Health Risk Assessment of Cadmium in Brazilian Makeup Products Using a Novel MDSPE-FAAS Method

Abstract

The presence of cadmium (Cd) in cosmetic products is a growing public health concern due to its bioaccumulative nature. This study aimed to develop and validate an efficient and environmentally friendly analytical method for the determination of Cd in makeup and to assess the associated health risks. A magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction (MDSPE) method using Fe3O4@TEOS nanoparticles was optimized and validated for the quantification of Cd by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). The method was applied to 29 commercial makeup samples (eyeshadows and blushes), including 13 products intended for children. A health risk assessment was conducted based on the guidelines of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS, 12th Revision) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), evaluating the systemic exposure dose, hazard quotient (HQ), and lifetime cancer risk (LCR). The method demonstrated good linearity (R2 = 0.9959), adequate detection limits (0.0016 mg L–1) and quantification limits (0.0053 mg L–1). Cadmium was detected in 16 of the 29 samples (55.2%), with concentrations reaching up to 25.72 mg kg–1. Noncarcinogenic risks were within acceptable limits (HQ < 1), but carcinogenic risks exceeded acceptable limits of the cancer risk slope factor in all cadmium-positive samples, with children’s products showing a 3.4 times higher risk than adult products. The method proved to be reliable and environmentally friendly for monitoring cadmium in cosmetic matrices. The results highlight a potential carcinogenic concern based on conservative risk modeling from Cd exposure through cosmetics, especially for children, underscoring the need for stricter quality control and more effective regulatory oversight in this vulnerable group.