Beauty beware : Unmasking the hidden treats of heavy metals in Malaysia cosmetics

Authors

  • Syahirah Adila Abdul Latif School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Farah Hanim Ab Hamid SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
  • Harumi Veny School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Rozana Azrina Sazali School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/mjcet.v7i2.1440

Keywords:

Cosmetic product, Heavy metal, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry, Atomic absorption spectroscopy, Face cream

Abstract

Cosmetics have progressed into an essential part of daily routines due to their widespread use, commonly through topical application. However, many cosmetic products contain heavy metals which can accumulate and pose health risks over time. Concerns on product safety including ingredient monitoring have been raised as regular cosmetic use exposes consumers to potentially harmful chemicals. Understanding consumer perceptions is crucial for informed decision-making, yet research on user perception of cosmetics and heavy metal contents in the Malaysian market remains limited. This study focused on assessing heavy metal contents in face cream products from various brands as heavy metals pose a significant concern. The concentration of heavy metals in cosmetic products was analysed by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The results indicate that 4440 ppm of mercury is present in Brand B, which is particularly alarming. These findings underscore the prevalence of unauthorised local products with higher-than-permissible levels of heavy metals, highlighting the need for stricter monitoring and regulation.

Author Biographies

Syahirah Adila Abdul Latif, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Syahirah Adila Abdul Latif, is a final year of degree student at the School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, focusing on the investigation of heavy metal compounds in local cosmetics for her final year project. She can be reached through her email at syahirahadila.sa@gmail.com.

Farah Hanim Ab Hamid, SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

Farah Hanim Ab Hamid, PhD is a senior lecturer at the School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA. She is specialising in separation processes especially in crystallisation technology. She has published widely on these subjects in various publications such as International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, Asia Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Transaction, and Archives of Materials Science and Engineering. She can be reached through her email at farah88@uitm.edu.my.

Harumi Veny, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Harumi Veny, PhD is a senior lecturer at the School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA. Her main research activity is in Chemical Engineering and Bioprocess/ Biochemical Engineering. She has published widely on these subjects in various publications such as Chemical Engineering Journal, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, Biomolecules, Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering and Catalysis, and many more. She can be reached through her email at harumi2244@uitm.edu.my.

Rozana Azrina Sazali, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Rozana Azrina Sazali, PhD is a senior lecturer at the Department of Oil and Gas Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. She got his Ph.D. degree in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Her research focuses on Flow Assurance, Oilfield Chemistry, Enhanced Oil Recovery, and Energy Efficiency. She can be reached through her email at rozana592@uitm.edu.my.

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Published

2024-10-31

How to Cite

Abdul Latif, S. A. ., Ab Hamid, F. H., Veny, H. ., & Sazali, R. A. . (2024). Beauty beware : Unmasking the hidden treats of heavy metals in Malaysia cosmetics . Malaysian Journal of Chemical Engineering &Amp; Technology, 7(2), 90–103. https://doi.org/10.24191/mjcet.v7i2.1440

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2024): 2024 MJCET Vol 7 Issue 2

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Syahirah Adila Abdul Latif, Farah Hanim Ab Hamid, Harumi Veny, Rozana Azrina Sazali

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