Concerns with Lead in Lipstick

An FDA study found high levels of lead in all 20 lipstick brands tested, ranging from 0.09 parts per million (ppm) to 3.06 ppm. Considered a contaminant, lead is not listed on lipstick labels. Generally, it can become "contaminated" in two ways: raw materials may be contaminated, or the pigments (paints) used in the lipstick contain lead.

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development,” said Dr. Palfrey, a professor of pediatrics and public health at Boston University and the medical director of Boston's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

“Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels,” said Mark Mitchell, M.D., MPH, president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice.

For more details on the study, logon to safecosmetics.org