Nickel is an element present in the body in an amount equal to about 1 mg total, distributed mainly between bones, pancreas and saliva, and acts as a cofactor for several enzymes. Research conducted in humans and animals indicates its role in the metabolism of certain hormones, in that of glucose and lipids. Furthermore, it seems involved in maintaining the integrity of cell membranes and the stability of DNA and RNA.
Many people are sensitive to Nickel or even allergic. Sensitivity can manifest if one comes into contact with a certain amount of Nickel for more or less time depending on the level of sensitivity. The allergy to nickel is the most common cause of allergic dermatitis from contact, a condition that produces skin lesions very similar to those of eczema: initially, blisters form on the surface of the skin, which appears red, itchy, swollen, and covered with vesicles, which can break forming crusts; subsequently, if contact with nickel persists over time, the skin thickens and flakes, cracking and taking on a darker color.
Nickel is present in some iron objects that contain this element such as pots, cutlery... in food, and for very sensitive people, it can cause an allergic reaction even the use of cosmetics that contain a variable amount. But how to check if a cosmetic will cause an allergic reaction due to the presence of Nickel? You will never find nickel among the ingredients of any cosmetic product as its use is prohibited by European regulations (Regulation EC No. 1223/2009) however, since nickel is ubiquitous, it can be present in traces or be released during the various stages of production.
This is where the Nickel test comes into play, which checks the amount present in the final cosmetic.
Some companies check the residual nickel amount in cosmetics through this test, by including the wording Nickel tested on the product packaging, they declare that the contained nickel threshold is equal to or less than 1 ppm (with a maximum value of 4 ppm).
Lumea cosmetics tested for Nickel contain an additional wording on the packaging, namely: Nickel tested <0.0001%. This wording indicates that the amount of nickel present is less than 0.0001 ppm, the minimum amount, which also ensures safe use of these cosmetics for people sensitive and allergic to Nickel.
Currently, the Nickel-free tested Lumea cosmetics are:
- PURA
- ANTI-AGE FACE SERUM
- MOISTURIZING FACE CREAM
- ANTI-AGE FACE CREAM
- LIGHT BODY CREAM
- HAND CREAM
Dr. Linda Ceci
