An Overview of Heavy Metals in Cosmetic Products and Their Toxicological Impact

Awareness of cosmetic product safety has grown in recent years. Certain ingredients and impurities, including heavy metals, may pose health risks to consumers. Heavy metals can be present in cosmetics as either intentional ingredients or contaminants, making strict monitoring of these substances essential. This review assesses the toxicological implications of heavy metals in cosmetics, with a focus on advancements in analytical quantification methods, health risk assessment, and emerging non-animal-based approaches for evaluating toxicological profiles. Recent studies have detected traces of toxic metals, some exceeding permissible levels, in various cosmetic products, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring programs to address heavy metal contamination. Additionally, the review emphasizes the importance of reliable and validated exposure assessment models and non-animal methodologies for determining systemic toxicity.