A new study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reveals that
lead
levels in lipstick are much higher than previously reported. In all 20
lipsticks it tested, levels ranging
from 0.09 parts per million (ppm) to 3.06 ppm were found. Health
experts say lead in lipstick in any amount is a health concern.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “no
safe blood lead level has been identified.” The agency suggests
avoiding all sources of lead exposure, including lipstick. Lead can build up in the body with exposure over time, especially if it's exposed to it every day. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, according to a press release from the
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, because lead can cross the placenta and affect fetal brain development.
There's another problem with lead-filled lipstick: Cosmetics companies are not required to list it as an ingredient. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics encourages you to sign a
petition for safe cosmetics and
contact your favorite cosmetics companies to encourage them to create safe, lead-free products.
To avoid toxic levels of lead, try any of these
11 lipsticks that were tested lead-free in 2007. You can learn more about how much lead could be in your lipsticks
here and
here, though the FDA has yet to release the brand names of the lipsticks with the highest levels of lead found in the most recent study. In other words, your best options right now are to stay educated, demand change, and avoid leaded lipsticks altogether.