Heavy Metal Testing for Supplements, Food & Cosmetics
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury measured by ICP-MS, reported against the limit that applies to your product.
Heavy metal testing measures arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in a product using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and compares the results with limits such as USP <2232>, California Prop 65 and FDA safety guidelines. Qalitex is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory, and standard heavy metal testing runs 48–72 hours.
Got your results back? →
How to read a heavy metal test report and what to do when a number is close to the limit.
If you make or sell dietary supplements, food or cosmetics, a heavy metal test is usually one of the first lab reports a buyer, retailer or regulator asks for. Qalitex runs heavy metal testing by ICP-MS for dietary supplements, food products and cosmetic formulations, with experienced chemists and documented protocols, so you know what is in your product and whether it meets the limit that applies.
How do you test a product for heavy metals?
You send a representative sample of the finished product or raw ingredient to an accredited laboratory. The lab prepares the sample so the metals are dissolved in solution, measures each metal by ICP-MS, checks the run against quality controls, and reports a result for every metal. You then compare the result with the limit that applies to your product and market. If you are not sure which panel or method fits your product, ask before you ship the sample.
Why heavy metal testing is critical
Heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury are toxic even at low concentrations. They can contaminate ingredients through soil, water, processing equipment and packaging. Regulators set limits to prevent harm such as neurotoxicity, kidney damage, developmental delays and carcinogenicity, and a failed or missing test can stop a product from being sold.
Heavy metals in supplements, food and cosmetics
Botanical and mineral ingredients, plant-based powders and extracts, and products made on metal equipment are common places for metals to show up, which is why testing is routine for dietary supplements and their raw materials. The same four metals matter in food and in cosmetic formulations. Testing the raw material and the finished batch can show where a problem enters.
Metals we test for
We test for all commonly regulated metals: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As, total and inorganic), Mercury (Hg, total and methylmercury), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Tin (Sn), Cobalt (Co), Antimony (Sb), Thallium (Tl), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn). Custom panels and additional trace metal screening are available on request.
Which limits apply to your result
Results are compared with the limit for your product and market: USP <2232> for elemental contaminants in dietary supplements, ICH Q3D for elemental impurities in drug products, California Prop 65 for products sold in California, and EU Regulation 1881/2006 for foods sold in the EU. Limits for supplements are usually expressed per daily dose, so the serving size on your label matters as much as the concentration in the powder.
ICP-MS technology
Our laboratory uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), a standard method for multi-element trace detection at parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity. That sensitivity allows reliable, reproducible results at concentrations far below regulatory limits.
California Prop 65 compliance
We provide heavy metal testing aligned with California Prop 65 maximum allowable dose levels (MADLs) and No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs). Our reports include the documentation needed to support Prop 65 compliance.
Tests & Methods Included
- ✓ Lead (Pb)
- ✓ Cadmium (Cd)
- ✓ Arsenic (As), total & inorganic
- ✓ Mercury (Hg)
- ✓ Multi-element ICP-MS panel
- ✓ Prop 65 compliance panel
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
- USP <2232> Elemental Contaminants
- ICH Q3D
- California Prop 65
- FDA 21 CFR guidelines
- EU Regulation 1881/2006
Industries We Serve
- Dietary supplements
- Herbal & botanical products
- Cosmetics & personal care
- Food & functional foods
- Amazon FBA sellers
Request a Quote
Pricing depends on your product. Tell us what you need and we'll email a detailed quote within 24 hours.
Get a Quote →Frequently Asked Questions
How do you test for heavy metals in a product?
Send a representative sample to an accredited laboratory. The lab prepares the sample so the metals are in solution, measures each metal by ICP-MS, checks the run against quality controls and reports a result for every metal, which you compare with the limit that applies to your product.
What heavy metals does Qalitex test for?
Qalitex tests for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As, total and inorganic), mercury (Hg), nickel, chromium, tin, cobalt, antimony, thallium, copper and zinc using ICP-MS instrumentation with parts-per-billion sensitivity.
What is ICP-MS and why is it used for heavy metal testing?
ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) measures many metals in one run at parts-per-billion concentrations, which is far below the limits set by USP, Prop 65 and FDA guidelines.
Which limits does my heavy metal result get compared with?
It depends on your product and market: USP <2232> for dietary supplements, ICH Q3D for drug products, California Prop 65 for products sold in California and EU Regulation 1881/2006 for foods sold in the EU. Supplement limits are usually per daily dose, so serving size matters.
How long does heavy metal testing take?
Standard heavy metal testing at Qalitex takes 48–72 hours, with pricing starting from $100. Confirm the turnaround and price for your product type when you request a quote.
Does Qalitex offer California Prop 65 heavy metal testing?
Yes. Qalitex provides heavy metal testing aligned with California Prop 65 maximum allowable dose levels (MADLs) and No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs), and the report includes the documentation needed to support Prop 65 compliance.
Can you test my body for heavy metals?
No. Qalitex tests products such as supplements, food and cosmetics, not people. If you are concerned about your own exposure, speak to a healthcare provider.
Specialized Testing Pages
Heavy Metal Testing in Water
heavy metal water testing
Heavy Metal Testing Near Irvine & San Diego, CA — ISO 17025 Accredited Lab
heavy metal testing near me
Heavy Metal Testing in California — ISO 17025 Accredited Lab
heavy metal testing California
Heavy Metal Testing Near Los Angeles — ISO 17025 Accredited Lab
heavy metal testing Los Angeles
Heavy Metal Testing for Cosmetics — Expert Lab Services
heavy metal testing for cosmetics
Heavy Metal Testing for Nutraceuticals — Expert Lab Services
heavy metal testing for nutraceuticals
Why brands choose Qalitex for heavy metal testing by icp-ms
48-hr turnaround
Signed CoA in 48–72 hours
Direct scientist access
Talk to the chemist running your tests
No minimums
1 SKU or 100 — same quality
Related articles
Heavy Metal Toxicity Symptoms: What Supplement Brands Should Know
Learn the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity, how contamination reaches supplements, and how accredited testing protects your brand and customers.
Chemical TestingHome Test for Heavy Metals in Body: What You Need to Know First
Searching for a home test for heavy metals in your body? Learn which tests are meaningful, which to skip, and how to check the products you use every day.
Dietary SupplementsFish Oil Supplement Testing: Oxidation Rates, Potency Gaps, and the Contaminants Your COA Might Be Missing
Fish oil fails third-party testing more often than brands expect. Here's what TOTOX, EPA/DHA potency screens, and ICP-MS heavy metal analysis actually reveal.
Food SafetyFunctional Beverage Compliance Testing: What Energy Drinks, Nootropic Waters, and Adaptogen Shots Must Prove Before They Ship
Energy drinks, nootropic waters, and adaptogen shots face overlapping FDA food and supplement rules. Here's what compliance testing actually requires.
Ready to test your heavy metal testing by icp-ms?
Tell us what you need tested. We'll respond within 24 hours with pricing and turnaround time.
Get a Testing Quote →Disclaimer: Testing results provided by Qalitex Laboratories are analytical data intended for quality control purposes. They do not constitute legal, regulatory, or compliance advice. Clients are solely responsible for ensuring their products comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Consult qualified regulatory counsel for compliance decisions.