It’s widely known that lead poisoning poses a threat to public health. The metal’s negative effect on the nervous system as well as its propensity to cause renal and cardiovascular diseases has promoted the FDA to continually lower the legal limit of lead content in paint, children’s toys, and playground substrate since the late 70′s.
In October ’07, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released an alarming report, “A Poison Kiss,” on the lead content of lipstick. They found that more than half of the name brand lipsticks tested contained detectable levels of lead. L’Oreal Colour Riche “True Red” topped the list at .65 ppm lead. Even Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer Merlot contains lead (less than .1 ppm.) However, with a little bit of research and awareness, you can find safer (and environmentally friendly) lipsticks.
An AltCon favorite, Skin Deep’s Cosmetic Safety Database recommends Miessence organic lip cream as the lowest on its environmental impact scale. It contains less toxins, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the lipstick is 100% lead-free. I managed to dig up a couple of lead-free options: Hemp Certified Organic lipstick and Primitive. So until the industry gets its act together, buyer beware. We’ll continue to seek out other lead-free brands that are worth supporting, as well. Feel free to jump-in with any lip tips!
Link to: SFGate
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I wonder if lead is also in sheer lip glosses.
Not only do we have to worry about the lipstick that we use but more importantly is the fact that kids like to get in to mommy’s makeup and then they are ingesting the lipstick with lead. That’s not good.
I really like the organic lip balms and the lip tints from Eco Lips (www.ecolips.com). They have very high organic ingredient content and they don’t use carmine (crushed beetles) like some of the natural companies do. They are dedicated to organics and really care about their products. Check out their website – they recycle the plastic tubes, give you a coupon when you send them your old cell phone which they send to a battered women’s center – their goodwill is amazing AND they don’t have lead in their products!
There is a lip rouge by BeesWork called Red Roses.
It has red roses in it that create the color, its a good alternative to lipstick, I am pretty sure its lead free. Go to besswork.com and check it out.
You can buy on their website or at organicselections.com
Yeah, it seems the more matte, darker lip colors contain more lead. So I am guessing (just a guess!) that sheer lip colors will contain less lead, if any. Thanks for all the other suggestions. Especially the comment about kids; they are by far the most susceptible to the mental effects of lead poisoning.
Take a look at snopes.com for some reassurance:
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/lipstick.asp
dear molly,
the miessence lip creme is 100% lead free…and so is every one of their products.
in fact, every product in the range has 100% beneficial ingredients and is 100% toxic and synthetic chemical free.
ACO (Australian Certified Organic)USDA (US Department of Agriculture) IFOAM
Miessence is the World’s first extensive range of internationally Certified Organic skin, cosmetic, oral, hair, nutritional, body and household products.
I LOVE Beeswork products, especially their Red Rouge Lip Gloss, (also comes in lavendar, vanilla, & eucalyptus); & they make wonderful facial lotions & soaps- all natural & organic. Check out their website- it’s beautiful http://www.beeswork.com
Lead poisoning is a real concern. Ladies – If I may offer something to consider as an alternative to lipstick, just for the days you might want to dress down a little – white hemp necklaces are very beautiful.