Still In Search of Lipstick Without Lead

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.

Does Your Lipstick Contain Lead?

According to studies done by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, 61% of tested lipsticks contain lead. Someone might ask questions like, "How many did they test?" and "How many brands of lipstick exist in the market?"

For me, those questions are largely irrelevant because the most important thing is that I have no way of knowing which lipstick brands contain lead. The FDA does not require companies to list all the ingredients on the packaging. Even when the ingredients are listed on a product, they are listed by their scientific names and we most of us have no idea what they mean.

The FDA also does not regulate the chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products. In various tests, common ingredients (such as parabens) have been shown to be toxic. These days many products tout the labels “natural or organic”. Don’t let the labels fool you. They really have no meaning in cosmetics because they are not legally regulated. You have to read the ingredient list to determine how safe a product is.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is pushing for legislation in the US to ensure the safety of cosmetics and personal care products. The short video below shows the safety issues that are threatening our health as well as suggestions on what you can do to protect yourself and your family.