Is There Lead in Your Lipstick ?

Lead, which has been banned from the fuel in our cars, paint for decorating our homes is being used right under our noses, well literally...in our lipsticks.

What is so bad about lipsticks?

In December of 2011, the FDA quietly published the test results of 400 lipsticks, which revealed that all of the tested lipsticks contained lead, up to 7.19 parts per million. Despite the fact that most of the lipstick contained lead in amounts higher than allowable amounts of lead in candy, the FDA concluded that the amount of lead was safe and took no subsequent actions.

The problem with the FDA’s conclusion is that the FDA did not consider the frequency of lipstick use (up to 14 times a day), the fact that women ingest lipstick, the fact there is no safe level of lead and that lead stays in our bodies for decades, and the fact that lead in lipstick is an additional toxin women are exposed to on a daily basis – a little here, a little there and this is how we create our body burden.

Lead is not the only toxic heavy metal to be found in lipstick. This study found cadmium, aluminum, chromium, etc.

Where do heavy metals come from?

Heavy metals are not ingredients but they are contaminants; that is why they are not listed on the labels. The contaminants are linked with the fact that most lipstick are made with petroleum-based dyes.

While mineral dyes are considered safer alternatives, they are not perfect either. Mineral dyes such as iron oxides often are contaminated with heavy metals at the levels acceptable to the FDA. It is the nature of the beast. Plant-based dyes may have traces of heavy metals as may our water and food. From my experience as a researcher, I can tell you that we can never be sure that any product is absolutely free of heavy metals until we do our own testing.

Stay Safe:

Lipsticks are best avoided by pregnant women: Experts say pregnant women should be extra aware when it comes to lead-tainted products. "Lead is a proven neurotoxin. It can cause learning disabilities. It's also linked to miscarriage and infertility," said Stacy Malkan of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. I would advice pregnant women to consult their physician before choosing their cosmetics.

Be aware of what you are putting on your lips. If you have a doubt or are concerned write an email to the company requesting them to send you the information on the lead content of their lipsticks. Most good brands will provide you all the details.

Greyhound Chromatography is pleased to supply High Purity Standards to Research and Analysis laboratories worldwide. High Purity Inc. is a global manufacturer of single and multi-element standards for the calibration of analytical instruments. Created to NIST traceable standards. High Purity Reference Standards supply Lead as a pure element for testing.

For over 30 years Greyhound Chromatography has been supplying high quality Chromatography consumables to laboratories around the world. Greyhound’s extensive range covers all areas of Environmental, Petrochemical, Food, Forensics, Chemical and Pharmaceutical analysis. Backed by a highly experienced technical services team, Greyhound is the preferred source amongst today’s analysts.

Research Sources:
Irina Webb 26th February 2015
SJ 1st November 2008

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