Human health risk assessment of toxic and non-toxic elements in various oily, cream, and powder cosmetics in Arab countries- A systematic literature review.

Oily, cream, and powder cosmetics (OCPCs) are widely used worldwide, especially in Arab nations, highlighting the need for ongoing heavy metal (HM) monitoring. This systematic review examined 16 HM concentrations in 14 OCPC product categories across 11 of the 22 Arab countries, selected countries based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and evaluated their associated health risks for only 9 of the 14 OCPCs for which sufficient data were available. The analysis included 24 papers published between June 1, 2007, and January 30, 2026, selected according to prescribed inclusion and exclusion criteria. International authorities like the WHO and the EU set acceptable limits (ALs) for HM levels. According to EPA criteria, all detected HMs underwent a health risk assessment (HRA). Saudi Arabia and Jordan had the highest HM detection rates in OCPCs among the 11 Arab countries analyzed, underscoring the need for stronger regulation. Moisturizing creams, toners, cosmetic masks, and oils were mostly contaminated with non-toxic HMs, whereas facial foundation and face cream samples were contaminated with toxic HMs. Despite exceedances of WHO and EU ALs for several elements, the EPA-based dermal risk indices remained below acceptable thresholds, reflecting the distinction between concentration-based regulatory limits and exposure-based health risk assessment. Arab regulatory agencies should establish monitoring systems to limit HMs in OCPCs, in line with WHO and EU guidelines on HM ALs in cosmetics, before market access.