DETERMINATION OF SELECTED HEAVY METAL LEVELS IN SOME COSMETICS SOLD IN MINNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

In this study, the levels of Zn, Mn, Ni and Cr in selected cosmetic products sold in some retail outlets in Minna, Nigeria were investigated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Four cosmetic products of two different colours and brand (face powders, lipsticks, eye pencils and eye liners) were purchased from retail shops in Minna market and used for the present study. The results revealed a significant difference in the concentration of the metals analysed among the different cosmetics. Manganese was detected in only two of the cosmetics (facial powder and eye pencil). The heavy metal concentrations in the sample analysed ranged from 10.13±0.5 to 147.03±0.95 mg/Kg for Mn; 11.50±0.5 to 129.6±0.71 mg/Kg for Zn; 1.53±0.25 to 13.54±0.12 mg/Kg for Cr and 3.00±0.10 to 40.23±0.56 mg/Kg for Ni. Cadmium and lead were not detected in any of the cosmetics products. The mean concentration of the metals analysed was in the order: Zn>Mn>Ni>Cr. The concentrations of some of the metals found in this study were found to be above the safe limit given by standard regulatory bodies. There is therefore need to continually monitor the concentration of heavy metals in cosmetic products. The study also reveals that continous use of these cosmetics could result in an increase in the heavy metal concentration in human body.