Cosmetics as a source of tin exposure

Radoslaw Spiewak1, Alicja Spiewak1, Jadwiga Kalicinska2

1. Institute of Dermatology, Krakow, Poland
2. Jagiellonian University Medical College, Department of Experimental Dermatology and Cosmetology, Krakow, Poland

Source: Spiewak R, Spiewak A, Kalicinska J. Cosmetics as a source of tin exposure. Contact Dermatitis 2026; 94 (Supplement S1: Congress of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis [ESCD], 24-27 June 2026, Copenhagen, Denmark): 14.

Purpose: Cosmetics are applied repeatedly to large areas of skin or mucous membranes, resulting in significant exposure to their ingredients. Recent data suggest that sensitization rates to tin (stannum, Sn) are relatively high.

The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of tin compounds in cosmetics.

Methods: Ingredients lists of a large bulk of cosmetic products for adults and children were analysed for the presence of tin compounds, including cleansing, skincare, and oral hygiene products, as well as coloured cosmetics.

Results: Of the 9185 cosmetic products analysed in this study, 230 (2.5%) had tin compounds listed as ingredients. Tin oxide was declared in 179 products (1.9%), sodium stannate in 38 (0.4%), stannous fluoride in 12 (0.1%), and stannous chloride in 1 product (0.01%). Tin compounds were prevalent in leave-on facial cosmetics, such coloured lip products (41.7%), CC creams (13.3%), eyelid care products (10.0%), foundations (8.0%), BB creams (6.2%), face creams (4.4%), products for vascular skin (4.0%), and cosmetics with vitamin C (2.7%). Of the 113 toothpastes analysed, stannous fluoride was declared in 10.6%, tin oxide in 2.6%, and stannous chloride in 0.9%. Among leave-on body cosmetics, tin oxide was detected in 8.4% of perfumed children’s products, 6.2% of self-tanners and 3.0% of body lotions. Tin oxide was also found in 6.5% of nail polishes. Sodium stannate was present in 38.0% of analysed hair dyes.

Conclusions: Cosmetics appear to be a significant source of tin exposure. The most common forms of tin in cosmetic products are tin oxide (CI 77861), sodium stannate and stannous fluoride. The prevalence of tin varies depending on the product type. The high prevalence of tin compounds in products intended for prolonged and repeated contact with skin and oral mucosae, including cosmetics for children, deserves due attention.

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  2. Wolowiec W, Spiewak R. Metals with known sensitizing potential as ingredients in oral care products. Contact Dermatitis 2016; 94 (Supplement S1: Congress of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis [ESCD], 24-27 June 2026, Copenhagen, Denmark): 17.
  3. Spiewak R, Postawa A, Szopa J, Kalicinska J. Pigment composition of permanent make-up products before and after REACH restrictions. Contact Dermatitis 2016; 94 (Supplement S1: Congress of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis [ESCD], 24-27 June 2026, Copenhagen, Denmark): 53.
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Document created: 29 June 2026, last updated: 7 August 2026.