Quantitative and qualitative analysis of lip balms in the Iraqi market using LIBS and concentration estimation based on electron density

Cosmetics have become one of necessities in our daily lives and are used by people of different age groups. As a result of this daily use, users may be exposed over time to serious health problems resulting from the absorption of heavy metals through the skin or by ingestion. In this study, LIBS technique was used to analyze samples of high-quality (R1) and low-quality (R2) lip balms circulating in the Iraqi market, and to detect heavy metals such as lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). The ratios of heavy elements were calculated using mathematical relationships based on electron density have proven effective in calculating the concentrations of the elements studied. The concentration of Hg and Pb was (7.507, 5.461) % in the R1 sample, and (9.832, 5.910) % in the R2 sample, respectively. The comparison of these ratios with the values permitted by the World Health Organization shows mercury and nickel exceeded the globally permissible limits, while the lead element was within the permissible limits. Therefore, it has become necessary to verify the proportions of these minerals due to their danger to human health because of their daily use, and to limit their circulation in the markets.