Quantitative Evaluation of Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic in Nepalese Cosmetics: Risk Assessment and Regulatory Insight in 2025

Abstract

Recognizing the escalating use of cosmetics in Nepal—manufactured under suboptimal conditions or imported from countries with lax regulatory frameworks—this study investigates the prevalence of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in 27 cosmetic samples including spanning lipsticks, hair colors, skincare items, powders, and nail polishes. Quantification of heavy metal concentrations was performed using the dithizone method for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), and the molybdenum blue method for arsenic (As). Results revealed alarmingly high lead (Pb) levels with "COLOR STAY MATT 24-HRS" lipstick containing 370.777 mg g^-1 far exceeding global safety thresholds and cadmium levels peaking at 8.015 mg g^-1 in "HengFang Sheer Gloss Balm." Arsenic concentrations, while detectable, remained within permissible limits. Integrating data from global health organizations, the study situates Nepal as the second most affected country in Asia and 13^th globally in children’s blood lead levels. These findings were juxtaposed against international safety standards to reveal significant noncompliance, exacerbating the public health crisis in Nepal. This research underscores immediate policy reforms, stricter import, thorough quality control mechanisms, and comprehensive public education campaigns to mitigate the health and environmental consequences of heavy metal exposure. By addressing these gaps, Nepal can both safeguard public health and contribute to the global discourse on environmental toxicity and regulatory justice.