Vella Taylor

Dr. Colombo

UWRT 1104

20 February 2017

Research Question: How Many Major Keys do I Have?

Research Journal Entry #1

Citation:

Malkan, S., Sarantis, H., Archer, L., Campaign for Safe Cosmetics., & Breast Cancer Fund.

(2011). Baby's tub Is still toxic: Two years after public outrage about cancer-causing chemicals

in baby shampoo, America's leading baby shampoo is caught in a double standard. San

Franscisco, Calif.: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Main Claim:

1. November 1, 2011More than two years after leading health and parents groups asked
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) to reformulate its flagship baby shampoo to remove a
cancer-causing chemical,1 the company is still putting the formaldehydereleasing
preservative quaternium-15 into baby shampoo sold in the United States, Canada, China,
Indonesia and Australia, while Johnsons Baby Shampoo formulas sold in Denmark,
Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and the U.K. contain
non-formaldehyde preservatives, according to a new analysis conducted by the Campaign
for Safe Cosmetics. This double standard for American consumers seems especially
ironic given a recent Forbes survey that showed Johnson & Johnson to be the most
trusted corporate brand in America.2...Formaldehyde was recently added to the U.S.
government list of known human carcinogens by the Department of Health and Human
Services.3 Formaldehyde and quaternium-15 are also potent allergens that can trigger
rashes and other skin inflammation problems.4 The analysis reveals that Johnsons Baby
Shampoo sold in the United States, Australia, Canada, China and Indonesia contains
quaternium-15, while Johnsons Baby Shampoo sold in Denmark, Finland, Japan, the
Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and the U.K. contain nonformaldehyde
preservatives. Leading health and environmental groups in the United States have sent
letters and met with Johnson & Johnson executives several times over the past two and a
half years to urge the company to reformulate its baby products to remove chemicals of
concern, including quaternium-15.5 (Malkan, Sarantis, Archer, Campaign for Safe, &
Breast Cancer, 2011)
 2. Leading health and environmental groups in the United States have sent letters and met
with Johnson & Johnson executives several times over the past two and a half years to
urge the company to reformulate its baby products. This is surprising because Johnson &
Johnson the most trusted American brand according to Forbes. The company has been
found to have a variation in baby shampoo formula across different countries. According
to Malkan the analysis reveals Johnsons Baby Shampoo sold in the United States,
Australia, Canada, China and Indonesia contains quaternium-15, while Johnsons Baby
Shampoo sold in Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa,
Sweden and the U.K. contain no formaldehyde preservatives (2011,p.4). The reason why
this is upsetting is because the company is using Formaldehyde and quaternium-15 which
are potent allergens that can trigger rashes and other skin inflammation problems.
Although the company has released a new natural shampoo in the united states not
containing these chemicals the other original formula containing the formaldehyde
preservatives are half the price of the natural option. (Malkan et al., 2011)

Summary of Source:

Malkan shows the United States has a problem with large corporations making personal care
products. Quaternium-15, a cancer-causing chemical is present in the world wide known original
Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo and body wash. Many leading health care professionals and
parents have asked Johnson & Johnson to reformulate its shampoo in many countries containing
this harmful chemical. While in many other counties the company has already removed
Quaternium-15, according to the research conducted by this report. (Malkan et al., 2011)

Evaluation of Source:

Stacy Malkan is a credible source because she is a co-founder and co-director of U.S. Right to
Know, a nonprofit standing up for truth and transparency in our food system. She is author
of "Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry" (New Society Publishers,
2007) and an original co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Stacy is a former
journalist and newspaper publisher, and a new mom who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Although written in 2011, this report is still relevant because this is an ongoing issue that has not
been solved yet. In this report Malkan first starts introduces acknowledgements of all the
certified heath organizations who tested the samples, doctors, and editors who helped find the
research for this report along with sources cited at the end of the report. Malkan could not writ
this report alone due to not having the proper certifications. The other individuals incvolved were
Heather Sarantis, M.S., Commonweal; and Lisa Archer, Breast Cancer Fund. Background
research and/or review provided by Marisa Walker and Sharima Rasanayagam, Ph.D., Breast
Cancer Fund; Mia Davis, M.S., Clean Water Fund; and Nneka Leiba, M.Phil., M.P.H.,
Environmental Working Group.

