CSE writes to regulators and policy makers
Presence of Heavy metals in Cosmetics in India Toxic heavy metals in cosmetics are a growing concern across the world for several years. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and nickel have reportedly been found in unsafe levels in various cosmetic products. In India, on the other hand, use of cosmetics is rapidly increasing among all sections of society, particularly among young population.
How safe are your cosmetics?
Most beauty products in India are tainted with toxic heavy metals, shows a study by Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment
Data Charts
Chromium in lipsticks CSE calculated the exposure to heavy metals from cosmetics as percentage of Average Daily Intake (ADI). ADI is the maximum amount of a toxin that a person can be exposed to without any appreciable health risk. The graph below shows the level of exposure from Chromium in different brands of lipsticks as per cent of ADI. Exposure from two types of use—average use (24mg/day) and high use (87mg/day)—has been calculated.
Unregulated and unlawful
Presence of heavy metals in cosmetics – a CSE study release
Regulations for cosmetics
India Cosmetics products in India are regulated under the Drugs and cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules 1945 and Labeling Declarations by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS sets the standards for cosmetics for the products listed under Schedule ‘S’ of the Drugs and cosmetics Rules 1945 .