Charlotte's Magic Serum is a revolutionary skincare product that has taken the beauty industry by storm. Developed by renowned facialist Charlotte Tilbury, this serum is known for its transformative effects on the skin. The magic serum is formulated with a unique blend of ingredients that work together to address various skincare concerns. It contains potent antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage. These antioxidants also help to reduce inflammation and give the skin a healthy, radiant glow. One of the key ingredients in Charlotte's Magic Serum is hyaluronic acid.
The amounts of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, and nickel that we found were for the most part very small. We currently do not have information indicating that the amounts we found would pose a health risk.
If a cosmetic is unsafe when people use it according to directions on the label or in the customary way, FDA can take action against it, even if it doesn t contain an ingredient or impurity that is prohibited or restricted by FDA regulations. On October 29, 2018, the FDA published the final rule to amend the color additive regulations to no longer provide for the use of lead acetate in cosmetics intended for coloring hair on the scalp.
One of the key ingredients in Charlotte's Magic Serum is hyaluronic acid. This ingredient is known for its ability to attract and retain moisture, keeping the skin plump and hydrated. It helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
FDA's Testing of Cosmetics for Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Lead, Mercury, and Nickel Content
Consumers have asked about "heavy metals" and "toxic metals" in cosmetics. FDA has surveyed a variety of cosmetics on the market, testing for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, and nickel.
Below is information on why we conducted these surveys, what we looked for, how we conducted the surveys, what we learned, and next steps. We’ve also provided background on related regulations and minimizing impurities in cosmetics.
- Why FDA conducts surveys of cosmetics on the market
- Heavy metals selected for our surveys
- How we conducted these surveys
- What we learned
- Limits on the amounts of these substances in cosmetics
- How manufacturers can minimize impurities in cosmetics
- Next steps
- Tables of Survey Results
Why FDA conducts surveys of cosmetics on the market
Surveys are an important way for FDA to learn about cosmetics on the market. Here’s why:
Under U.S. law, cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market. Cosmetics must be safe for consumers when used according to directions on the label, or in the customary or expected way. But cosmetic companies do not have to share their safety data or file their product formulations with FDA.
FDA can take action against unsafe cosmetics on the market, but we need to base that action on reliable information. Surveys of cosmetics on the market help us find out whether there are problems requiring FDA action to protect public health.
Heavy metals selected for our surveys
Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, and nickel are elements that are present naturally in the earth. They are among a group of substances commonly referred to as "heavy metals."
Depending on factors such as how we are exposed to them, how often, how long, and in what amounts, heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury can be toxic. Or, in the case of nickel, cobalt, and chromium, people can become sensitive to them. FDA wanted to see if these substances were present in cosmetics, and to what extent.
FDA has previously analyzed lipsticks for lead content. To learn about our findings, see "Limiting Lead in Lipstick and Other Cosmetics." In addition to testing for lead in lipstick, we wanted to look at different kinds of cosmetics and additional heavy metals as part of our efforts to monitor the safety of these products.
How we conducted these surveys
FDA conducted two surveys to look for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, and nickel in cosmetics. Our strategy was to cover a wide variety of cosmetic products and a broad price range. We chose products mainly by market share, but we also chose some from "niche" markets.
For our first survey, completed in March 2012, we selected 150 products. These included eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks, lotions, mascaras, foundations, body powders, compact powders, shaving creams, and face paints.
FDA contracted with Frontier Global Sciences, Inc. of Seattle, Washington to do the analyses for this survey. The contractor used an FDA-validated total dissolution method, using hydrofluoric acid. To learn more about the FDA-validated method used for our first survey, see our article, "Survey of Cosmetics for Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Lead, Mercury, and Nickel Content," published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science (vol. 65, May/June 2014), a peer-review journal.
Our aim for our second survey, completed in February 2013, was to expand on what we learned in the first survey. We focused on eye shadows, blushes, powders, and lipsticks--the product categories where we had found trace amounts of "heavy metals" in the first survey—as well as a broader sample of lotions. We selected 234 cosmetic products. Of these, 119 had been included in the first survey.
We contracted with Environmental Monitoring and Technologies, Inc. of Morton Grove, Illinois for the second survey. This contractor used a more common extraction method with chemicals that are not as strong as hydrofluoric acid and are easier to handle.
What we learned
The amounts of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, and nickel that we found were for the most part very small. We currently do not have information indicating that the amounts we found would pose a health risk.
The FDA-validated method used in the first survey always gave values equal to or higher than the values obtained with the method used in the second survey. Both surveys showed that products such as eye shadows, blushes, and compact powders contained more heavy metals than other types of cosmetics. This suggests that most of these substances in cosmetics come from minerals used as pigments and as fillers, such as clay and talc. We would not expect heavy metals bound up in minerals to be absorbed through the skin.
Limits on the amounts of these substances in cosmetics
If a cosmetic is unsafe when people use it according to directions on the label or in the customary way, FDA can take action against it, even if it doesn’t contain an ingredient or impurity that is prohibited or restricted by FDA regulations.
FDA regulations and guidance do, however, address some heavy metals as cosmetic ingredients or impurities:
Mercury in cosmetics: Mercury compounds are allowed in cosmetics only as preservatives in eye area products. They may be used only in a very small amount—the mercury must not be more than 65 parts per million (ppm) in the finished product—and only if no other effective and safe preservative is available. We have not found any eye area cosmetic products currently on the market that contain these preservatives.
