Indian cosmetics contain metals: Dermatologist

Most of the Indian cosmetics which are available in Bangladesh market may cause serious harm to beauty seekers as those contain heavy metals, according to experts. “Bangladesh market is flooded with Indian beauty products. So, the presence of heavy metals in Indian cosmetics is a serious concern for the Bangladeshi beauty seekers, too,” eminent dermatologist Prof Dr Kabir Chowdhury told UNB in response to the findings of an Indian study report. A new study conducted by the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that the fairness creams, endorsed by some of biggest Bollywood names, could contain mercury, an element which is universally recognised as extremely toxic. Lipsticks may come packed with chromium, which is carcinogenic. Dr Afzalul Karim, a professor of Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College, said ‘contract allergy’ may be developed in skin due to use of nickel and mercury. “If human skin absorbs more mercury, it can affect liver apart from developing skin cancer,” he said, adding the government has no control over the marketing of beauty products, which is harmful to human skin, according to a news agency.

 

Dr Kabir Chowdhury said nickel contributes eczema and the use of nickel-contained Indian lipsticks will increase eczema among the users of beauty products.