A heavy metal laboratory test is an analysis that measures the presence and concentration of heavy metals in a product. This test is of great importance in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries to ensure that products are safe for human use and meet regulatory limits.
Risks of heavy metals in cosmetics
Heavy metal testing is important for product safety, regulatory compliance and protecting consumer health. This test ensures that your product meets heavy metal standards and does not pose a hazard when used.
- Lead: Neurotoxicity, developmental problems
- Cadmium: carcinogenic, kidney damage
- Mercury: Neurotoxicity, skin irritation
- Arsenic: Carcinogenic, skin lesions
- Nickel: Allergies, skin irritation
Testing for heavy metals
Testing for heavy metals is usually performed using techniques such as atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or other appropriate analytical techniques. These tests are performed to determine the total heavy metal content of products and the concentration of specific heavy metals. Tests for heavy metals generally include the following metals:
Heavy metals | Related cosmetic products | Possible health risk |
---|---|---|
Lead (Pb) | Dyes, lipstick, eye makeup | Serious health problems |
Mercury (Hg) | Skin bleaching agents, mascara | Harmful to the nervous system and kidneys |
Cadmium (Cd) | Pigments and dyes | Kidney damage, bone weakness and increased risk of cancer |
Chromium (Cr) | Pigments and dyes | May cause allergic reactions and skin irritation |
Acceptable impurity values for heavy metals may vary depending on the target group, the average amount applied, the area of application and the type of cosmetic product (leave-on / rinse-off). According to current standards and test methods, limit values can be listed below:
Heavy metal | Method | Limit value |
---|---|---|
Lead (Pb) | Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) | 20 mg / kg Toothpaste: 1 mg /kg |
Cadmium (Cd) | 5 mg / kg Toothpaste: 1 mg /kg | |
Mercury (Hg) | 1 mg/kg Toothpaste: 1 mg/kg | |
Arsenic (As) | 5 mg / kg Toothpaste: 1 mg /kg | |
Antimony (Sb) | 10 mg / kg Toothpaste: 1 mg /kg | |
Nickel (Ni) | 5 mg / kg Toothpaste: 1 mg /kg | |
Aluminum (Al) | 5 mg / kg Toothpaste: 1 mg /kg |
To ensure regulatory compliance and protect the health of users, it is important to conduct testing for heavy metals, especially on cosmetic products applied to the oral cavity (toothpaste) and colored cosmetics (foundation, lipstick, nail polish, blush, etc.) with high concentrations of dyes.
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