Unregulated and unlawful
Presence of heavy metals in cosmetics – a CSE study release
Presence of heavy metals in cosmetics – a CSE study release
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 .
CSE shared its findings with the respective companies to find out the reasons for the presence of such high levels of heavy metals in cosmetics. “We hoped that this would help find ways to limit the presence of heavy metals in cosmetics,” say CSE researchers. After several months of correspondence about batch details, testing methodology and follow-ups, only seven companies responded—The Body Shop India, Lakme of Hindustan Unilever Ltd, Hindustan Unilever Ltd, Emami Ltd, ELCA Cosmetics Pvt Ltd (Estee lauder), Modi Revlon Pvt Ltd and ITC Ltd.
A variety of chemicals are used in cosmetics as ingredients and some are used as preservatives. These chemicals have different health effects.
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The amount of colourant, used to impart colour to almost all cosmetic products, varies with colour, product and brand. BIS has set limits for heavy metals in synthetic, organic and natural colourants
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In the absence of comprehensive studies in India, Delhi non-profit Centre for Science and Environment analysed lipsticks and fairness creams for heavy metals. Here are the details of the methodology adopted for the study Sampling Methodology Thirty samples of lipsticks, 32 samples of fairness creams, 8 samples of lip-balm and 3 samples of anti-ageing creams were purchased from local market of Delhi. The details of the samples are presented in Table 2 Table and 3.
Study by Centre for Science and Environment finds chromium, mercury and nickel in cosmetics
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