```html Poison on the Face: Heavy Metals Found in Almost All Clay Masks ```
A "natural" product is not automatically low in pollutants. The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) tested 25 clay masks and concluded: "22 products contain so many heavy metals that we cannot recommend them." Cosmetic clay masks are supposed to cleanse the skin of sebum and eliminate impurities. Scientifically proven effects include drying, cleansing, and slightly antibacterial properties.
Consumer Advocates Warn of Heavy Metals in Clay Masks
The clay is extracted from loess soil and is rich in substances such as magnesium, calcium, iron, silica, or copper. Even though clay masks remain on the skin for a relatively short time, they should be free of substances that harm health and the environment, demand consumer advocates. For the test, 25 commercially available products were examined for the heavy metals arsenic, antimony, lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and mercury.
Seven Masks Did Not Perform Satisfactorily in the Test
The result does not inspire much enthusiasm for cosmetic treatment: According to VKI, only three good products are recommended. 15 clay masks performed less well, and seven did not perform satisfactorily.
Not a single clay mask in the test was free from heavy metals. Even in the two best-rated products, the Liberating Peeling Mask from Dermasel and the Anti-Stress Healing Earth Mask with Gold Chamomile from Luvos, small amounts of arsenic and lead or chromium and nickel were detectable, but in such low concentrations that they pose no risk to health. Both masks were among the cheapest in the test.
The Even Complexion White Clay Mask from Bi Care, the cheapest product tested, also scored well. However, the guideline value for arsenic is exceeded in this clay, according to the VKI.
Lead, Arsenic, and Chromium Most Frequently Detected
There was the most to criticize with lead, where the guideline value was exceeded in 22 products. Arsenic (19 exceedances) and chromium (12) also appeared frequently.
In cosmetics, heavy metals should not be present. Exceptions are products where heavy metal residues are technically unavoidable. Clay masks are among these. The guideline values applicable to such products could be adhered to with care, according to the testers. In cases of exceedances, manufacturers are asked by authorities to adjust production conditions.
(APA/Red)
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