Lead in Lipstick

Lead in lipstick has been a hot topic this week thanks to Dr. Sanjay Gupta's blog on CNN about the issue.  There was no new information here, but it was great to see this issue brought to the mainstream once again. And, it's a reminder than although both the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the FDA found lead in lipstick more than 3 years ago, it's still there and there's no government action yet taken to protect us from this neurotoxin.  Nor will you find it on ingredients lists.

A Little History:
In October 2007 the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) published their report Poison Kiss: The Problem of Lead in Lipstick . This report detailed the results of a an independent laboratory test they initiated where they tested 33 popular lipsticks for lead. Two-thirds of those tested contained lead and half of those were at levels higher than allowed in candy (yes, there is actually legally acceptable amount of lead allowed to be in your child's candy).

In 2009 the FDA published its findings from tests they did. They tested 20 lipsticks and found even higher levels of lead than the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics did. According to the CSC study 3 of the brands that had consistently high levels of lead were L'Oreal, Cover Girl, and Maybelline. Price does not seem to be an indicator of lead levels. You can not assume that it's the cheap lipstick brands that had the highest levels. In fact, some of the most expensive brands had the highest levels of lead.

Here is the table from the FDA listing all of the lipsticks tested and the amount of lead found:

FDA Analyses of Lead in Lipsticks

The following results for lead content in a selection of lipsticks were obtained by scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and reported in the Journal of Cosmetic Science^[1] . FDA purchased lipsticks from retail stores between October and December 2007.

1. ^a Lipsticks selected are the same brands and shades analyzed by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (http://www.safecosmetics.org/your_health/poisonkiss.cfm ).
2. ^b Lot numbers embossed or printed on lipstick cases or end labels.
3. ^c Results are for total lead content determined by FDA's validated method [Reference 1].
4. ^d Reported in units of µg Pb/g in Reference 1.
5. ^e Combination of several lots.
6. ^f Result not used for determining average value of lead content by FDA's validated method.
7. ^g No shade number on lipstick.
8. ^h No lot number on lipstick.

Some, including the FDA, argue that the amount of lead in lipsticks is so low as not to be of concern. However, health experts, including the CDC note that it's dangerous in any amount and has no business being in lipstick.

Why is lead a concern?

• Lead is a neurotoxin linked to learning, language and behavioral problems
• Lead is addictive
• We are exposed to it from multiple sources throughout the day
• Exposure to lead can cause lowered IQ, impulsiveness, agression, seizures, brain damage, anemia, damage to the kidneys, miscarriage, reduced fertility in men & women, hormonal changes
• Lead is absorbed through ingestion as lipstick is "eaten" off the lips
• Pregnant & nursing mothers who use lead-tainted lipstick risk the development of their child as it crosses the placenta and enters the baby's brain affecting development
• Lead accumulates in the body

Why won't you find lead in the ingredients list?

Lead isn't an intentional ingredient in the production of lipstick.  It's a contaminant from the manufacturing process similar to 1,4 dioxane.

How to avoid lead in lipstick:

• Only purchase lip products from ethical companies truly committed to safe cosmetics (avoid companies that greenwash) 
• Don't assume the only brands with lead are those tested by CSC & the FDA. If you are concerned about your lip color, call the company and ask them if their products are lead-free
• If you are pregnant, let your natural pregnant glow shine through and avoid lipstick all together
• Don't allow children to play with lip colors until you've confirmed it is lead-free
• When purchasing lip colors from companies using mineral pigments, be sure to contact the company 1st as some can be contaminated with lead.  Many mineral pigments are lead-free, but you'll need to check with the company to be sure theirs are pure.  One commenter on the CNN article said she called Burts Bees and was told that they have traces of lead in their Merlot Lip Shimmer.  The rest are lead-free.
• Write your elected officials and tell them they need to protect us from lead in cosmetics
• Write to the companies who's products tested positive for lead and demand that they reformulate their products and to test both their raw ingredients and their final product for lead before placing it on the market