Heavy Metals in Some Lipstick products marketed in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State Nigeria

Cosmetics still retain their attractive use and brilliant effects, however public concern about their toxicity has become a topic of debate. Trace amounts of toxic heavy metals can be either intentionally added to cosmetics or present as impurities in the raw materials. The present study reports the content of five heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in six brands of lipstick products sold at various markets in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State, Nigeria using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Pb in the samples ranged from<0.01 – 3.92. mg/g, Zn ranged from 2.23 – 3.01 mg/g, Ni ranged from 0.12 – 0.23 mg/g and Cd ranged from <0.01 – 1.35 mg/g. all metals except Cd and Pb were above the safe limits for metals in products. Prolonged use of these products containing these metals therefore, may pose a threat to human health and could damage the environment. The results lead to the conclusion that constant control of metallic content in lipsticks and other facial cosmetics should be seriously considered.