Important Quotations:
 The analysis reveals that Johnsons Baby Shampoo sold in the United States, Australia, Canada,
China and Indonesia contains quaternium-15, while Johnsons Baby Shampoo sold in Denmark,
Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and the U.K. contain
nonformaldehyde preservatives. (Malkan et al., 2011)

While quaternium-15 is the formaldehydereleasing preservative used in Johnsons Baby

Shampoo, a variety of other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are found in many other
personal care products, including childrens products. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
recommends avoiding all formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. These include DMDM
hydantoin, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol), imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea
and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (Malkan et al., 2011)

In the 2009 report, No More Toxic Tub, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics also reported
finding 1,4-dioxane in several products made by Johnson & Johnson, including Johnsons Baby
Shampoo, Johnsons Oatmeal Baby Wash, Johnsons Moisture Care Baby Wash and Aveeno
Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash.28 1,4-dioxane is widely recognized as a carcinogen in
animal studies. The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that the presence of
1,4-dioxane, even as a trace contaminant, is cause for concern.29 (Malkan et al., 2011)

Research Journal Entry #2

Citation:

Borowska, S., & Brzoska, M. M. (2015). Metals in cosmetics: implications for hum health. Journal of

Applied Toxicology, 35(6), 551-572, doi:10.1002/jat.3129

Main Claim:

1. Cosmetics, preparations repeatedly applied directly to the human skin, mucous

membranes, hair and nails, should be safe for health, however, recently there has been
increasing concern about their safety. Unfortunately, using these products in some cases
is related to the occurrence of unfavorable effects resulting from intentional or the
accidental presence of chemical substances, including toxic metals. (Borowska, Brzoska,
2015)

2. Due to the addition of metals in cosmetics over time cosmetics have grown to be
dangerous. (Borowska et al., 2015)

Summary of Source:

The authors of Metals in cosmetics explain that although not all metals in cosmetics are
dangerous there are some proved to be toxic metals that are being added into the production of
makeup across the world. The text defined cosmetics explains every toxic metal in cosmetics
products, the quantity, and effect. They also explain how the UK is taking large leaps forward to
 ban certain toxic metals and the US and other countries could learn from them. (Borowska et al.,
2015)

Evaluation of Source:
Sylwia Borowska,
Malgorzata M. Brzoska

Peer reviewd,

Important Quotations:

Cosmetic products include face and body care preparations (creams, lotions, deodorants, soaps,
etc.), colour cosmetics (lipsticks, mascaras, eye shadows, nail polishes, etc.), and hair products
(shampoos, colours, sprays, gels, etc.). Among them, natural products (henna, various cosmetics
containing plant extracts and minerals) as well as preparations containing nanoparticles
(especially UV filters) can be distinguished (Sin and Tsang, 2003; Jallad and Espada-
Jallad, 2008; Abdel-Fattah and Pingitore, 2009; Atz and Pozebon, 2009; Corazza et al., 2009;
Mudholkar, 2012; Raj et al., 2012; Sukender et al., 2012; Ullah et al., 2013; Umar and
Caleb, 2013; Faruruwa and Bartholomew, 2014). (Borowska et al., 2015)

One of the groups of dangerous substances present in cosmetics are heavy metals, including
particularly toxic elements such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As) and
mercury (Hg). Apart from these toxic trace metals, elements such as chromium (Cr), iron (Fe),
copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) necessary, but dangerous when they occur in excessive amounts
may also be present in cosmetics. (Borowska et al., 2015)

Compounds of some metals are used for purpose in the cosmetic industry, mainly as UV filters
in face and body care products and pigments in coloured cosmetics. The law of the European
Union (EU) allows the presence of various pigments in cosmetics in a wide range of colours:
white (Al, barium sulphate, bismuth chloride oxide, calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate,
magnesium carbonate, silver, 4% silver nitrate only for colouring eyelashes and eyebrows, as
well as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which are rather more popular as UV filters), green
[chromium (III) oxide, chromium (III) hydroxide, cobalt aluminium oxide], brown (Cu, gold
Au) and iron oxides in colours such as orange, red, yellow and black (Fig. 2; OJEU, 2009). This
law allows the use of 25% titanium dioxide as an UV filter and silver chloride (in the
concentration of 0.004% in ready-to-use preparations) deposited on titanium dioxide as a
preservative in cosmetic products (OJEU, 2009). (Borowska et al., 2015)

