This open-access Toxicology Reports study measured nine metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, zinc) in 160 facial cosmetic products across eight categories purchased from markets in Delta State, Nigeria, using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (PerkinElmer Analyst 200). With n=20 per category, this is the largest product-category sample size in the HMI-FILL-0024 deposit for face powder measurements. The study reported mean, median, and full range for each metal in each product category, alongside LOD, LOQ, and per-element spike recovery. Cadmium and lead in face powders exceeded EU and WHO cosmetic limits in some samples.
Key numbers
Nine metals quantified by AAS (PerkinElmer Analyst 200), reported as mean, median, and range in µg/g (ppm = mg/kg) wet weight. LOD and LOQ were reported per element. Spike recovery was reported per element. No certified reference material (CRM) was used.
Per-element recovery (Table 1 footnote of source)
Face powder results (Table 1 of source; n=20 products, µg/g wet weight)
The face powder lead mean (325.6 µg/g) is dominated by a high-outlier sample (3399.9 µg/g maximum). The median (18.7 µg/g) is more representative of the central distribution. Cadmium mean (4.0 µg/g) and all individual face powder values (2.10-5.00 µg/g) substantially exceed the EU 1 ppm limit and the WHO 3 ppm limit cited in the source. Lead in 15 of 20 face powder samples exceeded the FDA 10 ppm guidance limit according to the source’s discussion.
Methods
Products purchased from markets in Delta State. Sample preparation: 1-2 g sample digested in 15 mL concentrated HNO3 + 5 mL concentrated HClO4 on a hotplate at 200-240 degrees Celsius until white fumes appeared, then diluted to 100 mL with distilled water. Analysis by flame AAS (PerkinElmer Analyst 200) with air-acetylene and nitrous oxide-acetylene flames depending on element. LOD and LOQ reported for all nine elements. Spike recovery performed by adding a known mass of standard to the digested sample matrix. No CRM used.
Evidence fitness
This is the best-documented AAS study for face powder in the deposit, with n=20 per category, per-element recovery data, and LOD/LOQ. It supports a category-level estimate of cadmium, lead, nickel, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc in face powders from one Nigerian market. The face powder lead distribution is heavily right-skewed (mean 325.6 versus median 18.7 µg/g), indicating a small number of high-outlier samples that drive the mean. Arsenic and mercury were not measured.
Limitations
One market in Delta State, Nigeria. No CRM. Total chromium measured; hexavalent chromium not speciated. Arsenic and mercury absent from analyte panel. Face powders, not cornstarch-based adult dusting powder specifically. Right-skewed lead distribution: median is the more reliable central-tendency estimate.
Related evidence
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Nickel
- Chromium
- Iron
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Dusting powder, cornstarch base (clean sibling of r2 talc)
- Makeup — foundation, powders, blush/rouge
- Lip products (lipstick, gloss, lip liner, adult lip balm)
- Eye makeup (liners, shadows, mascara, brow products, false lash adhesives, lash/eyebrow serums)
Update history
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