Available on line www.jocpr.com Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research __________________________________________________ ISSN No: 0975-7384 CODEN(USA): JCPRC5 J. Chem. Pharm. Res., 2010, 2(6):92-97 92 Determination of Lead and Cadmium in cosmetic products Amit S Chauhan 1* , Rekha Bhadauria 1 , Atul K Singh 2 , Sharad S Lodhi 3 , Dinesh K Chaturvedi 1 , Vinayak S Tomar 1 1 School of Studies in Botany, Jiwaji University, Gwalior (M.P.), India. 2 Department of Biotechnology, Madhav Institute of Technology & Science Gwalior (M.P.), India 3 School of Studies in Biochemistry, Jiwaji University Gwalior (M.P.), India _____________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Heavy metal toxicity to the humans and animals is the result of long term low or high level exposure to pollutants common in our environment including in air we breathe, water, food etc. Apart from these, numerous consumer products like cosmetics and toiletries have been reported as a source of heavy metal exposure to human beings. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium were determined in different cosmetics products viz soap, face cream, shampoo, shaving cream etc from local market of Gwalior with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Lead was prominently detected in all of cosmetics products followed by cadmium. Among the different cosmetics products studied, the highest heavy metal contamination was found in bathing soap. Present study concludes that though in less amount but beauty cosmetic products are contaminate with heavy metals and hence may results in skin problems. Key words: Lead, cadmium, cosmetic products. ______________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION Since the dawn of civilization cosmetics have constituted a part of routine body care not only by the upper strata of society but also by middle and low class people. Last few decades have shown a big boost in cosmetic in industries, by the production of the various types of the cosmetics which are needed for the care and beatification of the skin, hair, nails, teeth, body comprises of creams, beauty soaps, talcum and face powders, lotions, shampoos, hair oils, hair dyes, hair colors, perfumery items, lipsticks, sindoor, kajal, bindi, shaving creams, henna, rouge, body