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Major inspection drive in Karnataka to assess cosmetics products safety
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Wednesday, 12 August, 2026, 15 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Bengaluru
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Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has launched a state-wide inspection drive in Bengaluru to assess the safety of cosmetic products. Drug inspectors collected 22 samples of commonly used products, including lipsticks and sunscreens, from high-end malls as well as roadside vendors. The samples will be tested for toxic heavy metals and other potentially harmful chemicals.
The inspections covered not just lipsticks and sunscreens but also a range of other cosmetic products, including skin serums, facial creams, powders, hair dyes, and tattoo inks.
The samples will be analysed at testing laboratories for the presence of lead, cadmium, mercury, parabens and unauthorised colourants. The testing comes amid concerns over the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to certain chemicals in cosmetics, which may contribute to skin damage, pigmentation changes, cellular harm and, in some cases, long-term toxicity affecting vital organs.
Formal laboratory analysis reports will guide further regulatory action, including the possibility of banning products or taking other enforcement measures against brands found to be non-compliant with safety standards, said Health and family welfare minister U T Khader.
Three days ago, the state FDA team string of strict enforcement drives across Bengaluru targeted restaurant hygiene, expired food inventory, and uncertified aesthetic clinics. Now the enforcement officers seized samples of some cosmetics, including lipstick and sunscreen cream, used regularly. The drug inspectors and assistant drug inspectors collected a total of 22 cosmetic samples from various places, said the department.
Karnataka FDA commissioner Srinivas K, said, “We have collected samples of items sold in malls to items sold on roadside. They include samples of soap, shampoo, talcum powder and lipstick. During lab analysis, carcinogen elements, elements causing cancer were found. Lipsticks are used often and pose a critical risk to the consumers.
Further the State FDA commissioner said that a report on the presence of heavy metals like lead, cadmium and carcinogen elements will be submitted to the minister. There are 23 types of heavy metals and chemicals found in cosmetics. We are the run to be collect more samples.
Minister Khader, said, “After lab results are out and if any harmful metal content is found in any of the brands, the government will take a decision on banning them”. While we have not received complaints from the public, I have instructed them to collect samples of cosmetics. Most women use cosmetics to look good and they do contain some harmful chemicals posing danger to their health,” he added.
Cosmetologists dermatologists have noted that beauty products in the unbranded category like talc are dangerous. For instance, the indispensable talcum powder is made from talc which is a mineral comprising primarily of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. As a powder, it absorbs moisture well and helps cut down on friction, making it useful for keeping skin dry and helping prevent rashes. It is widely used in cosmetic products such as baby powder and adult body and facial powders, as well as in a number of other consumer products. Even as Talc is mined from the earth, many of these contains asbestos, a substance known to cause cancers in and around the lungs when inhaled.
Serious health concerns are raised on formaldehyde and formaldehyde-which are common in hair-smoothing and straightening treatments leading to cancer and other dermatology diseases, they noted.
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