Lead in lipstick? Turns out, the urban legend is true. A
recent study by the FDA found lead in nearly400 lipsticks tested by the agency. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has also preformed tests, and listed some of the guilty parties. They are…
• L’Oreal Colour Riche “True Red” • L’Oreal Colour Riche “Classic Wine” • Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor “Maximum Red” • Christian Dior Addict “Positive Red”
The FDA’s study found lead in the lipsticks at widely varying levels of up to 7.19 parts per million (ppm) — more than twice the levels previously reported.
Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language, and behavioral problems; lipstick that contains lead may be applied several times a day, every day, and can add up to significant exposure levels. For this reason, the Center for Disease Control recommends staying away totally from cosmetics that contain lead.
Unfortunately, the Campaign notes, “Our product tests covered just a tiny percentage of lipsticks on the market, so they can’t be used as a guide for what to buy. We don’t want anyone to think the testing of these products is the last word on which lipsticks contain lead. This is just a starting point.”
There’s no strict ruling on which lipsticks are safe and which aren’t, so consider importing from Europe (the European Union bans lead in all of its cosmetics, unlike the US) or choosing all-natural products, like Aubrey and Bare Escentuals.
You can get more details on the Campaign for Safe Cosmetic’s website.