The EU law does not allow the presence of other metals or their compounds which could be
used as pigments owing to their colours, for example lead oxide (yellow or red) and lead dioxide
(black; OJEU, 2009). As a result of using of metal-based pigments in colour cosmetics, metal
concentrations (especially Pb, Cr, Fe) in preparations of this type are higher than in other
cosmetic products (Al-Saleh et al., 2009; Omolaoye et al., 2010; Al-Dayel et al., 2011; Zakari et
al., 2014). Because Hg inactivates tyrosinase, being the key melanin-forming enzyme
(Hostynek, 2003), compounds of this metal are used on purpose in skin-lightening creams and
 thus the highest concentrations of this element are found in this type of cosmetics (Weldon et
al., 2000; Chan et al., 2001; Soo et al., 2003; Tang et al., 2006, 2013; Held and Bayerl, 2008;
zkaya et al., 2009; Li et al., 2010; Benz et al., 2011; Chakera et al., 2011; CDC, 2012b;
Dickenson et al., 2013). (Borowska et al., 2015)

Research Journal Entry #3

Citation:
Klaschka, U. (2015). Naturally toxic: natural substances used in personal care

products. Environmental Sciences Europe: Bridging Science and Regulation

at the Regional and European Level, 27(10), 1-13.

Main Claim:

3. Cosmetics, preparations repeatedly applied directly to the human skin, mucous

membranes, hair and nails, should be safe for health, however, recently there has been
increasing concern about their safety. Unfortunately, using these products in some cases
is related to the occurrence of unfavorable effects resulting from intentional or the
accidental presence of chemical substances, including toxic metals. (Borowska, Brzoska,
2015)

4. Due to the addition of metals in cosmetics over time cosmetics have grown to be
dangerous. (Borowska et al., 2015)

Summary of Source:

The authors of Metals in cosmetics explain that although not all metals in cosmetics are
dangerous there are some proved to be toxic metals that are being added into the production of
makeup across the world. The text defined cosmetics explains every toxic metal in cosmetics
products, the quantity, and effect. They also explain how the UK is taking large leaps forward to
ban certain toxic metals and the US and other countries could learn from them. (Borowska et al.,
2015)

Evaluation of Source:
Sylwia Borowska,
Malgorzata M. Brzoska

Peer reviewd,

Important Quotations:

Cosmetic products include face and body care preparations (creams, lotions, deodorants, soaps,
etc.), colour cosmetics (lipsticks, mascaras, eye shadows, nail polishes, etc.), and hair products
 (shampoos, colours, sprays, gels, etc.). Among them, natural products (henna, various cosmetics
containing plant extracts and minerals) as well as preparations containing nanoparticles
(especially UV filters) can be distinguished (Sin and Tsang, 2003; Jallad and Espada-
Jallad, 2008; Abdel-Fattah and Pingitore, 2009; Atz and Pozebon, 2009; Corazza et al., 2009;
Mudholkar, 2012; Raj et al., 2012; Sukender et al., 2012; Ullah et al., 2013; Umar and
Caleb, 2013; Faruruwa and Bartholomew, 2014). (Borowska et al., 2015)

One of the groups of dangerous substances present in cosmetics are heavy metals, including
particularly toxic elements such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As) and
mercury (Hg). Apart from these toxic trace metals, elements such as chromium (Cr), iron (Fe),
copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) necessary, but dangerous when they occur in excessive amounts
may also be present in cosmetics. (Borowska et al., 2015)

Compounds of some metals are used for purpose in the cosmetic industry, mainly as UV filters
in face and body care products and pigments in coloured cosmetics. The law of the European
Union (EU) allows the presence of various pigments in cosmetics in a wide range of colours:
white (Al, barium sulphate, bismuth chloride oxide, calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate,
magnesium carbonate, silver, 4% silver nitrate only for colouring eyelashes and eyebrows, as
well as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which are rather more popular as UV filters), green
[chromium (III) oxide, chromium (III) hydroxide, cobalt aluminium oxide], brown (Cu, gold
Au) and iron oxides in colours such as orange, red, yellow and black (Fig. 2; OJEU, 2009). This
law allows the use of 25% titanium dioxide as an UV filter and silver chloride (in the
concentration of 0.004% in ready-to-use preparations) deposited on titanium dioxide as a
preservative in cosmetic products (OJEU, 2009). (Borowska et al., 2015)

The EU law does not allow the presence of other metals or their compounds which could be
used as pigments owing to their colours, for example lead oxide (yellow or red) and lead dioxide
(black; OJEU, 2009). As a result of using of metal-based pigments in colour cosmetics, metal
concentrations (especially Pb, Cr, Fe) in preparations of this type are higher than in other
cosmetic products (Al-Saleh et al., 2009; Omolaoye et al., 2010; Al-Dayel et al., 2011; Zakari et
al., 2014). Because Hg inactivates tyrosinase, being the key melanin-forming enzyme
(Hostynek, 2003), compounds of this metal are used on purpose in skin-lightening creams and
thus the highest concentrations of this element are found in this type of cosmetics (Weldon et
al., 2000; Chan et al., 2001; Soo et al., 2003; Tang et al., 2006, 2013; Held and Bayerl, 2008;
zkaya et al., 2009; Li et al., 2010; Benz et al., 2011; Chakera et al., 2011; CDC, 2012b;
Dickenson et al., 2013). (Borowska et al., 2015)

Research Journal Entry #4

Citation:

Malkan, S. (2007). Not just a pretty face: The ugly side of the beauty industry.

