# Concentrations and Probabilistic Health Risks of Seven Metals in Face and Eye Cosmetics Across Seven Asian Countries

## TL;DR

This study measures heavy metal contamination in cosmetics from seven Asian countries and finds significant health risks, especially from mercury in face creams and arsenic in eye cosmetics.

## Contribution

The paper provides cross-country comparative data on heavy metal concentrations in cosmetics from Asian markets and uses probabilistic risk modeling to assess health impacts.

## Key findings

- Mercury in face creams showed extreme variability, with some products containing up to 67,000 mg/kg.
- Arsenic levels in eye cosmetics were notably high, with a median of 4.13 mg/kg.
- Probabilistic risk analysis revealed significant non-cancer and cancer risks from mercury and arsenic exposure.

## Abstract

Despite global restrictions like the Minamata Convention, heavy metal contamination in cosmetics remains a critical public health concern, with limited cross-country comparative data on heavy metal concentrations in cosmetics across Asian markets. We measured Hg, Pb, As, Cd, Sb, Cr, and Ni contents in 189 cosmetic products purchased in 2022 in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Samples were screened by handheld X-ray fluorescence; Hg was quantified by a direct mercury analyzer and As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Sb were quantified by ICP-OES. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to characterize metal co-occurrence patterns, and Monte Carlo simulation was applied to estimate dermal systemic exposure dose, hazard quotients (HQ), and lifetime cancer risk (LCR). Mercury in face creams exhibited extreme heterogeneity (range: ND-67,000 mg/kg), while eye cosmetics contained elevated Arsenic levels (median 4.13 mg/kg). PCA distinctively separated Hg (PC2) from geogenic metals (As/Cr/Ni on PC1), suggesting intentional adulteration. Probabilistic risk estimates indicated upper-tail non-cancer risk for Hg in facial creams (95th percentile HQ 6.32; P[HQ>1] = 24.4%). As produced the highest LCR estimates (facial cream 95th percentile 2.60 × 10−4). These findings indicate product-type-specific metal patterns and highlight a subset of facial products with extreme Hg levels that can drive substantial upper-percentile risk, supporting the need for targeted market surveillance and enforcement.