Evaluation of Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn and Ni in selected cosmetic products: risk assessment for human health

The ICP-MS method was used to determine the concentrations of five heavy metals: Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), and nickel (Ni). A total of 36 samples of cosmetic products (makeup, eye shadow, and mascara) of various brands were chosen from those available in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Several analytical parameters, such as accuracy, precision, linearity, the lower limit of quantification (LOQ), and the lower limit of detection (LOD), were assessed to determine the validity of the proposed method. The determination of Cd, Pb, Zn, Hg, and Ni was verified for accuracy and precision. The results of the determination of studied heavy metals concentration in cosmetic samples reveal that, the concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, Hg and Ni ranged from 0.03–0.53, 10.28–107.01, 14.49–867.12, 1.75–6.45 and 4.22–31.36 µg/g, respectively. In all samples of cosmetic products, the concentrations of Cd and Hg were deemed to be within the normal range. However, the concentration of Pb was higher than the recommended value by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nickel concentration was measured with a detection limit lower than the WHO recommended level, but no suggested value for Zn, which is critical for mitochondria, was found. Health risks related to these metal intakes through dermal exposure pathways are assessed using the total hazard quotient (THQs), total hazard index (HI), chronic daily intake (CDI), and hazard quotient (HQ). Despite the low risks of cancer and non-cancer caused by using these cosmetic products, testing results for cancer and non-cancer risks for these products must be regularly examined. Therefore, constant monitoring of cosmetic products, particularly with regard to heavy metal contamination, should be implemented to maintain human safety and security.