September 8th, 2009 @ 9:31 pm
Holy smokes – the FDA actually did a study and concluded that the levels of lead in lipstick was much higher than they had previously thought.
According to a summary by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the “FDA found lead in all 20 lipsticks it tested, at levels ranging from 0.09 parts per million (ppm) to 3.06 ppm – more than four times higher than the highest lead level of 0.65 reported in the 2007 CSC study. FDA used a new testing method to analyze lipstick and concluded that earlier methods likely underestimated the amount of lead in lipstick.”
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics article goes on to say “The FDA study found an average level of lead in lipsticks of 1.07 ppm – more than 10 times higher than its own standard for lead in candy. FDA’s standard for candy is based on the lowest lead level that can be achieved.”
But of course, on its Web site the FDA says that “lipstick, intended for topical use, is only ingested incidentally and in very small quantities and the FDA does not consider the lead levels that it found in the lipsticks to be a safety concern.”
The Campaign is asking for some sort of standard for lipsticks to be established – but the FDA does not believe it is necessary. They also refuse to publish the names of the companies that were tested.
FYI – the worst offenders in the 2007 study conducted by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics were L’Oreal, Maybelline and Cover Girl.
And you know what? It’s not that lead-free lipstick is impossible to make – nor is it costly. The 2007 study noted that one of the brands that didn’t have lead was an inexpensive drug-store brand. So once again – what’s the deal?
To check out some FAQ’s regarding the study – click here. And of course – be careful what you use on your lips! My recommendation? Try Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers. Easy to find, work great and they are SAFE.
