Laboratory tests conducted on 73 popular cosmetic brands found high levels of toxic heavy metals in about half of the products. Mercury was found in 44% of fairness creams. Chromium and nickel, both carcinogens, were found in 50% and 43% of lipstick samples respectively. The tests revealed that many products contained metals banned under Indian laws. The study highlights weak regulations and lack of enforcement in the cosmetics industry.

1. Consumers Association of India
Cosmetics may enhance your looks in the short-term, but carry a heavy penalty. The Centre for
Science and Environment (CSE) which studied 73 national and international brands of popular
cosmetics found that about half of them contain high levels of toxic heavy metals.
Fairness creams, lipsticks, anti-ageing creams and lip balms came under scrutiny. Laboratory tests
revealed mercury in 44% of the fairness creams. Aroma Magic Fairy Lotion, Olay Natural White and
Pond’s White Beauty were the biggest offenders. The Drugs and Cosmetics Acts and Rules of India
bans mercury in cosmetics.
Chromium and nickel, both carcinogens, in 50% and 43% of the lipstick samples respectively. Hearts
& Tarts-080V, Lancome L’Absolu Nu-204 and MAC So Chaud-A82 had high chromium content.
Lancome L’Absolu Nu-204, Hearts & Tarts-080V and MAC So Chaud-A82 were found to be high in
nickel content.
The lab also tested products for metals such as lead and cadmium, but did not find any.
Also, it did not find any metals in anti-ageing cream and lip balm samples that were tested.
Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Acts and Rules of India, use of mercury in cosmetics is banned.
“What is coming out very clearly is that this sector has extremely weak regulations and almost no
enforcement of whatever laws that exist,” said Chandra Bhushan, deputy director general CSE. The
companies mentioned in the CSE report have either denied the findings or sought time to respond.
Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com
Watch out! Poison in cosmetics