Are Metals in Costume Cosmetics Safe?

Just in time for Halloween, scientists from BAL recently contributed to a new paper evaluating the risk of using metal-containing costume cosmetics. The article, published in the journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology and co-authored by BAL’s Elizabeth Madonick, estimated exposure to As, Co, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Sb via incidental ingestion and dermal uptake. Within the limited scope of this study, the results suggest that intermittent use of costume cosmetics does not pose an unnecessary health risk to consumers, but if you plan on trick-or-treating year-round, your exposure may exceed guidance values. Have a fun and safe Halloween everyone!