According to a new report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, many popular lipsticks contain lead. This is dangerous, since lipstick is worn on the mouth and thus can be ingested.
Of the 33 brand-name red lipsticks tested by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, 61% had detectable lead levels of 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm), and one third contained an amount of lead that exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 0.1 ppm limit for lead in candy. Products containing lead included some popular brands such as Cover Girl, L'Oreal and Christian Dior.
Ingesting lead can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women and young children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure. Lead has also been linked to infertility and miscarriage. Because of this, more than 20 million toys made in China have recently been recalled, mostly due to the use of lead paint.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics noted that some less expensive brands it had tested, such as Revlon, had no detectable levels of lead, while the more expensive Dior Addict brand had higher lead levels.
All Paul Penders lipsticks are formulated with natural ingredients and are even free from chemical FD&C colors. To learn more about Paul Penders lipsticks and other cosmetics, please click here. To read more about the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics lipstick research, click here.
