Chemicals of Concern in Cosmetics: Health, Environmental and Regulatory Perspectives

Abstract

Introduction: Cosmetics and personal care products constitute an integral part of daily human exposure to chemical substances, with repeated and long-term application on skin, hair, nails, and mucosal surfaces. The rapid globalization of the cosmetics industry, coupled with increasing product diversity and aggressive marketing, has intensified scientific and regulatory scrutiny regarding the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Emerging evidence indicates that several commonly used compounds—such as preservatives, plasticizers, colorants, UV filters, and fragrances—may pose toxicological risks through dermal absorption, inhalation, or accidental ingestion.

Concerns are further amplified by the detection of undeclared hazardous chemicals and contaminants, particularly in products circulating within poorly regulated or informal markets. Additionally, cosmetics contribute not only to direct human exposure but also to environmental contamination via wastewater discharge and microplastic release. Against this backdrop, a comprehensive evaluation of chemical occurrence, analytical detection, exposure pathways, toxicological implications, and regulatory effectiveness is essential to inform risk assessment and public health protection.

Objectives: The objective of this review is to critically evaluate chemicals of concern present in cosmetics and personal care products by integrating evidence from analytical chemistry, toxicology, biomonitoring, environmental science, and regulatory studies.

Methods: This review is based on a systematic synthesis of contemporary peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and scientific reports. Relevant studies were selected focusing on chemical occurrence in cosmetics, analytical detection methods (including LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and non-target screening), toxicological and biomonitoring evidence, and international regulatory approaches.

Data were critically analyzed to compare exposure levels across populations, assess methodological robustness, and identify inconsistencies in regulatory oversight. Emphasis was placed on recent advancements, vulnerable population exposure, and sustainability-oriented alternatives such as green chemistry approaches.

Results: The review reveals widespread presence of multiple hazardous chemicals in cosmetic products, often at concentrations capable of eliciting adverse biological effects. Analytical advancements have significantly improved detection sensitivity; however, methodological variability and lack of harmonized standards limit global comparability. Biomonitoring studies demonstrate disproportionate exposure burdens among women, children, and marginalized populations, particularly in regions with limited regulatory enforcement.

Environmental assessments indicate that cosmetic-derived chemicals persist in aquatic ecosystems, contributing to bioaccumulation and ecological toxicity. Regulatory analysis highlights fragmented governance, insufficient ingredient disclosure requirements, and limited long-term toxicity data for many cosmetic compounds.

Conclusions: The findings of this review underscore critical gaps in cosmetic safety evaluation, environmental risk assessment, and regulatory enforcement. Despite advances in detection, insufficient standardization, limited toxicity datasets, and weak global harmonization continue to undermine effective risk management.