Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Cosmetics Due to Potentially Toxic/Heavy Metal(loid) Contamination: Source Identification for Sustainability and Human Health Risk Assessment

Mahmood Ahmed (), Muhammad Ahmad, Aamir Sohail, Mudassar Sanaullah, Ahmad Saeed, Shaista Qamar, Tanveer A. Wani, Seema Zargar, Hamad M. Alkahtani and Khuram Khalid
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Mahmood Ahmed: Department of Chemistry, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, College Road, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
Muhammad Ahmad: Department of Chemistry, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, College Road, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
Aamir Sohail: Department of Chemistry, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, College Road, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
Mudassar Sanaullah: Department of Chemistry, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, College Road, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
Ahmad Saeed: Department of Chemistry, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, College Road, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
Shaista Qamar: Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
Tanveer A. Wani: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Seema Zargar: Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 222452, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Hamad M. Alkahtani: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Khuram Khalid: Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Sheridan College, 7899 McLaughlin Road, Brampton, ON L6Y 5H9, Canada

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 14, 1-24

Abstract: Cosmetics are a staple in daily beauty routines worldwide, embraced for their role in enhancing personal appearance and self-care. However, their direct application exposes the skin to a range of ingredients, including metal(loid)s, and these can have a hazardous impact on human health if they exceed the limits defined by regulatory agencies. As a result, it is important to evaluate metal(loid) levels to ensure the safety of these cosmetic products. This research aimed to analyze several cosmetic products (massage cream, cleaner, mud mask, skin polish, scrub, lipstick, foundation, lotion, face powder, and highlighter) for metalloids (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, As, Sb, Cd, Pb, Bi, and Hg) by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Multivariate and bivariate statistical approaches were used to interpret the sources and association between the metal(loid)s. The concentration ranges of metals were found to be Al (1.18–4.15 mg/kg), Cr (0.13–2.19 mg/kg), Mn (1.89–28.77 mg/kg), Fe (4.09–126.02 mg/kg), Co (0.19–31.62 mg/kg), Ni (0.11–5.39 mg/kg), Cu (0.08–0.19 mg/kg), Zn (1.99–47.81 mg/kg), Sr (0.99–10.34 mg/kg), Cd (0.16–1.50 mg/kg), Pb (0.29–2.44 mg/kg), Bi (0.23–2.18 mg/kg), and Hg (0.012–0.42 mg/kg), whereas the concentration ranges of metalloids were found to be As (0.011–0.051 mg/kg) and Sb (0.042–1.66 mg/kg). Among the tested cosmetic products for the metal(loid) levels, the estimation of the margin of safety (MOS < 100), hazard quotient (HQ > 1), hazard index (HI > 1), and cumulative cancer risk (LCR ≤ 1 × 10 −3 ) indicated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with the use of few products. Most of the cosmetics products under investigation are safe with respect to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. By highlighting the need to limit excessive use and adhering to sustainable safety practices, this study underscores the importance of monitoring and regulating metal(loid) content to ensure consumer safety and mitigate environmental impact.

Keywords: metal(loid)s; ICP-OES; sustainable cosmetics; health risk assessment; consumer safety; regulatory compliance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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