A presença de metais pesados em cosméticos falsificados e os riscos à saúde

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.641132523051

• Palavras-chave: cosméticos falsificados; metais pesados; saúde pública; toxicidade; vigilância sanitária.

• Keywords: counterfeit cosmetics;heavy metals;public health;toxicity;sanitary surveillance.

• Abstract: Abstract The cosmetics industry plays a significant role in both the Brazilian and global economies, showing exponential growth. In 2018, the sector generated R$ 109.7 billion in revenue, placing Brazil as the fourth-largest consumer of beauty-related products and services worldwide. However, the high cost of items sold by major brands has led some consumers to opt for counterfeit versions, often purchased on the black market. These products, which are not regulated by health agencies, pose serious public health risks, as they may contain  pathogenic microorganisms, heavy metals, and other toxic substances. This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the safety and health risks associated with the use of counterfeit cosmetics. To this end, scientific publications in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were analyzed, retrieved from databases such as SciELO, Google Scholar, and PubMed, covering the period from 2005 to 2021. The data reveal a wide range of hazards linked to the use of these products, highlighting the lack of quality control, label non-compliance, and the potential for adverse reactions. this, the study underscores the need for strict regulatory oversight and educational initiatives to raise consumer awareness.