Gabriola, B.C: New Society Pub.

 Main Claim:

5. Cosmetics, preparations repeatedly applied directly to the human skin, mucous

membranes, hair and nails, should be safe for health, however, recently there has been
increasing concern about their safety. Unfortunately, using these products in some cases
is related to the occurrence of unfavorable effects resulting from intentional or the
accidental presence of chemical substances, including toxic metals. (Borowska, Brzoska,
2015)

6. Due to the addition of metals in cosmetics over time cosmetics have grown to be
dangerous. (Borowska et al., 2015)

Summary of Source:

The authors of Metals in cosmetics explain that although not all metals in cosmetics are
dangerous there are some proved to be toxic metals that are being added into the production of
makeup across the world. The text defined cosmetics explains every toxic metal in cosmetics
products, the quantity, and effect. They also explain how the UK is taking large leaps forward to
ban certain toxic metals and the US and other countries could learn from them. (Borowska et al.,
2015)

Evaluation of Source:
Sylwia Borowska,
Malgorzata M. Brzoska

Peer reviewd,

Important Quotations:

Cosmetic products include face and body care preparations (creams, lotions, deodorants, soaps,
etc.), colour cosmetics (lipsticks, mascaras, eye shadows, nail polishes, etc.), and hair products
(shampoos, colours, sprays, gels, etc.). Among them, natural products (henna, various cosmetics
containing plant extracts and minerals) as well as preparations containing nanoparticles
(especially UV filters) can be distinguished (Sin and Tsang, 2003; Jallad and Espada-
Jallad, 2008; Abdel-Fattah and Pingitore, 2009; Atz and Pozebon, 2009; Corazza et al., 2009;
Mudholkar, 2012; Raj et al., 2012; Sukender et al., 2012; Ullah et al., 2013; Umar and
Caleb, 2013; Faruruwa and Bartholomew, 2014). (Borowska et al., 2015)

One of the groups of dangerous substances present in cosmetics are heavy metals, including
particularly toxic elements such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As) and
mercury (Hg). Apart from these toxic trace metals, elements such as chromium (Cr), iron (Fe),
copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) necessary, but dangerous when they occur in excessive amounts
may also be present in cosmetics. (Borowska et al., 2015)
 Compounds of some metals are used for purpose in the cosmetic industry, mainly as UV filters
in face and body care products and pigments in coloured cosmetics. The law of the European
Union (EU) allows the presence of various pigments in cosmetics in a wide range of colours:
white (Al, barium sulphate, bismuth chloride oxide, calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate,
magnesium carbonate, silver, 4% silver nitrate only for colouring eyelashes and eyebrows, as
well as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which are rather more popular as UV filters), green
[chromium (III) oxide, chromium (III) hydroxide, cobalt aluminium oxide], brown (Cu, gold
Au) and iron oxides in colours such as orange, red, yellow and black (Fig. 2; OJEU, 2009). This
law allows the use of 25% titanium dioxide as an UV filter and silver chloride (in the
concentration of 0.004% in ready-to-use preparations) deposited on titanium dioxide as a
preservative in cosmetic products (OJEU, 2009). (Borowska et al., 2015)

The EU law does not allow the presence of other metals or their compounds which could be
used as pigments owing to their colours, for example lead oxide (yellow or red) and lead dioxide
(black; OJEU, 2009). As a result of using of metal-based pigments in colour cosmetics, metal
concentrations (especially Pb, Cr, Fe) in preparations of this type are higher than in other
cosmetic products (Al-Saleh et al., 2009; Omolaoye et al., 2010; Al-Dayel et al., 2011; Zakari et
al., 2014). Because Hg inactivates tyrosinase, being the key melanin-forming enzyme
(Hostynek, 2003), compounds of this metal are used on purpose in skin-lightening creams and
thus the highest concentrations of this element are found in this type of cosmetics (Weldon et
al., 2000; Chan et al., 2001; Soo et al., 2003; Tang et al., 2006, 2013; Held and Bayerl, 2008;
zkaya et al., 2009; Li et al., 2010; Benz et al., 2011; Chakera et al., 2011; CDC, 2012b;
Dickenson et al., 2013). (Borowska et al., 2015)

Research Journal Entry #5

Citation:

Geiser, K. (2015). Chemicals without harm: Policies for a sustainable world.

