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Public Health

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Original Research

Evaluation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb in selected

cosmetic products from Jordanian, Sudanese, and
Syrian markets

A.M. Massadeh*, M.Y. El-khateeb, S.M. Ibrahim

Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan

article info abstract

Article history: Objectives: There is no sufficient data that evaluate heavy metal content in cosmetic
Received 3 January 2017 products in Jordan as well as Sudan and Syria. This study aims to assess metal levels which
Received in revised form include Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), and Lead (Pb) in cosmetic
3 March 2017 products. These elements have draft limits because they are identified as potential im-
Accepted 29 March 2017 purities and are known to be toxic. This study aims to provide information to the popu-
lation that may be beneficial to public health.
Study design: Samples were collected from different brands obtained from markets in Jor-
Keywords: dan, Sudan, and Syria. Some of the selected cosmetic products were eyeliner, eye pencil,
Analysis mascara, lipstick, powder, face cream, body cream, sun block, Vaseline, and the traditional
Cosmetics eye cosmetic (kohl). The heavy metal content in these samples were determined by atomic
Heavy metals absorption spectrometry (AAS). Based on analysis of variance analysis, a significant dif-
AAS ference in heavy metal levels was found for samples obtained from Jordanian and Suda-
nese markets.
Methods: The acid digestion method used in this study was based on procedures recom-
mended by Nnorom et al. with some modifications as follows. (i) A weight of 2.0 g of
cosmetic sample was dissolved in a mixture of 6 mL of high quality concentrated 69% nitric
acid (HNO3; Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) and 4 mL of concentrated 37% hydrochloric acid
(Scharlau, Spain) in a porcelain crucible and heated on a hotplate to near dryness. (ii) An
aliquot of 15 mL HNO3 (1.00 M) was added to the digested sample and filtered through a
Whatman No. 40 filter paper. (iii) The digested sample was transferred quantitatively into a
25 mL volumetric flask and then diluted with deionized water. (iv) Each digested sample
was evaporated at 70
C to about 1 mL and transferred into a polyethylene flask and diluted
with 25 mL deionized water. (v) Blank was treated in the same procedure.
Results: In Jordan the concentration ranges of heavy metals in the collected samples were:
Cd (0.03e0.10 mg/g), Cr (0.0e1.00 mg/g), Cu (0.60e7.40 mg/g), Ni (0.50e3.60 mg/g), and Pb (0.30e
15.4 mg/g). Whereas, in Sudanese market the concentration ranges were: Cd (0.01e0.15 mg/g),
Cr (0.00e27.9 mg/g), Cu (0.60e10.10 mg/g), Ni (0.00e5.70 mg/g), and Pb (0.02e3.80 mg/g). Also, the
concentration ranges of heavy metals in Syrian market were: Cd (0.04e0.056 mg/g), Cr (0.24e
0.83 mg/g), Cu (0.61e1.27 mg/g), Ni (0.73e1.41 mg/g), and Pb (4.85e27.70 mg/g). Results re-
vealed that kohl samples have the highest concentration of most of the studied metals,
particularly Pb.

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: massadeh@just.edu.jo (A.M. Massadeh).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2017.03.015
0033-3506/© 2017 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
 p u b l i c h e a l t h 1 4 9 ( 2 0 1 7 ) 1 3 0 e1 3 7 131

Conclusions: Based on the results obtained, it is likely to conclude the following: (i) It is not
possible to completely eliminate the presence of heavy metals from cosmetic products
after manufacturing. However, the quality of the products can be improved by careful
selection of raw materials, taking in consideration heavy metal levels. (ii) Heavy metal
concentration in lipstick differs with different manufacturers' colors and shade. Statisti-
cally significant associations between Pb level and the cosmetic type were found. (iii) Heavy
metals levels including Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb may impose risk in daily use and repeated
application as well as in ingestion through the mouth even at concentration below the
allowed limits. (iv) It is the manufacturers' responsibility to ensure that the finished
cosmetic product contains the lowest levels possible of heavy metals. So it does not exceed
the limits set by health authorities.
© 2017 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

