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11.12.2018 - Cosmetics

Heavy metal content in cosmetic raw materials and finished products

The heavy metals arsenic, antimony, lead, cadmium, and mercury are prohibited or only allowed in technologically unavoidable and harmless amounts in cosmetic products according to the EU (VO) 1223/2009. Nickel and chromium, which are especially found in decorative products, also play a role.

Contamination usually occurs through impure raw materials (highly mineral-containing products, talc, etc.) and must be reduced to an absolute minimum. Highly contaminated products repeatedly appear in the EU's rapid alert system (RAPEX). Recalls and withdrawals, along with the corresponding economic damage, are the consequences.

In 2016, the BVL in Berlin published guideline or limit values for technically unavoidable levels of heavy metals in cosmetics www.bvl.bund.de.

Ensure the quality of your products and regularly check the heavy metal content of your raw materials and finished products. Feel free to contact us; the experts at the BAV Institute are also available to assist you in selecting testing parameters and evaluating results.