Determination of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg and Zn) in cosmetic products using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS)

Lately, there are number of cosmetics and other products were recalled and banned because of the presence of heavy metals in toxic levels to human in the products. The long term exposure of heavy metals such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) would result into numerous dangers among these; being carcinogenic, kidney dysfunction and behavioural abnormalities and skin infection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the concentration of Cd, Pb, Hg and Zn in several brands of local cosmetic products in Malaysia. The concentrations of heavy metals were analysed using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) except for Hg where cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometer (CV-AAS) was employed. The pattern of heavy metals in several brands of local cosmetic products in Malaysia with overall mean concentration was analysed as Zn (75.563 ppm) > Cd (0.0288 ppm) > Hg (0.012 ppm) > Pb (not detectable (ND)). The highest mean concentration (ppm) of Zn was detected in Cream D (292.600 ± 1.51) which exceeded the permissible limit of WHO, followed by Cream C, Cream N and Cream Q with levels of Zn (3.6260±0.0038), 3.1620±0.0404 and 2.8630±0.0243) respectively. However, the mean concentration (ppm) of Pb was not detectable in all samples. For Cd, the mean concentrations (ppm) were obtained in the range (0.005±0.0018 – 0.09±0.0014). Meanwhile, Hg showed the level of mean concentration (ppm) is in the range (0.0002±0.00006 – 0.0312±0.0012). As a conclusion, all the local cosmetic products that have been studied are within the permissible limit except for Zn in Cream D that are exceeded the limits that was set by WHO. Hence, heavy metals concentration level in all cosmetic products must be monitored comprehensively with the respect of human health and potentially safe for use.