after exposure to cosmetics containing heavy metal

Introduction
Cosmetics are substances used as personal care products to
enhance or protect the appearance or mask the odor of the
human body. The demand for cosmetic products has
increased recently, resulting in massive production by the
cosmetic industry. Different products are marketed under the
name of cosmetics, such as creams, beauty soaps, talcum and
facial powder, lotions, shampoos, hair products such as hair
colors, baby products, bath oils, personal hygiene products,
perfumes, lipsticks, skin care products, makeup products,
shaving creams, body lotions, fingernail polish and polish
removal.1e5 In addition, the use of herbal medicinal prepara-
tions is common in most developing countries due to poverty
and disillusionment with conventional medical care.6,7
On the other hand, there has been growing consumer
concern that cosmetics may contain harmful levels of toxic
substances such as heavy metals. Heavy metals are naturally
occurring in the environment and can make their way in trace
quantities into raw materials.8,9
The focus is on heavy metals with known significant
toxicological properties such as Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Cad-
mium (Cd) and Mercury (Hg). Also, the essential elements
such as Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) at high levels may cause
adverse effects to human health.
Heavy metals that build up in the body over time are known
to cause various health problems, such as: neurological and
developmental disorders, reproductive disorders, cardiovas-
cular diseases, skeletal, blood, immune system, gastrointes-
tinal disorders and renal problems, headaches, lung, skin and
soft tissue disorders, and brittle hair and hair loss as well as
cancer. Some are identified as dysfunction hormone dis-
ruptors while others are respiratory toxins. Heavy metals have
been implicated in cosmetics commonly used by women.10,11
Cd found in body and hair creams are absorbed into the
body through dermal contact then stored in the kidneys and
liver, although it can be found in almost all adult tissues.9,12
The essential metals such as Cu, Zn, Nickel (Ni), and Iron
(Fe) can produce toxic effects when the metals intake is in
high concentrations.13
Oral exposure can occur with cosmetics used in and
around the mouth as well as through hand-to-mouth contact
impurities.14,15
Dermal exposure is expected to be the most significant
route because most of the cosmetic products are directly
applied to the skin.
Cosmetics and their ingredients have to be safe under the
conditions of normal use and must be thoroughly evaluated
prior to marketing. Safety assessment should be performed on
finished products taking into consideration the toxicological
profile of the ingredients, their chemical structure, and their
potential to produce local and systemic effects. In humans the
concentration of heavy metals in cosmetic raw materials and
finished products has been strictly monitored and controlled
by health authorities such as United States Food and Drug
Administration (US FDA).16 Guidelines on safety assessment
of cosmetic ingredients have been published by the EU Sci-
entific Committee on Consumer Safety.17,18 The Notes of
Guidance include the toxicological test procedures reported in
Commission Regulation (EC) No. 440/2008. They enclose the
basic toxicity testing procedures needed to evaluate different
human health related toxicological endpoints and are inter-
nationally accepted as being the result of long term scientific
agreement. The Commission Regulation (EC) No. 440/2008
includes Reduction and Refinement and Replacement
methods. Given the fact that Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009
imposes the use of validated replacement methods not only
for finished cosmetic products but also for their ingredients,
much attention is given to the use of validated replacement
methods in the safety evaluation of cosmetic substances and
finished cosmetic products.
Since ancient times, kohl has been used as eye cosmetic
especially in the Middle East, Far East, and Northern Africa.19
Studies showed that kohl contains toxic metals, such as Pb
and have revealed that the Pb levels in the blood were
significantly higher in individuals who used kohl compared to
those who did not.20,21
A study in Nigeria reported that facial makeup creams have
Chromium (Cr), Fe, and Zn at much higher levels compared to
non-essential metals such as Pb, Cd, and Ni. These creams are
relatively safe to use. Comparative amounts of Pb were found
in eyeliners and eye pencils.22 Similar studies of traditional
eye makeup products in Nigeria have reported very high levels
of trace metals in locally produced eye makeup and eye
132 p u b l i c h e a l t h 1 4 9 ( 2 0 1 7 ) 1 3 0 e1 3 7