Main Claim:

7. Cosmetics, preparations repeatedly applied directly to the human skin, mucous

membranes, hair and nails, should be safe for health, however, recently there has been
increasing concern about their safety. Unfortunately, using these products in some cases
is related to the occurrence of unfavorable effects resulting from intentional or the
accidental presence of chemical substances, including toxic metals. (Borowska, Brzoska,
2015)

8. Due to the addition of metals in cosmetics over time cosmetics have grown to be
dangerous. (Borowska et al., 2015)

Summary of Source:

The authors of Metals in cosmetics explain that although not all metals in cosmetics are
dangerous there are some proved to be toxic metals that are being added into the production of
 makeup across the world. The text defined cosmetics explains every toxic metal in cosmetics
products, the quantity, and effect. They also explain how the UK is taking large leaps forward to
ban certain toxic metals and the US and other countries could learn from them. (Borowska et al.,
2015)

Evaluation of Source:
Sylwia Borowska,
Malgorzata M. Brzoska

Peer reviewd,

Important Quotations:

Cosmetic products include face and body care preparations (creams, lotions, deodorants, soaps,
etc.), colour cosmetics (lipsticks, mascaras, eye shadows, nail polishes, etc.), and hair products
(shampoos, colours, sprays, gels, etc.). Among them, natural products (henna, various cosmetics
containing plant extracts and minerals) as well as preparations containing nanoparticles
(especially UV filters) can be distinguished (Sin and Tsang, 2003; Jallad and Espada-
Jallad, 2008; Abdel-Fattah and Pingitore, 2009; Atz and Pozebon, 2009; Corazza et al., 2009;
Mudholkar, 2012; Raj et al., 2012; Sukender et al., 2012; Ullah et al., 2013; Umar and
Caleb, 2013; Faruruwa and Bartholomew, 2014). (Borowska et al., 2015)

One of the groups of dangerous substances present in cosmetics are heavy metals, including
particularly toxic elements such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As) and
mercury (Hg). Apart from these toxic trace metals, elements such as chromium (Cr), iron (Fe),
copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) necessary, but dangerous when they occur in excessive amounts
may also be present in cosmetics. (Borowska et al., 2015)

Compounds of some metals are used for purpose in the cosmetic industry, mainly as UV filters
in face and body care products and pigments in coloured cosmetics. The law of the European
Union (EU) allows the presence of various pigments in cosmetics in a wide range of colours:
white (Al, barium sulphate, bismuth chloride oxide, calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate,
magnesium carbonate, silver, 4% silver nitrate only for colouring eyelashes and eyebrows, as
well as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which are rather more popular as UV filters), green
[chromium (III) oxide, chromium (III) hydroxide, cobalt aluminium oxide], brown (Cu, gold
Au) and iron oxides in colours such as orange, red, yellow and black (Fig. 2; OJEU, 2009). This
law allows the use of 25% titanium dioxide as an UV filter and silver chloride (in the
concentration of 0.004% in ready-to-use preparations) deposited on titanium dioxide as a
preservative in cosmetic products (OJEU, 2009). (Borowska et al., 2015)

The EU law does not allow the presence of other metals or their compounds which could be
used as pigments owing to their colours, for example lead oxide (yellow or red) and lead dioxide
(black; OJEU, 2009). As a result of using of metal-based pigments in colour cosmetics, metal
concentrations (especially Pb, Cr, Fe) in preparations of this type are higher than in other
cosmetic products (Al-Saleh et al., 2009; Omolaoye et al., 2010; Al-Dayel et al., 2011; Zakari et
 al., 2014). Because Hg inactivates tyrosinase, being the key melanin-forming enzyme
(Hostynek, 2003), compounds of this metal are used on purpose in skin-lightening creams and
thus the highest concentrations of this element are found in this type of cosmetics (Weldon et
al., 2000; Chan et al., 2001; Soo et al., 2003; Tang et al., 2006, 2013; Held and Bayerl, 2008;
zkaya et al., 2009; Li et al., 2010; Benz et al., 2011; Chakera et al., 2011; CDC, 2012b;
Dickenson et al., 2013). (Borowska et al., 2015)

