Characterization of Inhalable Aerosols from Cosmetic Powders and Sustainability in Cosmetic Products

Abstract

Consumers may be exposed to aerosols that penetrate the lungs while applying cosmetics in a powder form. Toxic ingredients contained in aerosols can have a detrimental effect on the respiratory system. Two types of cosmetic powders were selected to evaluate the quantitative exposure of aerosols released from facial and eyeshadow products for five minutes. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to analyze the morphology of the cosmetic particles and to measure the inorganic components in the related aerosol. Deposition fractions were calculated using the International Commission on Radiological Protection model to evaluate the deposition patterns in the regions based on the respiratory tract. The aerosol dosage was calculated from the aerosol concentrations. For all cosmetic powders, 78% of aerosol deposition occurred in the head airways, while less than 2.5% was deposited in the tracheobronchial region, and less than 1% was deposited in the alveolar regions. The calculated dosage for this study was 700 µg for PM10 and 200 µg for PM2.5. This study presents a strategy for improving the sustainability of the cosmetic industry by providing a model for the quantitative evaluation and respiratory-based deposition of aerosols released from cosmetic powders.