shadow samples.23e25 In Jordan, as well as in Sudan and Syria,
such studies are lacking.
Methods
Chemicals and reagents
All chemicals used in this study were analytical grade. Nitric
acid (HNO3; 69% Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) and concen-
trated hydrochloric acid (37% HCl; Scharlau, Spain) were used
as stock solutions. Deionized water was used in all
experiments.
Collection of cosmetic samples
Different types of cosmetic brands and samples were collected
from Jordanian, Sudanese, and Syrian markets. The main
source of these samples was purchased from different cosmetic
stores in these countries. These samples include: eyeliner, eye
pencil, mascara, lipstick, powder, face cream, body cream, sun
block, Vaseline, and the traditional eye cosmetic (kohl).
i) A weight of 2.0 g of cosmetic sample was dissolved in a
mixture of 6 mL HNO3 and 4 mL HCl in a porcelain
crucible and heated on a hotplate to near dryness.
ii) An aliquot of 15 mL HNO3 (1.00 M) was added to the
digested sample and filtered through a Whatman No. 40
filter paper.
iii) The digested sample was transferred quantitatively into a
25 mL volumetric flask and diluted with deionized water.
iv) Each digested sample was evaporated at 70 C to about
1 mL and transferred into a polyethylene flask and
diluted with 25 mL deionized water.
v) Blank was treated in the same procedure.
Calibration curves (concentration [mg/L] vs absorbance)
were constructed by diluting standard solutions of Cd, Cr, Cu,
Ni, Pb, and Zn (1000 mg/L, Merck, Germany) to different con-
centrations and recording their absorbance values by FAAS.
Linear calibration curves were obtained for Cd 0.5e5 ppb
(r2 ¼ 0.9998), Cr: (r2 ¼ 0.9982), Cu: (r2 ¼ 0.9991), Ni: (r2 ¼ 1.000),
Pb: (r2 ¼ 0.9996), and Zn: (r2 ¼ 0.9996).
Validation and quality assurance of results

Instrumentation
Precise determination of heavy metal levels in cosmetic
products is quite important because there is a narrow margin
of safety between adequate amount and over consumption.
Thus, analysis of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb was carried out by
using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and
graphite FAAS model (SOLAAR M5, UK) with a computer sys-
tem. The analysis was carried out at the proper wavelength for
each metal (Cd: 228.8 nm; Cr: 357.9 nm; Cu: 324.8 nm; Ni:
232.0 nm; Pb: 283.3 nm).
During the analysis of samples, quality control (QC) was used to
evaluate the accuracy of the method used in this study. In this
QC method, different known standard concentrations of each
tested element were analyzed after analysis of 10 cosmetic
samples. Results indicated that there was good agreement be-
tween these standard concentrations for each element and its
measured value. For example, the standard concentration used
for Pb was 5 mg/L, and the measured value was 4.93 ± 0.05 mg/L.
Results

Sample preparation using acid digestion procedure
The acid digestion method used in this study was based on
procedures recommended by Nnorom et al.22 and Demirel
et al.8 with some modifications as follows:
In this study, the concentration of selected heavy metals (Cd,
Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb) in cosmetic samples obtained from Jordanian,
Sudanese, and Syrian markets were determined by atomic
absorption spectroscopy. The results obtained are shown in
Figs. 1e6. Fig. 1, shows metal concentrations (mg/g) in different

18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
Metal Conc. ( g/g)

10
9 Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Eye line Mascara Lipstick Eye pencil Powder Face Cream Body Cream

Cosmetic Brands

Fig. 1 e Heavy metal concentrations (mg/g) in different brands from Jordanian market. Cd ¼ Cadmium; Cr ¼ Chromium; Cu ¼
Copper; Ni ¼ Nickel; Pb ¼ Lead.
 p u b l i c h e a l t h 1 4 9 ( 2 0 1 7 ) 1 3 0 e1 3 7 133

35

30

25

Metal Conc. (μg/g)

20
Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb

15

10

0
Eye line Mascara Lipstick Eye pencil Powder Face Cream Body Cream

Cosmetic Brands

Fig. 2 e Heavy metal concentrations (mg/g) in different brands from Sudanese market. Cd ¼ Cadmium; Cr ¼ Chromium; Cu ¼
Copper; Ni ¼ Nickel; Pb ¼ Lead.

