Heavy Metal Contamination in Lipsticks: Implications for Human Health and Sustainable Alternatives to Metal-based Ingredients

Pierre Trinh | Sustainability researcher

November 22, 2024

Keywords: lipsticks; heavy metal contamination; human health, sustainable alternatives

A former environmentalist at The Skynth Researcher, Hafsa Bashir, argues in her article that the widespread prevalence of heavy metal contamination in lipstick poses serious risks to human health. Though this study emphasizes the importance of doing thorough testing, implementing strict quality control measures, and adhering to acceptable limits for heavy metals in lipstick compositions, these actions require tremendous efforts in research and development (R&D). In this article, our sustainability researcher, Pierre Trinh, will discuss fundamental merits and drawbacks of several sustainable alternatives to heavy metal ingredients, aiming to minimize negative impacts on the individual health and safety.

Use of heavy metals in lipsticks

How is these ingredients applied?

Lipsticks are cosmetics mainly used to colorize, moisturize, and improve the overall look of the lips. Combining multiple components, such as emollients, pigments, oils, and waxes, can achieve the desired texture, shade, and shine. Apart from their visual appeal, consumption of lipsticks helps represent individual self-confidence, cultural expression, and personality in certain society [1]. However, there have been prominent concerns over contamination in cosmetic products containing heavy metal-based ingredients [2], which poses health hazards through continuous exposure to high levels of impurities and metals through dermal contact and oral ingestion [3]. Even if heavy metal exposure is low, the consumers’ attitude towards their long-term health are noteworthy [4]. Gondal et al.'s 2010 report notes exposure to a miniscule amount of lipsticks through ingestion [5].

Implications for Human Health

Normally, consumers have a limited awareness of the heavy metal contamination that lipsticks can cause [2]. While impurities in colorants are occasionally found as a byproduct of specific metallic pigments like lead or cadmium, certain types of chromium, most notably chromium oxide greens, can potentially contain trace amounts of hazardous chemicals. Mercury is also found in trace amounts, typically in certain color additives, but it is not used as frequently as other elements [6].

The production of lipstick may trigger contamination at various stages, i.e., when mixing, blending, or packaging, due to inadequate equipment or insufficient quality control methods. Contaminating impurities can be found in different ingredients, such as pigments, oils, waxes, and colorants [7].

A Nigerian study measured concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) in various brands of Nigerian lipstick products and assessed their probable health risks to the users. The ranges of concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cr were 5.6 - 25.1, 2.5 - 21.5 and 5.0 - 61.7 μg/g, respectively. Although the health indices indicated non-carcinogenic health risks, the authors concluded that continuous exposure and unintentional ingestion of such lipstick products can still pose high risks to the users due to bioaccumulation of Pb, Cd and Cr which may lead to negative health conditions [8]. But this still exceeds certain national thresholds, thus restricting the products to be exported to those countries.

Even though there is are currently no international standards for heavy metal impurities in cosmetics, regulatory bodies worldwide establish benchmarks for heavy metal concentrations in cosmetics, including lipsticks, to protect consumer health. The US’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees cosmetics and issues national guidelines while monitoring products for potential health hazards associated with heavy metal content. The FDA’s permissible levels for heavy metals in lipsticks in 2013 were 3 μg/g for arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, 5 μg/g for antimony, 170 μg/g for nickel, chromium, copper, and cobalt, and 20 μg/g for lead [9]. A similar approach has been taken by Health Canada [10]. The cosmetics regulation of the European Union (EU) prohibits the use of specific heavy metals in cosmetics and establishes maximum concentrations that are considered acceptable. Other nations, including Canada and Japan, have established their own standards and allowable limits pertaining to the presence of heavy metals in cosmetic products [11] [12]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the permissible levels of lead are 10 μg/g; for cadmium, it's 0.3 μg/g; and for mercury, it's 1 μg/g [13]. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their products meet these standards by conducting rigorous testing to verify compliance and implementing quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process to reduce the presence of heavy metals in lipstick formulations, thereby prioritizing consumer safety [14].

Because lipstick formulations contain multiple ingredients, making it difficult to isolate and identify specific sources of heavy metal contamination. Within the complex matrix of cosmetic ingredients, trace amounts can readily go undetected [7].