Research Journal Entry #6

Citation:

Calafat, A. M., Valentin-Blasini, L., & Ye, X. (2015). Trends in Exposure to Chemicals

in Personal Care and Consumer Products. Current Environmental Health

Reports, 2(4), 348-355. doi:10.1007-s40572-015-0065-9

Main Claim:

9. Cosmetics, preparations repeatedly applied directly to the human skin, mucous

membranes, hair and nails, should be safe for health, however, recently there has been
increasing concern about their safety. Unfortunately, using these products in some cases
is related to the occurrence of unfavorable effects resulting from intentional or the
accidental presence of chemical substances, including toxic metals. (Borowska, Brzoska,
2015)

10. Due to the addition of metals in cosmetics over time cosmetics have grown to be
dangerous. (Borowska et al., 2015)

Summary of Source:

The authors of Metals in cosmetics explain that although not all metals in cosmetics are
dangerous there are some proved to be toxic metals that are being added into the production of
makeup across the world. The text defined cosmetics explains every toxic metal in cosmetics
products, the quantity, and effect. They also explain how the UK is taking large leaps forward to
ban certain toxic metals and the US and other countries could learn from them. (Borowska et al.,
2015)

Evaluation of Source:
Sylwia Borowska,
Malgorzata M. Brzoska

Peer reviewd,

Important Quotations:
Cosmetic products include face and body care preparations (creams, lotions, deodorants, soaps,
etc.), colour cosmetics (lipsticks, mascaras, eye shadows, nail polishes, etc.), and hair products
(shampoos, colours, sprays, gels, etc.). Among them, natural products (henna, various cosmetics
containing plant extracts and minerals) as well as preparations containing nanoparticles
(especially UV filters) can be distinguished (Sin and Tsang, 2003; Jallad and Espada-
Jallad, 2008; Abdel-Fattah and Pingitore, 2009; Atz and Pozebon, 2009; Corazza et al., 2009;
Mudholkar, 2012; Raj et al., 2012; Sukender et al., 2012; Ullah et al., 2013; Umar and
Caleb, 2013; Faruruwa and Bartholomew, 2014). (Borowska et al., 2015)

One of the groups of dangerous substances present in cosmetics are heavy metals, including
particularly toxic elements such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As) and
mercury (Hg). Apart from these toxic trace metals, elements such as chromium (Cr), iron (Fe),
copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) necessary, but dangerous when they occur in excessive amounts
may also be present in cosmetics. (Borowska et al., 2015)

Compounds of some metals are used for purpose in the cosmetic industry, mainly as UV filters
in face and body care products and pigments in coloured cosmetics. The law of the European
Union (EU) allows the presence of various pigments in cosmetics in a wide range of colours:
white (Al, barium sulphate, bismuth chloride oxide, calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate,
magnesium carbonate, silver, 4% silver nitrate only for colouring eyelashes and eyebrows, as
well as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which are rather more popular as UV filters), green
[chromium (III) oxide, chromium (III) hydroxide, cobalt aluminium oxide], brown (Cu, gold
Au) and iron oxides in colours such as orange, red, yellow and black (Fig. 2; OJEU, 2009). This
law allows the use of 25% titanium dioxide as an UV filter and silver chloride (in the
concentration of 0.004% in ready-to-use preparations) deposited on titanium dioxide as a
preservative in cosmetic products (OJEU, 2009). (Borowska et al., 2015)

The EU law does not allow the presence of other metals or their compounds which could be
used as pigments owing to their colours, for example lead oxide (yellow or red) and lead dioxide
(black; OJEU, 2009). As a result of using of metal-based pigments in colour cosmetics, metal
concentrations (especially Pb, Cr, Fe) in preparations of this type are higher than in other
cosmetic products (Al-Saleh et al., 2009; Omolaoye et al., 2010; Al-Dayel et al., 2011; Zakari et
al., 2014). Because Hg inactivates tyrosinase, being the key melanin-forming enzyme
(Hostynek, 2003), compounds of this metal are used on purpose in skin-lightening creams and
thus the highest concentrations of this element are found in this type of cosmetics (Weldon et
al., 2000; Chan et al., 2001; Soo et al., 2003; Tang et al., 2006, 2013; Held and Bayerl, 2008;
zkaya et al., 2009; Li et al., 2010; Benz et al., 2011; Chakera et al., 2011; CDC, 2012b;
Dickenson et al., 2013). (Borowska et al., 2015)