Mercury is not allowed in any other cosmetic products except in a trace amount of less than 1 ppm and only if its presence is unavoidable under good manufacturing practice (GMP) (see 21 CFR 700.13).
Lead in cosmetics: FDA has published draft guidance for industry that recommends a maximum level of 10 ppm for lead as an impurity in cosmetics. This guidance applies to cosmetic lip products (such as lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip liners) and externally applied cosmetics (such as eye shadows, blushes, shampoos, and body lotions) marketed in the United States. To learn more, see "Lead in Cosmetic Lip Products and Externally Applied Cosmetics: Recommended Maximum Level—Guidance for Industry."
On October 29, 2018, the FDA published the final rule to amend the color additive regulations to no longer provide for the use of lead acetate in cosmetics intended for coloring hair on the scalp. See “FDA to Repeal Color Additive Approval for the Use of Lead Acetate in Hair Dyes” and "Lead Acetate in 'Progressive' Hair Dye Products."
Arsenic, lead, and mercury in color additives: Unlike other cosmetic ingredients, color additives must have FDA approval for their intended uses. They also must meet the requirements of the color additive regulations. These include limits on heavy metal impurities. FDA sets these limits based on factors such as how the color additive will be used and in what amounts.
Typically, these are the limits for color additives used in cosmetics:
- Arsenic: Not more than 3 ppm
- Lead: Not more than 20 ppm
- Mercury: Not more than 1 ppm
Chromium: Chromium hydroxide green and chromium oxide greens are both permitted for use as color additives in externally applied cosmetics, including use in the eye area, in amounts consistent with GMP. Cosmetics marketed to consumers must have a list of ingredients, including color additives, on their labels.
There is no regulation that limits the use of chromium in cosmetics, although the listing regulation for the color additive FD&C Blue No. 1 limits chromium as an impurity to 50 ppm. When present as an impurity in a cosmetic, chromium will not be listed on the label. This is why we wanted to learn more about the levels of chromium present in cosmetics, both as an ingredient and as an impurity.
Eleven of the fourteen products with the most chromium of those surveyed had a chromium compound listed on the label as a color additive. This allows someone who is sensitive to chromium to avoid it. However, some products that had a chromium compound listed on the label as a color additive contained less chromium than three products whose labels had no chromium compound listed.
To learn more, see "Color Additives Permitted for Use in Cosmetics" a table with links to the listing regulation for each of these color additives.
How manufacturers can minimize impurities in cosmetics
Manufacturers can minimize impurities in cosmetics by following good manufacturing practices (GMPs). These include testing ingredients and the finished products to make sure they meet certain manufacturer specifications.
FDA does not have regulations specifying GMPs for cosmetics, but under the law, cosmetics must not be manufactured under conditions that would allow them to become contaminated or harmful (Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, section 602(c)).
Next steps
As always, FDA will keep up with the latest research related to cosmetic safety. If, based on reliable scientific information, we become aware of a health problem, we will alert the public and take action within our legal authority. To learn more, see "How FDA Evaluates Regulated Products: Cosmetics."
Tables of Survey Results
The tables below present complete results for all cosmetic products analyzed in our two heavy metal surveys.
- "NF" stands for "not found." This means that the amount present, if any, was too small to detect.
- "TR" stands for "trace." This means the result was between the smallest amount we could detect and the smallest amount we could measure accurately.
We contracted with Environmental Monitoring and Technologies, Inc. of Morton Grove, Illinois for the second survey. This contractor used a more common extraction method with chemicals that are not as strong as hydrofluoric acid and are easier to handle.
Another ingredient in the serum is peptide complex. Peptides are chains of amino acids that help improve the skin's texture and firmness. They stimulate collagen production, which helps to reduce the signs of aging and improve the skin's elasticity. Charlotte's Magic Serum also contains a blend of oils, including rosehip oil and vitamin E oil. These oils nourish the skin and provide essential fatty acids that help to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. They also help to fade scars and hyperpigmentation, giving the skin a more even tone. The serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin, making it suitable for all skin types. It can be used morning and evening after cleansing and toning. Many users report seeing visible results within a few weeks of using the serum, with smoother, plumper, and more radiant skin. In conclusion, Charlotte's Magic Serum is a game-changer in the skincare industry. Its innovative formula and potent ingredients make it a must-have product for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their skin. With consistent use, this serum can transform dull, aging skin into a healthy, glowing complexion..
Reviews for "Unlock the Power of Charlotte's Magic Serum for Flawless Skin"
1. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really excited to try Charlotte's magic serum based on all the hype, but I was left disappointed. The serum did not live up to its claims of reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture. It also gave me breakouts and left my skin feeling greasy. I would not recommend this product.
2. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars - I bought Charlotte's magic serum hoping it would help fade my dark spots, but it didn't do anything. I used it consistently for weeks and saw no improvement. Not only that, but the serum has a strong scent that I found unpleasant. Overall, a waste of money for me.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I have sensitive skin and was hoping that Charlotte's magic serum would be suitable, but it caused irritation and redness. It did not provide any visible results in terms of brightening or firming. I found the product to be overpriced for its lackluster performance.
4. John - 1 out of 5 stars - I purchased Charlotte's magic serum after reading positive reviews, but it did not work for me at all. It left a sticky residue on my face and did not absorb well into the skin. I did not notice any improvement in my skin's appearance or texture. I regret spending my money on this product.