This study quantifies cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in five popular lipsticks sold in Saudi Arabia, validates a flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) method, and assesses consumer health risk. Samples are microwave-digested in HNO₃/H₂O₂ and analyzed at wavelengths of 228.8 nm (Cd) and 217.0 nm (Pb). Calibration (0.01–2.0 ppm) yields R 2 ≥ 0.998, detection limits of 0.0007 ppm for Cd and 0.001 ppm for Pb, recoveries of 95–103%, and relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 5%. In lipstick samples, Pb levels ranged from 1.07 to 2.21 ppm, and Cd from 0.13 to 0.27 ppm, all below Saudi standards, metrology and quality organization limits and well under US FDA guidance (recommended maximum of 10 ppm for Pb in cosmetic lip products; no specific limit established for Cd). Chronic daily intake (CDI) calculations (24 mg lipstick/day, 60 kg body weight) produce hazard quotients (HQ) below 0.13 for Pb and 0.10 for Cd. As HQ values less than 1 indicate negligible non-carcinogenic risk according to established international guidelines (e.g., US EPA risk assessment framework), these results suggest low health concern from typical use. Findings highlight the need for stricter pigment sourcing and ongoing market monitoring.
Buzid et al. (Mon,) studied this question.