Heavy metals presence in lipsticks: investigation of health impacts and their disposal in the environment

Abstract

Lip cosmetics are involved in two major discussions: the public health and environmental problems. From this information, we intend to analyze the impact on human health, study the relationship among price, duration and color and investigate what are the possible impacts on the environment, assuming some waste disposal routes. The cosmetics analyzed were lipsticks, divided by brand, price and color. The first analysis was by x-ray fluorescence (XRF). Then, the raw material went through digestion with nitric and hydrochloric acids under heating, and diluted with distilled water, then filtered. The following readings were performed by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES). From the results of the analysis by XRF (found 18 metal elements), the matrix for analysis by ICP-OES is composed of: aluminum, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, manganese, nickel, lead, silicon and titanium. Toxic metals have been identified (Ni, Mn, Cd and Cr) in the samples. Although the examined lipsticks showed positive for toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr and Mn), their levels comply with national legislation, regard to limits for cosmetics and foods. However, it is important to note that the cosmetic and food laws have great differences in the limits for heavy metals. The study of disposal for lipsticks showed that even lipsticks that are most used, there is a waste of nearly 1/3 of the product due to the inner package. This information may help in a conscious consumption of lipsticks, including the risk associated with the use of a set of makeups (foundation, eyeshadows, mascara, blush and lipstick) with other cosmetics.