35
cream, and sun block, and the lowest concentrations of Cd
30 were found in all examined samples.
For kohl samples collected from Jordanian, Sudanese, and
Cd
25 Syrian markets (Fig. 4), the results for Cd levels were as fol-
Cr
lows: Sudan (8.43 mg/g) > Syria (0.89 mg/g) > Jordan (0.68 mg/g);
Metal Conc. (μg/g)

Cu
20 Ni for Cr: Sudan (0.96 mg/g) > Jordan (0.23 mg/g) > Syria (0.19 mg/g);
Pb for Ni: Sudan (1.14 mg/g) > Jordan (0.89 mg/g) > Syria (0.41 mg/g).
15 Figs. 4 and 5 showed the kohl content of Cu and Pb, respec-
tively. The highest concentrations of Cu (Fig. 5) were found in
10 kohl samples collected from Sudanese market (128.9 mg/g).
The order of Pb levels in kohl samples (Fig. 6) was as follows:
5 Syria (391 mg/g) > Sudan (352.3 mg/g) > Jordan (328.5 mg/g).
These results are consistent with the results found for sam-
0 ples in United Arab Emirates market. Depending on the
Body Cream Mascara Sun Block Vaseline samples' origin, samples obtained from Sudan have higher
Cosmetic Brands metal concentration than those obtained from Jordan or Syria.

Fig. 3 e Heavy metal concentrations (mg/g) in different Statistical analysis

brands from Syrian market. Cd ¼ Cadmium; Cr ¼
Chromium; Cu ¼ Copper; Ni ¼ Nickel; Pb ¼ Lead.
brands from the Jordanian market. The highest concentration
was found for Pb in face cream, powder, and body cream
samples, respectively. Lipstick and eyeliner samples were
found to contain the highest level of Cu; whereas, the lowest
concentrations of Cd and Cr were found in all examined
cosmetic samples. Fig. 2 shows metal concentrations (mg/g) in
different brands from Sudanese market. For Cr, the highest
levels were found in mascara, lipstick, and powder samples.
Moreover, lipstick and eye pencil samples contained the
highest levels of Cu, whereas mascara and body cream con-
tained high Ni levels. Fig. 3 shows the element levels in
different brands of cosmetics collected from Syrian market.
The highest concentrations of Pb were found in Vaseline, body
Analysis of variance was used to analyze the results obtained.
Results of statistical analysis for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb for all
cosmetic samples collected from Jordanian and Sudanese
markets indicated that there was a significant difference be-
tween metal concentrations in Sudan and Jordan. Fcal (F-
calculated) values for Cd (1.56), Cr (2.41), Cu (1.11), Ni (0.623),
and Pb (1.26) were <Fcrit (F-critical) (4.17). P-values for Cd
(0.221), Cr (0.132), Cu (0.301), Ni (0.437), and Pb (0.271) > P (0.05).
Correlations of concentrations of heavy metals in cosmetic
samples collected from Sudanese markets showed that there
was a negative correlation between Cr vs Cd and Cu; Cu vs Cr;
Ni vs Cd; Pb vs Cr; and Ni vs Pb. Whereas a positive correlation
was found between Cr vs Ni; Cr vs Cd and Pb; Ni vs Cr; Pb vs Cd
and Cu.
For cosmetic samples collected from Jordanian market, the
results indicated that there were negative correlations be-
tween Cd vs Cr and Ni; Cr vs Cd, Cu, and Pb; Cu vs Cr and Ni; Ni
134 p u b l i c h e a l t h 1 4 9 ( 2 0 1 7 ) 1 3 0 e1 3 7

10

7
Metal Conc. (μg/kg) Kohl (J)
6
Kohl (S)
5 Kohl (SY)

0
Cd Cr Ni

Element

Fig. 4 e Concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) (mg/g) in kohl samples from Jordanian (J), Sudanese
(S), and Syrian (SY) markets.

160

140

120

100
Copper (μg/g)

80

60

40

20

0
Kohl (J) Kohl (S) Kohl (SY)

Cosmetic Brands

Fig. 5 e Concentrations of Copper (Cu) (mg/g) in kohl samples from Jordanian (J), Sudanese (S), and Syrian (SY) markets.

vs Cd; Cu and Pb; Pb vs Cr and Ni. Whereas a positive corre-

450
lations was found between Cd vs Cu and Pb; Cr vs Ni; Cr vs Cd
400
Lead Concentration (μg/g)

and Pb; Ni vs Cr; Pb vs Cd; Cu and Pb.

