Lipstick Loaded with Lead

A new study by the FDA is leading some women to kiss their favorite brand of lipstick, goodbye. Lead levels in 400 lipsticks tested at more than twice the amount as previously reported.

According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, lead can cause learning, language and behavioral problems, in children and be a threat to pregnant women. The co-founder says: “There is no safe level of lead exposure. It builds up in the body, over time.”

Shopper, Hilda Schwartz of Palm Desert says lipstick, loaded with lead should be addressed. She says, “It would be a concern for young people. I’d be very concerned.”

Five L’Oreal and Maybelline lipsticks, found in your local drug store, rank among the most contaminated. The brand with the highest levels of lead is Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick, in Pink Petal. It contains more than 275 times the amount of lead, than the least contaminated lipstick, Wet n Wild Mega-Mixers lip balm, in Bahama Mama, the cheapest brand.

Still, some women say it won’t stop them from painting their lips. Ann Gugenheim of Palm Desert says, “At this stage in my life, a little lead in the lipstick isn’t going to make much difference.”

The FDA says the lead detected does not pose any safety risks. In a statement, the agency says, “We developed and tested a method for measuring lead in lipstick and did not find levels that would raise health concerns.”

But, the FDA is still evaluating whether to recommend a limit for lead, in lipstick. Gugenheim says, “If it accumulates, it’s going to affect their health. I do think they should do something about it.”

Other brands with high levels of lead include, Nars, Covergirl, M.A.C. and Revlon.

http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm137224.htm#expanalyses