After my recent post, "Does Your Lipstick Contain Lead", I have been trying to find a lipstick that does not contain lead or (I''ll admit) one that contains less lead. I could also wear lipstick fewer times and that would contribute to lower lead exposure overall which is the goal. The problem I have found is that the available information is limited.
The Environmental Working Group maintains the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database which lists the ingredients in many popular beauty products.
Based on these ingredients, products are rated either "Low, Moderate or High" Hazard. The database also indicates the data availability rating for each product "None, Limited, Fair, Good, or Robust".
A higher data rating shows that there is a lot of information about that product that is available to researchers and so the testing is more conclusive than products with a low data rating. I would avoid low data ratings because it means that we really don't know what is in the product.
Unfortunately, it is not that easy to search for the "safest product" in a specific category.
But you can easily use the database to check the Hazard and Data Ratings for the products you currently use or are considering buying. Simply type the product name in the database.
Information is power. Use the database to make better choices for you and your family and let me know if you find a lipstick with no lead.