Development and Evaluation of a Protective Topical gel against Metal Toxicity Produce by Cosmetic

The widespread use of cosmetic products has raised concerns about heavy metal exposure, which can lead to severe dermatological and systemic health issues. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of a protective topical gel formulated to minimize metal toxicity from cosmetics. A Carbopol 940-based gel was prepared incorporating disodium EDTA (a metal chelating agent), propylene glycol (a penetration enhancer), triethanolamine (a pH stabilizer), and cinnamon oil (an antimicrobial agent). The gel was evaluated for physicochemical properties, homogeneity, spreadability, viscosity, and stability. The optimized formulation (G2) exhibited excellent homogeneity, smooth texture, and a stable pH (6.88) and viscosity (20,800 cps) after three months of accelerated stability testing. The results suggest that the developed gel can effectively act as a protective barrier against heavy metal exposure from cosmetics, ensuring skin safety and long- term effectiveness.