350 The levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni were generally low in all
300 samples and there were no significant differences between
250
their levels in Jordan and Sudan, whereas Pb had the highest
concentration in all samples with significant difference.
200

150

100
Discussion
50
Cosmetic products contain organic and inorganic components;
0 for example, lipstick may contain pigments, oils, waxes, and
Kohl (J) Kohl (S) Kohl (SY)
Pb; lip pot may contain castor oil, organic coconut oil, sun-
Kohl Samples bleached beeswax, castor wax, and organic essential oil of
sweet orange, mica, iron oxides, and titanium oxide; eye
Fig. 6 e Concentrations of Lead (Pb) (mg/g) in kohl samples
shadow may contain silica, mica, iron oxide; mascara may
from Jordanian (J), Sudanese (S), and Syrian (SY) markets.
 p u b l i c h e a l t h 1 4 9 ( 2 0 1 7 ) 1 3 0 e1 3 7
contain mineral origin wax (ozokerite, paraffin), pigments (iron
oxide, ultramarine), and filmifying polymers; kohl may contain
lead sulphide (PbS), Aluminum (Al), Antimony (Sb), Carbon (C),
iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) compounds, camphor, and menthol;
foundation may contain sericite, micronized zinc, mica, iron
oxide, silica, and titanium dioxide.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in USA raised another
concern about the presence of Pb in lipsticks, and found that
more than one half of the tested 33 brand names of red lipstick
(61%) contained detectable Pb in the range of 0.03e0.65 ppm.26
A study of the Pb content in similar samples in Malaysia
indicated a range of 10.23e23.05 mg/g.27 A study of Asian
remedies evaluated the levels of As, Pb, and Hg reported
values ranging from toxic to values exceeding public health
guidelines.28
For example, Cd is used as color pigment in many cos-
metics industries.29 It is present in many cosmetic products,
but mostly present in lipsticks and facial powders. The car-
diovascular system is affected even at the low level of Cd.
Diabetes and hypertension are also associated with its
exposure.30
Some cosmetic products are applied via spray, presenting the
possibility of inhalation. Also sunscreens, due to their extensive
skin contact, combined with direct exposure to UV radiation for
prolonged periods, require a distinct type of safety evaluation.2
Lipsticks also have a higher risk of direct oral ingestion, aggra-
vating the negative effects of their ingredients.
In general, there are no definite limit values for heavy
metal content in cosmetic products, therefore it is difficult to
ascertain if the values obtained in this study are deemed low
or high. The results obtained from this study revealed that
kohl samples obtained from the three markets have the
highest concentrations among all the investigated samples
tested. Kohl obtained from Sudan has higher concentration
than sample obtained from Jordan or Syria. Our findings
revealed that Pb is the major element found in kohl samples,
and these results are in good agreement with a study of kohl
from United Arab Emirates market which showed that sam-
ples manufactured in India contained PbS and lead carbonate
(PbCO3),31 while those manufactured in Pakistan have no Pb
content contained and are safer to use.31 Moreover, eye cos-
metics could be another source of exposure to heavy metals.
For example, various colors are used in manufacturing eye
shadows and the US FDA has allowed the use of some natural
colors or inorganic pigments such as iron oxide, carmine, ti-
tanium oxide, and aluminum powder.16
In this study, the results showed that Cr has a higher
concentration compared to Ni and Cd in mascara, lipstick, and
eyeliner obtained from Sudan whereas samples obtained from
Jordan revealed that the level of Cr was higher than that of
non-essential metals such as Pb and Cd. The study also
showed that Pb has high concentrations in face cream,
lipstick, and powder samples in Jordan.
Again these findings are in good agreement with other
studies which reported that heavy metals were found in in-
gredients that naturally contain heavy metals or are
contaminated with them during production or from con-
tainers.32 Other researchers reported that lipsticks contain not
only Pb, but also Aluminum (Al), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co),
135
Chromium (Cr),Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni) and
Titanium (Ti).33 In addition, the levels of Pb, Cd, As, Sb, Ni, Cr,
and Hg in 14 brands of lipsticks were assessed in Saudi mar-
kets.34 In Nigeria, the levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn were deter-
mined in personal care products, and the highest values of Cd
(0.553 ppm) and Cu (0.783) were observed in hair cream.12
Our findings revealed that the tested heavy metals in
cosmetic samples in the Jordanian market were less than the
permissible limit for Cd (0.03e0.10 mg/g), Cr (0.0e1.00 mg/g), Cu
(0.60e7.4 mg/g), Ni (0.5e3.6 mg/g), and Pb (0.3e15.4 mg/g). These
values are safe according to the Canadian guideline which
