Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetic Products: Ensuring Compliance with the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK)

On May 10, 2016, the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK), under the Ministry of Health, published the “Guideline on Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetic Products.”

This guideline mandates the analysis of heavy metals—primarily Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Antimony, and Mercury—in cosmetic products to eliminate potential threats to user health.

What Are Heavy Metals?

Heavy metals are components naturally found in the earth’s crust and in water. However, due to ongoing industrial development, their presence in the environment is steadily increasing. In cosmetic products that may contain colorants (including those with natural components), certain levels of these heavy metals can be present as natural constituents. Their stability and widespread presence in nature can also lead to their occurrence as impurities in finished products.

Manufacturer’s Responsibility

Manufacturers must ensure that finished cosmetic products do not exceed specified heavy metal impurity limits during the production process. Companies need to prioritize the quality and safety of both the raw materials they use and the finished product in order to protect end users from potential risks.

Acceptable Limit Values for Heavy Metals

The acceptable impurity limits for heavy metals in cosmetic products are assessed according to the following parameters:

The appropriate limit value is chosen based on the type of product under analysis.

Heavy Metal Testing at TTS Laboratories

At TTS Laboratories, heavy metal tests are conducted in compliance with both national and international standards. By adhering to these guidelines, we help manufacturers ensure their cosmetic products remain within the legally acceptable limits for heavy metal impurities and maintain user safety.