A new report lists over 400 popular shades of lipstick shown to contain higher than the average amount of lead, when examined by the U.S. government. While the FDA doesn’t mean to cause panic in your makeup bag, it’s pretty surprising to see some of the shades listed, I’ve owned a few of them in my lifetime—have you?
FDA Analyses of Lead in Lipstick — Expanded Survey
The latest findings are in response to inquiries made to the Food and Drug Administration, but none of them have been shown to contain a dangerous amount of lead, according to the FDA. Which is good news—since that favorite lipstick of yours is still considered safe to use, as these are reported to be trace levels according to the latest report.
In response to a number of inquiries FDA has received regarding reports of lead contamination in lipstick, we have developed and validated a method for analyzing lead content in currently marketed lipstick. Our results do not show levels of lead in lipstick that would pose a safety concern. — FDA Lipstick & Lead Questions & Answers
In 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics published a list of leading lead offenders, and these findings published in December 2011 are the most current results based on a follow-up examination by the FDA. Surprisingly, there are currently no set limits for lead in cosmetics, but the agency has placed limits on lead in color additives.
