The lead-in-lipstick debate rages on, this time making another appearance in the Gray Lady. Today's Thursday Styles explores the controversy over the presence of lead in some lipsticks. Of 33 products surveyed last year by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC), one-third included lead in excess of 0.1 parts per million — the federal limit for candy.
Cosmetic brands, many toxicologists, and the Food and Drug Administration say that such small levels aren't worth worrying about. L'Oreal, whose Colour Riche “True Red” lipstick had the highest amount of lead, says that "each and every ingredient used in our products has been thoroughly reviewed and tested by our internal safety team made up of toxicologists, clinicians, pharmacists and physicians." But the CSC and some doctors disagree, pointing out that lead accumulates in our bodies over time.
It's all food for thought (the news, not the lipstick, obvs), and some women are trading their tubes for natural brands. How about you — will you be taking leaden steps to the cosmetics aisle in the future or not?
Lacoste
Temperley London
Eric Van Peterson
L’Oreal sucks
1Never been a big fan of over the counter makeup brands so for now I'm safe with what I use.
2It's no secret that many brands of lipstick have lead in them - including L'oreal and MAC. I hope the increased awareness will cause these brands to "clean up" their cosmetics.
3It is so frustrating that these companies are so preoccupied with the cheapest raw materials they lose sight of the consumer. We have to empower ourselves and make an impact through our dollars. If we don't buy the products they'll be forced to make changes. I want to buy things and not have to worry that I need to double check every single product, but sadly you can trust no one.
4people talk about lead in lipsticks, but noone talks about the reason it's even in there. does it occure naturally or is it put there on purpose as a preservative? what's the function?
5Oh my
6Totally agree with you michlny. I try to buy the majority of natural beauty products. Just wish they weren't so pricey!
7I have this shade.. and it's more like a balm texture than regular lipstick. It doesn't even stain my lips.
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