Abstract:

The use of Cosmetic Lip Products (CLPs) has historically been a fashion statement for women. However, the health risk associated with CLPs has not been thoroughly investigated given that chemical analysis show that CLPs may contain heavy metals injurious to health. This study is aimed at investigating the knowledge and perception of the possible health risks associated with the use of CLPs.

The study adopted a mixed method study design. The descriptive cross-sectional study involved 390 participants drawn randomly from five female hostels. The qualitative method involved four focus group discussions with ≥6 discussants per FGD recruited by snowballing method and conducted using an FGD guide. Data were collected using a pre tested semi-structured questionnaire which contained an 11-item knowledge scale and a 12-item perception scale. A 22-points knowledge scale and 24 points perception scale were utilized for the study. A Knowledge score  11 and perception score  12 were categorized as poor knowledge and poor perception. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p= 0.05 level of significance.

Age of respondents was 19.7±1.2 years. Most discussants reported the potential health risk would not sway them from using CLPs as they did not see CLPs as a threat to their health. Majority (83.3%) had poor knowledge and poor perception (59.2%) of the possible health risks associated with using CLPs.

It is recommended that campaigns using the internet to buttress possible health risk associated with CLPs are embarked on by health advocacy groups.

Keywords: Cosmetic Lip Products, Female, Undergraduates, Health Risk.

References:

[1].   Ali S., Maryam Bello G., Fatima Aliyu A. 2016. Determination of some heavy metals in selected cosmetic products sold in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Elsevier Toxicology Reports Vol 3, Pg 866–869.

[2].   Airin Z. and Yu Bin H. 2015. Heavy metals contamination in lipsticks and their associated health risks to lipstick consumers. Elsevier Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology Vol. 73, Pg. 191-195.

[3].   ARSO Kenya 2015. Cosmetology and Wellness: A Review of Practices, Products, Risks and the Standardization Needs for Africa. Sector Standardization Needs Review.

[4].   Ayenimo J. G., Yusuf A. M., Adekunle A. S, and Makinde O.W. 2010. Heavy metal exposure from personal care products. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Vol. 84, No. 1, Pg. 8–14.

[5].   Burns D. A., Breathnach S. M., Cox N. and Griffiths C. M. 2004. Mass: Blackwell Science.

[6].   Edhayavarman C. S., and Sunderambal K. 2015. A Study on Brand Loyalty and Its Effect on Buying Behavior in Pudukottai. Shanlax International Journal of Management. Vol 3, No. 2.

[7].   Environmental Working Group. 2012. Myths on cosmetics safety. Retrieved from EWG Site http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/myths-on-cosmetics-safety/.

[8].   Future Market Insights 2017. Colour Cosmetic Market: Lip Make-Up Segment projected to Gain Significant Revenue Share by 2026 over 2016: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment for 2016 – 2026.

[9].   Gondal M. A., Seddiqi Z. S., and Nasr M. M., Gondal B. 2010. Spectroscopic detection of health hazardous contaminants in lipstick using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy. J. Hazard. Mater Vol. 175, Pg. 726–732.

[10].  Grace G. 2016. Yahoo Beauty: Black Women May Be Exposed to More Harmful Cosmetic Chemicals. Retrieved 5/5/2017:

https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/black-women-may-be-exposed to-more-harmful-cosmetic-chemicals-060020567.html.

[11].  Health Canada 2011. Toxic metals found in make-up cosmetics and the health risks of hidden heavy metals in face makeup: A report released by Canadian Environmental Defense.Pg 23-26.

[12].  Heyam Ali., Rasha S., Ahmed A., and Babiker El-H. 2015. Attitudes and Perceptions of the Emirates Women Towards Facial Skin Care Products and Herbal Cosmetics. International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Review and Research Vol. 6, No. 3Pg. 178-187.

[13].  Ilkay K. 2014. Factors Influencing Consumer Preferences on Natural and Non-Natural Cosmetics in Turkey. International Journal of Business and Management Studies Vol 6, No 1.

[14].  Katie B. 2016. ELLE: 15 Most Obsessed-over Beauty Products of 2016. Retrieved 5/5/2017 http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/news/g29233/most-popular-makeup-products-of-2016/.

[15].  Kenneth A. H., Jennifer F., and Bill D. 2011. Cultural and Social Influences on The Perception of Beauty: A Case Analysis of the Cosmetics Industry.Journal of Business case studies Vol. 1 No. 7.

[16].  Khalid A., Bukhari I H., Riaz M., Rehman G., Ain Q. U., Bokhari T. H., Rasool N., Zubair M., Munir S. 2013. Determination of lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel in different brands of lipsticks. IJBPAS Vol. 2, Pg. 1003–1009.

[17].  Lisa Chan M., Stephanie Chalupka M. and Roseann B. 2015. Female College Student Awareness of Exposures to Environmental Toxins in Personal Care Products.

[18].  Parisa Z., Saba M., Sepideh Arbabi-B., and Mahnaz Q. (2012). RiskAssessment of Heavy Metal Contents (Lead andCadmium) in Lipsticks in Iran. International Journal of Chemical Engineering and ApplicationsVol. 3, No. 6.

[19].  Piccinini P., Piecha M., and Torrent S.F. 2013. European survey on the content of lead in lip products J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. Vol. 76, Pg. 225-233.

[20].  Rebecca S., and Melanie V. 2010. The Chemistry of Cosmetics Activity Guide.

[21].  Sankaranarayanan K G. 2014. Influence of
Demographic variables on the consumption of cosmetic products. Journal of Radix International Educational and Research Consortium Vol 3, No. 6.

[22].  Shikha B. C., Aditee C., and Agrawal S.S 2014. Evaluation of Heavy Metals contamination in Marketed Lipsticks, International Journal of Advanced Research, Vol. 2, No. 4, Pg. 257-262.

[23].  Soares A. R., Nascentes C. C. 2013. Development of a simple method for the determination of lead in lipstick using alkaline solubilization and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Talanta Vol. 05, Pg. 272–277.

[24].  United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) 2013. United States Department of Health and Human Services. Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.