Lead found in lipstick

Shimmery. Moisturizing. Long-wearing. Glam! Words you might use to describe your favorite lipstick. If you could add one more to the list, I bet it would be anything but contaminated. However, the results of a new study might make you think otherwise. The U.S. FDA reveals that 400 lipsticks currently available on the market contain lead (Pb), a toxic metal. Lead (Pb) in lipstick has been a concern for many years but it was generally considered an 'urban legend', an unsubstantiated rumor.  The lipsticks studied were purchased between February and July 2010. This study was a follow up to an initial survey performed in 2007. 

A wide range of brands were tested including Avon, Elizabeth Arden, Chanel, Dior, Estee Lauder, Iman Cosmetics, Lancôme, M.A.C, Revlon, Rimmel London, etc. You can find a complete list of all the lipsticks and lead levels in each one, here.

The table below lists the brands and shades containing the highest amount of lead:

	Brand	Parent company	Lipstick line Shade	Lead (Pb) (ppm)
1	Maybelline	L’Oréal USA	Color Sensational Pink Petal	7.19
2	L’Oréal	L’Oréal USA	Colour Riche Volcanic	7.00
3	NARS	Shiseido	Semi-matte in Red Lizard	4.93
4	Cover Girl Queen Collection	Proctor &; Gamble	Vibrant Hues color Ruby Remix	4.92
5	NARS	Shiseido	Semi-matte Funny Face	4.89
6	L’Oreal	L’Oréal USA	Colour Riche Tickled Pink	4.45
7	L’Oreal	L’Oréal USA	Intensely Moisturizing Lip Color Heroic	4.41
8	Cover Girl	Proctor &; Gamble	Continuous Color Warm Brick	4.28
9	Maybelline	L’Oréal USA	Color Sensational Mauve Me	4.23
10	Stargazer	Stargazer	Shade ‘c’	4.06

The highest value reported in this study is 7.19 ppm (parts per million), while the lowest is about 0.03 ppm. The average value is 1.11 ppm. The FDA asserts that these levels pose no risk. For comparison's sake, candy likely to be consumed by small children is only allowed a maximum of 0.1 ppm of lead according to FDA guidelines. For drinking water, the U.S. EPA limit is zero (0 ppm), while that allowed by Health Canada is 0.01 ppm. 

So, why would manufacturers add a toxic ingredient to their formulations?

Actually, they don’t! Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring element in the environment. There are traces of it in the air, water and land. Lipstick is a matrix of many ingredients including waxes, oils, dyes, and pigments that may be artificially or naturally derived. The pigments may include minerals such as alumina, titanium dioxide, silica and mica. Small amounts of lead may find their way into the raw materials used in manufacture.

Should you worry?

Obviously, lipstick is intended for external use only. However, small amounts may be ingested. The non-profit coalition Campaign for Safe Cosmetics insists that the FDA should set a limit. Currently, there are no limits on lead in cosmetics. However, the cap on lead allowed in color additives is set at 20 ppm. Color additives are present in most cosmetics. Consumer advocates worry that with long-term use, lead tainted cosmetics could be a health hazard. Still, it is important to note that for those living in polluted areas, lead contamination in air or water may pose a greater risk than that posed by cosmetics. Lead is known to accumulate in the body and low levels of exposure have been linked to poorer intellectual development in children.

In the meantime, if you are worried about exposure through lipstick or other cosmetics,

• Pick lipsticks with lower amount of lead. The ones listed below are at the bottom of the list in the FDA study.
  1.   Wet 'n' Wild, Mega Mixers Lip Balm Bahama Mama: (Lead < 0 .026 ppm)
  2.   L'Oreal, Colour Juice Cherry On Top: (Lead < 0.026 ppm)
  3.   Clinique, Almost Black Honey: (Lead < 0.026 ppm)
  4.   Lori Anne, Mood Blue: (Lead 0.03 ppm)
  5.   M.A.C. Satin M.A.C. Red: (Lead 0.03 ppm)

• Consider buying “natural” or “organic” brands, most of which claim to use naturally-derived ingredients. However, this does not always mean that they are completely contaminant free. For example, this study reports a lead concentration of 0.43 ppm for Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer in Raisin. The brand is a popular natural skin care brand.

How often do you wear lipstick or makeup in general? Does this make you rethink your beauty routine?