Drop "Dead" Gorgeous: Unmasking the Ugly Side of Cosmetic Makeup
Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Name
De La Salle University Manila
Track or Strand
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Guidote, Lourdes P.
Start Date
25-6-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-6-2025 12:00 PM
Zoom Link/ Room Assignment
https://zoom.us/j/95980405617?pwd=OSEFifpS6MFiQf2OtZMa3QBUP4f0ma.1 Meeting ID: 959 8040 5617 Passcode: FNH4
Abstract/Executive Summary
Over the years, the makeup industry has continuously expanded its selling platforms, seamlessly transitioning from physical retail to online platforms. While the transition offers convenience, the requirements are relatively unregulated, particularly in terms of FDA approval and safety standards, which are not consistently enforced or strictly applied. Given the circumstances, products—particularly cosmetic products—sold online have led cosmetic consumers to become susceptible to purchasing unregulated products, possibly exposing them to experiencing negative health issues posed by toxic chemicals that they are not aware of in the products’ composition. Heavy metals such as Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, and Nickel are among the commonly present chemicals in cosmetics. This study investigates the presence of these metals in popular cosmetic makeup bought online by Filipino individuals, along with evaluating their awareness concerning the health risks associated with these products. Employing surveys (n=62) on online makeup purchasing behavior and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) on a 2-in-1 Lip Tint Set and a 4-color Eyeshadow Palette. Survey data showed that while product reviews (95%), brand reputation (90%), and prices (87%) are the most common factors considered, checking of FDA approval (82%) is less prioritized. 27% reported experiencing adverse reactions after using non-FDA-approved products. This exposes the vulnerability of consumers to unsafe makeup products due to a lack of awareness of the potential health hazards and the presence of heavy metals. This calls for an enhanced cosmetic education, better policies, and stricter regulations to promote consumer awareness and safety in the Philippines.
Keywords
Cosmetic makeup; Heavy metals; Toxicity; Consumer Safety; AAS Analysis
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Food, Nutrition, and Health (FNH)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
Drop "Dead" Gorgeous: Unmasking the Ugly Side of Cosmetic Makeup
Over the years, the makeup industry has continuously expanded its selling platforms, seamlessly transitioning from physical retail to online platforms. While the transition offers convenience, the requirements are relatively unregulated, particularly in terms of FDA approval and safety standards, which are not consistently enforced or strictly applied. Given the circumstances, products—particularly cosmetic products—sold online have led cosmetic consumers to become susceptible to purchasing unregulated products, possibly exposing them to experiencing negative health issues posed by toxic chemicals that they are not aware of in the products’ composition. Heavy metals such as Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, and Nickel are among the commonly present chemicals in cosmetics. This study investigates the presence of these metals in popular cosmetic makeup bought online by Filipino individuals, along with evaluating their awareness concerning the health risks associated with these products. Employing surveys (n=62) on online makeup purchasing behavior and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) on a 2-in-1 Lip Tint Set and a 4-color Eyeshadow Palette. Survey data showed that while product reviews (95%), brand reputation (90%), and prices (87%) are the most common factors considered, checking of FDA approval (82%) is less prioritized. 27% reported experiencing adverse reactions after using non-FDA-approved products. This exposes the vulnerability of consumers to unsafe makeup products due to a lack of awareness of the potential health hazards and the presence of heavy metals. This calls for an enhanced cosmetic education, better policies, and stricter regulations to promote consumer awareness and safety in the Philippines.
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2025/paper_fnh/15
