Aflatoxins in cosmetics containing substrates for aflatoxin-producing fungi

Abstract 29 random samples of eight different products of skin cleansing creams or powders and skin peeling products (including practically all products of this type available on the German market), containing substrates for aflatoxin-producing fungi or plant parts directly connected with such substrates, such as almond bran, peach bran, apricot seeds, wheat bran, horse chestnut and cob were analysed for aflatoxin B 1 , B 2 , G 1 and G 2 . In 11 (38%) of the samples aflatoxins were not detectable ( μ g/kg); 18 (62%) of the samples contained from 0.4 to 78.5 μg aflatoxin/kg. The majority of the positive samples contained all four types of aflatoxin. Aflatoxins can be absorbed through the skin. To what extent this happens with these products and the resulting toxicological significance is difficult to estimate. Nevertheless, potent carcinogens such as aflatoxins should be completely absent from cosmetics; this can be achieved by careful quality control of the raw materials.