This open-access Heliyon study measured five heavy metals (cadmium, lead, zinc, chromium, cobalt) and alpha particle emission rates in 20 cosmetic products purchased from markets in Najaf, Iraq. Products comprised six kohl eye cosmetics, seven compact face powders, and seven lipsticks, analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (Shimadzu AA-6300). Results were compared against WHO and Iraqi cosmetic standards. The study also measured gross alpha activity.
Key numbers
Five metals quantified by AAS (Shimadzu AA-6300) and reported as mean ± SD in ppm (mg/kg). CRM and recovery were not reported. LOD/LOQ were not reported numerically.
Compact powder results (Table 2 of source; n=7 products, ppm mean ± SD)
The source states all measured values were within the limits of WHO and Iraqi standards (WHO: cadmium (Cd) less than 3 ppm, lead (Pb) less than 10 ppm). No compact powder sample exceeded any stated limit.
Comparison across all three product categories (Table 2 of source, ppm mean ± SD)
| Product | Cd | Pb | Zn | Cr | Co |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kohl (n=6) | 0.034 ± 0.025 | 0.027 ± 0.027 | 7.30 ± 11.18 | 0.014 ± 0.013 | 0.011 ± 0.010 |
| Compact powder (n=7) | 0.0024 ± 0.0045 | 0.0012 ± 0.0022 | 2.25 ± 2.34 | 0.0006 ± 0.0012 | 0.0033 ± 0.0040 |
| Lipstick (n=7) | 0.064 ± 0.070 | 0.025 ± 0.023 | 7.65 ± 11.73 | 0.009 ± 0.009 | 0.009 ± 0.010 |
Compact powders had the lowest mean concentrations for all five metals across the three product categories. The highest measured value in any compact powder was zinc at 6.80 ppm.
Methods
Samples were purchased from Najaf markets. Sample preparation involved wet acid digestion, though the specific acid type, volumes, and digestion vessel are not described. Analysis was by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (Shimadzu AA-6300). The study also measured gross alpha activity with a gas-flow proportional counter. Calibration, CRM, spike recovery, LOD, and LOQ are not reported.
Evidence fitness
This source supports category-level estimates of cadmium, lead, zinc, chromium, and cobalt concentrations in compact face powder, kohl, and lipstick from one Iraqi market. Compact powder values are very low relative to other cosmetic powder surveys in the deposit. The absence of CRM and recovery data, along with absence of LOD/LOQ, limits the analytical quality assessment. No arsenic, nickel, mercury, or aluminum data are reported for this product class.
Limitations
The source covers three cosmetic categories from one market in Najaf, Iraq. Sample size per category is small (n=6-7). The study reports compact powders, not cornstarch-based adult dusting powder specifically. Recovery, CRM, LOD, and LOQ are not stated. Total chromium is measured; hexavalent chromium is not speciated. Arsenic is absent from the analyte panel.
Related evidence
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Dusting powder, cornstarch base (clean sibling of r2 talc)
- Eye makeup (liners, shadows, mascara, brow products, false lash adhesives, lash/eyebrow serums)
- Lip products (lipstick, gloss, lip liner, adult lip balm)
Update history
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