Facial make-up cosmetics have been reported to consist of some toxic metals. This study was carried out to determine the level of heavy metals in different facial make-up cosmetics such as powder, foundations, mascara, lipsticks and eyeshadow purchased from a local market in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria to estimate the potential risk associated with them. Samples were acid digested on a hotplate using a combination of acids (HNO3/H2SO4 /HClO4) in the ratio 1:1:1. Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb were analyzed using Buck Scientific Model 230 atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Generally, it was observed from the results that cadmium and nickel were below detectable limit in 100% of the cosmetics whereas copper, chromium and zinc were detected in most samples in the following range: 0.589-17.627 mg/kg, 0.157-0.270 mg/kg, 0.870-3.478 mg/kg, in foundation, 0.225-0.515 mg/kg, 0.147-0.254 mg/kg, 0.718-2.274
mg/kg, in powder; 0.688-16.503 mg/kg, 0.115-0.340 mg/kg ,0.816-9.932 mg/kg, in eyeshadow. However, lead (Pb) was found at very low concentrations in some samples of powder, lipstick and mascara as follows; 0.176 -0.216 mg/kg; 0.369-0.656 mg/kg and 0.367-0.680 mg/kg respectively when compared with permissible limits. The human health risk was estimated by employing the systemic exposure dosage and Margin of Safety as risk indicators. Cu and Pb in most cosmetic samples and Cr in powder confirmed MoS values below 100% bioaccessibility, an indication that they are not safe for use. The findings revealed that some of the cosmetics contain low concentrations of heavy metals which accumulate in biological systems over time with continuous usage of the products, hence, regulatory agencies in the country are urged to take proper action to monitor and regulate the levels of toxic metals in imported cosmetic products to ensure consumers’ safety and safeguard public health.