New Perspectives in Science Education

Cosmetic and skincare products enhance personal appearance, but their safety remains a critical concern due to the presence of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. Prolonged exposure to these toxic elements poses severe health risks, including skin disorders, neurological damage, organ toxicity, and even cancer. Furthermore, these contaminants contribute to environmental pollution, raising concerns about their long-term ecological impact. This study comprehensively explores advanced detection techniques used to identify heavy metals in cosmetic formulations, assessing their accuracy, sensitivity, and effectiveness in ensuring product safety. Additionally, it highlights the regulatory gaps and the urgent need for stricter quality control measures in the cosmetic industry. Special emphasis is placed on the awareness deficit among rural and illiterate populations, who often fall prey to misleading advertisements and unknowingly use hazardous products. By advocating for consumer education, enhanced regulations, and industry accountability, this research aims to strike a balance between beauty and health, promoting safe and sustainable cosmetic practices.

Keywords: Rural health and cosmetic use, Skin Health Risks, Sustainable Cosmetics, Consumer awareness and Cosmetics

REFERENCES

Kicińska, A., & Kowalczyk, M. (2025). Health risks from heavy metals in cosmetic products available in the online consumer market. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 316. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00316-4

Raza-Naqvi, S. A., Idrees, F., Sherazi, T. A., Anjum-Shahzad, S., Ul-Hassan, S., & Ashraf, N. (2022). Toxicology of heavy metals used in cosmetics. Journal of the Chilean Chemical Society, 67(3). https://doi.org/10.4067/S0717-97072022000305615

Wirtu, Yohannes Desalegn. "A Review of Environmental and Health Effects of Synthetic Cosmetics." Frontiers in Environmental Science, vol. 12, 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2024.1402893.