Multielement determination (essential and potentially toxic elements) in eye shadows exposed to consumption in Brazil using ICP OES

Worldwide, cosmetics (especially eye shadows) are widely consumed and have a great impact on the economy. The aim of this study was to determine the multielement composition, focusing on essential and potentially toxic elements, in cosmetics (eye shadow) exposed to consumption in Brazil. Concentrations of 17 elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) were determined in samples (produced in China and Brazil) using a sequential optical emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES) after acid digestion, assisted by a closed digester block (6 mL of HNO3 + 2 mL of H2O2 +1 mL of Triton x-100+1 mL of ultrapure water). The method was validated by linearity, precision, accuracy, limits of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ). The elements were quantified (in mu g g(-1)): Al (852-21,900), Ba (3.47-104), Cd (1.70-6.93), Cr (<8.53-66.6), Cu (<0.480-14.5), Mn (92.20-1,190), Ni (<4.23-40.7), Pb (<2.16-5.06), Sb (1.10-10.5), Sr (0.760-46.0), Ti (32.0 /140), V (<0.85-1.7) and Zn (24.90-2,600). As, Co, Mo and Se in all the investigated samples were found to be below the LoQ values of ICP OES. In this study, regardless of sample compositions and origins (Brazilian or Chinese), high levels of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V and Zn were observed, exceeding the recommended maximum tolerable limits, according to Brazilian and global legislations, which may present potential risks to human health and the environment. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

Cosmetics, especially eye shadows, are widely consumed worldwide and have a significant impact on the economy. This study analyzed the multielement composition of eye shadows sold in the Brazilian market, finding that many elements exceeded the recommended maximum tolerable limits, posing potential risks to human health and the environment.