are rarely consumed by the people living on Lake Victoria and very large Nile perch are becoming increasingly rare in catches. Water THg concentrations were below Canadian drinking water guidelines but were elevated relative to those in the northern Great Lakes. Sediment and soil THg concentrations were within inter-national guidelines and are comparable to those in northern latitudes but are lower than those in the Amazon basin. Biomass burnings and soil erosion are estimated to be the major sources of THg for the lake and probably constitute a larger source of THg than gold mining in Tanzania.THg concentrations in urine and hair from human volunteers indicate that while gold miners and frequent skin-bleaching cream users are at risk of inorganic mercury poisoning, the rest of the population, including fishermen, is not. Human exposure assessments demonstrated that fish consumption and soil geophagy constitute major sources of THg for humans, but the total estimated daily intake of THg was below the Health Canada tolerable daily intake (TDI) limits. The use of beauty creams containing high inorganic Hg concentrations, however, caused the estimated THg exposure to exceed the TDI. The high THg content in the hair of regular cream users supports this assessment. The nutritional benefits of fish and soil geophagy outweigh the risk of THg poisoning. Still, due to the importance of those natural items as a THg source to humans, as well as the changing nature of Lake Victoria, regular monitoring and risk assessments need to be carried out in the Lake Victoria catchment.

Percutaneous mercury poisoning with a beauty cream in Mexico

Percutaneous mercury poisoning with a beauty cream in Mexico