Analysis of heavy metals in cosmetics

To preserve the quality and safety of your cosmetic products, you must carry out heavy metal analyzes. Beyond their mandatory nature, these analyzes are essential to guarantee the success of your brand.

Elina Fakih

Lead | Mercury | Cadmium | Arsenic

What are the main heavy metals?

The most commonly tested heavy metals in cosmetics include:

  • Lead: It may be present in color pigments used in cosmetic products such as lipsticks and eye shadows.
  • Mercury: Formerly used in some beauty products like skin creams, mercury is now banned in many countries due to its toxic effects.
  • Cadmium: This metal can be found in color pigments and dyes used in cosmetic products, as well as in packaging and containers.
  • Arsenic: Although less common, arsenic can be present in some dyes and pigments used in cosmetics, as well as naturally occurring ingredients.

Other heavy metals like chromium and nickel may also be tested for based on their presence in ingredients or materials used in the manufacturing of cosmetic products.

Why perform heavy metal analyses on your cosmetics?

As manufacturers of cosmetic products you have the responsibility to guarantee the safety and quality of your products for consumers. Heavy metal testing is essential in this process.

Consumer protection and preservation of your reputation:


The presence of heavy metals in cosmetic products can have serious consequences on the health of users, such as skin irritations, allergies, and even long-term toxic effects. By performing heavy metal testing, you can quickly detect and eliminate potentially harmful contaminants upstream, ensuring consumer safety while preserving your brand reputation.

By investing in these analytics, you demonstrate your commitment to the safety and satisfaction of your customers, while building trust in your products.

Meet regulatory obligations:


In addition, compliance with current regulations is essential, and heavy metal testing ensures that cosmetic products meet these standards and pose no risk to public health.

European regulations on heavy metals in cosmetics are mainly governed by the European Union Cosmetic Products Regulation. which sets strict limits for heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Manufacturers are required to conduct appropriate safety assessments and testing to ensure their products meet these regulatory limits.

Thus, the labeling of cosmetic products must include all relevant information on ingredients, including the presence of heavy metals beyond permitted thresholds.

European authorities regularly monitor the cosmetics market to ensure compliance and take enforcement action where necessary, ensuring the safety of European consumers.

100% French solutions offered by WESSLING

We carry out the analysis of heavy metals in our Parisian laboratories, which allows us to guarantee you an analysis time of about one week. These made in France analyses are performed with the ICP-MS method allowing you to benefit from accurate results. The method also involves homogenization and closed microwave mineralization. 

WESSLING adapts to your needs: 

  • Our experts offer you a pack of analysis of 4 heavy metals called «classical»: lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. 
  • But also a pack of 8 or 12 heavy metals according to your needs.
  • An urgent request? We carry out your heavy metal analyses in 48/72h!

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