????Sustainable Alternatives

Plant-based Pigments

Plant-derived pigments, such as beets and berries, have been widely considered organic alternatives to heavy metals in the composition of lipsticks. Apart from offering vibrant colors, a notable element of their acceptance entails the assessment of color durability and suitability with lipstick compositions. To ensure the durability and excellence of the lipstick product, it is crucial to comprehend how these organic colorants react to different environmental factors and engage with other components [16]. Despite their sufficient functions, it has also been reported that natural ingredients like plant based materials are still the major source of heavy metal contamination in cosmetics. In particular, toxic metallic elements may be present in herbs and plants due to the pre-existing use of fertilizers, insecticides or becasue of their cultivation near industrial zones [17]. The problem has become so critical that the International Organizations recommended the producers to precisely measure the quantity of toxic metals in the plant-based raw materials as well as in the final products.

Mineral Pigments

Being either natural or synthetic, mineral-derived pigments such as mica and metallic oxides offers a viable substitution to toxic heavy metals in lipsticks without compromising color vibrancy. These widely-accessible minerals may be obtained in an environmentally friendly manner, making them sustainable options for colorant manufacturing. The most common pigment minerals are metallic oxides. While titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (non-nanoized) impart a matte lipstick appearance, iron oxide (non-nanoized) is a naturally occurring compound that serves as a cost-effective pigment imparting a vibrant yellow-orange-red hue to lipsticks [18]. Another is from silica or mica. Silica can be extracted from plants and is primarily recognized for its ability to enhance the thickness of lipsticks and providing protection against the sun. Mica reflects light and imparts a sparkly aspect to lipstick. Most lipsticks derived from natural sources contain mica, including those found in the RMS range [19]. Nevertheless, thoroughly studying their extraction procedures, ethical sourcing techniques, ecological impacts and health implications help make well-informed choices regarding their utilization in cosmetic compositions [20].

Evaluation of Feasibility and Effectiveness

Color Replication

An essential part of evaluating the viability of sustainable alternatives in lipstick formulations is a comparative examination of the color range that may be achieved using alternative components to traditional pigments containing heavy metals. This entails not only aligning with pre-existing color schemes but also delving into novel hues. The assessment takes into account consumer preferences, which are influenced by cultural trends, seasonal fluctuations, and individual tastes. Comprehending and addressing consumer expectations is crucial for the effective incorporation of substitute components in lipstick products [18].?

The stability of the products

Examining the durability of environmentally friendly substitutes in various storage settings allows producers to ensure the quality and safety of lipstick products while conducting longevity testing, which is crucial to guaranteeing the finished goods’ color intactness and vibrance, thus preserving their appeal. A meticulous testing procedure is thus essential to handle stability-related factors, such as light exposure, temperature changes, and the materials used for packaging, thus offering consumers lipsticks that retain their visual attractiveness over a period of time [20].?

Texture and Application

Testing the texture and application of lipsticks with different components is vital for consumer satisfaction. This entails evaluating the level of applicability, adherence to the lips, and the overall tactile sensation of the product. Consumer input on the wearability of sustainable lipstick formulations offers useful insights into the potential of alternative components to equal or exceed the performance of existing heavy metal-based formulations. Striking a balance between visual appeal and comfort is crucial in order to fulfill consumer expectations [20].

Costs and Scalability

Conducting an economic analysis to compare the sourcing and manufacturing of alternative ingredients with traditional heavy metals is crucial for assessing the viability of widespread adoption. The cost-effectiveness of sustainable alternatives is influenced by factors such as raw material expenses, production efficiency, and market demand. Furthermore, it is imperative to address scalability concerns when it comes to large-scale production in the cosmetics business in order to guarantee the accessibility of environmentally friendly lipsticks to a wide range of consumers [20].

Environmental Impact

It is essential to do life-cycle assessments of natural and sustainable alternatives in order to comprehend their comprehensive environmental impact. This examination should cover the full production process, spanning from the extraction of raw materials to the disposal stage. An analysis of the carbon footprint, water usage, and other environmental issues associated with alternative and traditional ingredients can help the industry adopt more environmentally friendly practices. Effectively communicating these findings will enhance consumers' ability to make well-informed decisions by taking environmental factors into account [20].

Conclusion

Amidst the issues related to toxic heavy metal ingredients, adopting plant-based and mineral pigments, and bioactive substances in the cosmetic sector seems to provide a means to produce lipsticks that increase attractiveness and prioritize consumer safety and environmental sustainability. However, there are still certain problems that need to be properly addressed before opting for any alternatives. First, the examination process of ingredients and products is currently unstandardized and lacks of real-life holistic analysis of their usage. Secondly, toxic metallic elements may be present in herbs and plants via various sources, mostly related to unsustainable plantations. Meanwhile, the understanding of mineral pigments’ health implications remain so insufficient and limited that their sustainability is unknown and they still can impose risks to individual health due to the severe polution as a result of their exploration.

