A study on heavy metal concentration of cosmetics on the market

Lee, Hun; Yoo, Yoo Jung; Park, Myoung Hee; Kim, Jung Ho; Lee, Yong Hee; Moon, Chan Seok; Hwang, Yong Shik; Moon, Deog Hwan

Abstract

This study aims at providing the fundamental data on the field of cosmetics by comparing heavy metal concentration in terms of domestic / foreign products, items, companies and colors. This study has determined the concentration of chromium, lead, mangagnese, nickel, copper and vanadium in cosmetics such as moisturizer, concealer, foundation (Ivory-yellow), compact powder (Ivory-yellow), lip color (Red, brown), eye shadow (Red, brwon and dark green) and eye liner (Black) manufactured by five domestic cosmetic companies and five foreign cosmetic companies on the market. The samples have been collected in cosmetic stores in Pusan from Dec. lst 1996 to Jan. 3lst 1997. The results are as follows : 1. The heavy metal concentration in cosmetics was 2.42ng/g for chromium, 0.82ng/g for lead, 4.49ng/g for manganese, 1.69ng/g for nickel, 0.53ng/g for copper, and 0.51ng/g for vanadium, respectively. 2. Lead and vanadium concentration were significantly higher in domestic cosmetics than foreign cosmetics(p<0.05). 3. The mean(GM) concentrations of heavy metal were different significantly (p<0.01) when classified with cosmetic items. The highest means shown at eye shadow in Cr (14.96ng/g), Cu (1.32ng/g), V (1.28ng/g), and Ni (8.30ng/g), compact powder in Pb(2.50ng/g), eye liner in Mn(90.62ng/g). 4. The mean(GM) concentrations of heavy metal were different significantly (p<0.01) among colored cosmetics. The highest mean concentration of Cr, Ni, Cu and V were dark green- colored cosmetics, that of Mn was black-colored cosmetics, and that of Pb was ivory yellow-colored cosmetics.