Estimation of Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Cd and Mn in cosmetics (face powers, deodorants, shampoos, skin creams)

The science of cosmetics is as old as recorded history perhaps older, and it is as new as any branch of chemistry in this age of rapid technological development and can therefore, be defined as a preparations, which is applied to the skin or its appendages in order to alter its appearance, to protect it, to beautify or to promote attractiveness. Different metals e.g. Zn, Mg, Ca, Pb, Cd, Ca, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Fe are present in different cosmetics e.g. face powders, face creams, shampoos, nail polishes and deodorants. These metals cause skin diseases and health problems. Heavy metals that include Pb, Cd, Ca, Ni and metals such as Fe, Zn, Co and Mn are toxic and confirmed to cause skin diseases in human beings. These metals also cause infection, damage of respiratory tract, dermatitis and chronic irritation. Medical research has also found that cosmetics may be one of the causes of many health problems. Different samples of cosmetic products were digested with nitric acid and perchloric acid. Each digested material was then analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer in order to estimate the presence of these metals: Cd, Ni, Pb, Ca, Co, Cu, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn. These metals were estimated appropriate amounts. Amount of these metals varied significantly from one brand to another. It was estimated the among face powders. Least amount of Zn was present i.e. 11.15 mug/g in "Powder Compact" and maximum amount of Zn i.e., 14.53 mug/g was present in "One man show", Cu content i.e., 2.215 mug/g was present in "One man show" in least amount and in "Stag colour" it was maximum i.e. 4.935 9 mug/g. Maximum Cd was estimated in "One man show" as 8.980 mug/g and minimum in "Stag colour" i.e. 0.2600 mug/g. Maximum Fe content i.e., 58.99 muk/g in "Stag colour" and minimum in "Cream puff" i.e., 15.39 mug/g. was estimated. Least amount of Mn 13.80 mug/g was, estimated in "One man show" and maximum amount of it was present in "Powder- compact" i.e. 32.56 mug/g. Maximum Ni content was estimated in "one man show" i.e., 11.49 mug/g and, minimum i.e. 5.20 mug/g in "stag colour" 47.80 mug/g. Pb content was present in "One man show" in greatest amount and least Pb was estimated in "Stag colour" i.e., 36.90 mug/g. Least Co was estimated in "One man show" and maximum in "Cream puff. Ca content was estimated maximum in "Powder compact" and minimum in "One man show". Least Mg content was present in "Cream puff" i.e. 2.410 mug/g and maximum Mg was found in "One man show" as 11.49 mug/g. Similarly all other metals were estimated in maximum and minimum amounts in other cosmetics, which are also shown in the graphs. Finally, it was concluded that: In face powders Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn were present in greater amount as compared to the other metals and hence were more contaminated. In face creams Ni, Ca, Mn and Fe were present in larger amounts. In shampoos Fe, Pb, Co were present in excess. In nail polishes Co, Fe, Mn and Ca are comparatively in excess. In deodorants Fe, Mn, Co were present in greater amounts as compared to other metals.