Recommendations

In order to tackle the intricate problem of heavy metal contamination in lipsticks, a number of suggestions are put forward. First and foremost, in order to protect consumers everywhere, regulatory agencies must harmonize standards globally, guaranteeing consistent rules and enforcement. Cosmetic firms should prioritize transparency in ingredient sourcing and manufacturing procedures and allocate resources toward research and development to investigate and implement sustainable alternatives. It is necessary to enhance consumer awareness programs in order to educate individuals about the potential health hazards linked to high levels of heavy metals in lipsticks, thereby enabling them to make well-informed decisions. Establishing and implementing strong sustainability practices requires crucial collaboration among industry players, regulatory entities, and environmental organizations. Moreover, the establishment of industry-wide benchmarks for sustainable lipstick formulations and ongoing investigation into novel, non-hazardous components are pivotal measures in the pursuit of a more environmentally conscious and secure cosmetic environment.

References

[1] Ezeh, E., Okeke, O., Aniobi, C. C., Ikedinobi, C. S. and Alieze, A. B. (2019). Analysis of heavy metals in different brands of lipsticks sold in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria, and their potential health risks to users. Journal of Chemical, Biological, and Physical Sciences, 9(4), 402-411.

[2] Malvandi, H., & Sancholi, F., 2018. Assessments of some metals contamination in lipsticks and their associated health risks to lipstick consumers in Iran. Environ. Monit. Assess., 190, 680–688.?

[3] Pinto, E., Paiva, K., Carvalhido, A., & Almeida, A., 2018. Elemental impurities in lipsticks: Results from a survey of the Portuguese and Brazilian markets. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol., 95, 307–313.?

[4] Zakaria, A., & Ho, Y. Bin, 2015. Heavy metals contamination in lipsticks and their associated health risks to lipstick consumers. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol., 73, 191–195.?

[5] Gondal, M.A., Seddigi, Z.S., Nasr, M.M., & Gondal, B. (2010). Spectroscopic detection of health-hazardous contaminants in lipstick using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy. The Journal of Hazardous Materials, 175, 726–732.?

[6] Khalid, A., Bukhari, I. H., Riaz, M., Rehman, G., Ain, Q. U., Bokhari, T. H., ... & Munir, S. (2013). Determination of lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel in different brands of lipsticks. International Journal of Biology, Pharmacy and Allied Sciences, 1(2), 263-271.

[7] Moazenzadeh, M., Mazandarany, M.P., Eskandari, M., & Pourmahyabady, R., 2011. Determination of lead concentration in solid and liquid lipsticks available in Iran-Kerman. Med. J. Hormozgan Univ., 16, 241–246.?

[8] Tunde, O.L., Oluwagbemiga, A.P., Oladejo. O. F., Concentrations and probable health risks of potentially toxic metals (Pb, Cd and Cr) in some Nigerian lipstick products. Journal of Trace Elements and Minerals, 8, 100-142

[9] United States Food and Drug Administration (2013): Food and drugs, chapter II – food and drug administration, department of health and human services. Part 74 – listing of colour additives subject to certification office of cosmetics and colours, Sec. 74. 1306 D&C. Investigation D.C. 400-408.

[10] Health Canada. Guidance on Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetics. 2012.

[11] Rahman, M., Sarker, N., Banik, R., Habib, M. A., & Sikder, M. T. (2021). Assessment of heavy metals contamination in lipsticks available in Bangladeshi market and associated human health risk. Bangladesh J Environ Res, 12, 62-74.

[12] Health Canada, 2012. Guidance on Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetics https://www.canada.ca/en/healthcanada/services/consumer-product-safety/reports-publications/industry-professionals/guidanceheavy-metal-impurities-cosmetics.html#a1?

[13] World Health Organization (2010): Standard limits for pollutants in cosmetic products. Public Health and Environment, WHO, Geneva, 540-549

[14] Health Canada. Guidance on Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetics. 2012.

[15] Olalekan, R. M., Adedoyin, O., & Odubo, T. V. (2018). Measures of harm from heavy metal content (Lead and Cadmium) in Women Lipstick and Lipgloss in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. International Journal of Petrochemistry and Research, 2(3), 236-242.

[16] Ouremi, O. I., & Ayodele, O. E. (2014). Lipsticks and nail polishes: potential sources of heavy metal in human body. Int J Pharm Res Allied Sci, 3(4), 45.

[17] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7335825/

[18] https://amazingy.com/magazine/lead-in-lipsticks-and-the-better-alternatives/

[19] Goyal, N., & Jerold, F. (2023). Biocosmetics: technological advances and future outlook. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(10), 25148-25169.

[20]. Martins, A. M., & Marto, J. M. (2023). A sustainable life cycle for cosmetics: From design and development to post-use phase. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 35, 101178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scp.2023.101178