states that heavy metal impurity concentrations in cosmetic
products are seen to be technically avoidable when they
exceed the following limits: Pb, 10 ppm; As, 3 ppm; Cd, 3 ppm;
Hg, 1 ppm; Sb, 5 ppm.35 The United States Food and Drug
Administration (US FDA) limit for arsenic in certain colorants
is <3 ppm.36 Our results were inconsistence with the German
Federal Government that conducted tests to determine back-
ground levels of heavy metal content in cosmetic products. It
was determined that heavy metal levels in cosmetic products
above the values listed below are considered technically
avoidable; Pb: 20 ppm; As: 5 ppm; Cd: 5 ppm; Hg: 1 ppm; Sb:
10 ppm.37 On the other hand, Pb levels in most of the cosmetic
samples from the Syrian market exceeded the limit set by the
Germany Federal regulations.
The significant difference between the level of heavy
metals in different types of cosmetics may be due to its dis-
tribution and mobility in matrix. In other words the distribu-
tion and mobility for each element may differ from one
cosmetic sample to another. This variation may be due to the
difference in the component of the matrix, coloring and other
additives in the cosmetic preparation.
Conclusion
A substance added to a cosmetic as a component of a cosmetic
product and has no technical or functional effect in the finished
cosmetic. For example, a preservative of a raw material when
added to the cosmetic as an ingredient, its concentration is
reduced to a level at which it is no longer effective. Based on the
results obtained, it is likely to conclude the following:
i) It is not possible to completely eliminate the presence
of heavy metals from cosmetic products after
manufacturing. However, the quality of the products
can be improved by careful selection of raw materials,
taking in consideration heavy metal levels.
ii) Heavy metal concentration in lipstick differs with
different manufacturers' colors and shade. Statistically
significant associations between Pb level and the
cosmetic type were found.
iii) Heavy metals levels including Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb may
impose risk in daily use and repeated application as well
as in ingestion through the mouth even at a concen-
tration below the allowed limits.
iv) It is the manufacturers' responsibility to ensure that the
finished cosmetic product contains the lowest levels
possible of heavy metals. So it does not exceed the
limits set by health authorities.
136 p u b l i c h e a l t h 1 4 9 ( 2 0 1 7 ) 1 3 0 e1 3 7
Recommendations
Extensive use of such products should be avoided until it is
adequately addressed. Therefore, efforts must be made to
inform the users and the general public especially pregnant
women and children about the harmful consequences of
cosmetic use.
These results revealed that toxic metals were present in
low quantities. However continuous use of cosmetic products
contaminated with such heavy metals is a major concern
where slow release of such metals into the human body may
cause harmful effects to the consumers over time. Moreover,
good manufacturing practice as well as the regular testing
program should be applied to ensure the absence of harmful
impurities and control toxic metals in lipsticks and other
cosmetic products.
Some toxic elements including heavy metals were found as
impurities in pigments of lipsticks, eye shadows, and face
powders.6,25 This may be due to impurities of raw material
used as cosmetic ingredients. Thus, it is important to take the
following recommendations in consideration:
i) A substance added during manufacturing and removed
from the cosmetic in accordance with good
manufacturing practice before the cosmetic is packaged
in finished form.
ii) A substance added to a cosmetic during manufacturing
for its technical effect in processing but still exists in the
finished cosmetic product at an insignificant level and
does not have any technical or functional effect.
iii) It is the manufacturers' responsibility to ensure that the
finished cosmetic product contains the lowest levels
possible of heavy metals. So it does not exceed the
limits set by health authorities.
iv) People who use cosmetics should know that these
products may have toxic ingredient such as heavy
metals.
Author statements
Acknowledgments
Authors thank the Deanship of Scientific Research at Jordan
University of Science and Technology for funding this project
(grant number 95/2007). The authors also offer many thanks to
Mr. Abdullah Daradekeh from Princess Hyia Biotechnology
Center for his technical assistance.
Ethical approval
This study was approved by the Department Research Com-
mittee, Faculty Research Committee, and the Jordan Univer-
sity of Science and Technology Research Committee.
Funding
The research received funding from the Deanship of Scientific
Research at Jordan University of Science and Technology
under grant agreement no. 95/2007.
Competing interests
None declared.
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