COMPARATIVE STUDY ON DETERMINATION OF SOME HEAVY METALS ON SOME SELECTED COSMETIC USED AROUND KATSINA METROPOLIS

The study investigates the concentration of selected heavy metals—Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Cobalt (Co)—in cosmetics commonly used in Katsina metropolis and compares these levels against World Health Organization (WHO) limits for safety. Six samples, coded A to F, were analyzed using standard analytical techniques. Results showed Pb concentrations ranging from 0.596 to 1.281 mg/kg, all below the WHO limit of 10 mg/kg, with higher levels in samples D, E, and F. Ni concentrations ranged from 0.039 to 0.250 mg/kg, while Co concentrations ranged from 0.038 to 0.155 mg/kg; all were within the 1 mg/kg WHO limit. However, samples D, E, and F exhibited higher levels of Ni and Co compared to others. While the analyzed cosmetics comply with WHO standards, the presence of heavy metals, even at low concentrations, raises concerns about cumulative effects from prolonged use. Regulatory measures and periodic monitoring are recommended to ensure consumer safety and minimize potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to heavy metals in cosmetics.