Dangers (LEAD) in Lipstick

Applying lip colors dates back to ancient times when Sumerian women used crushed gemstones to show off their looks. Egyptians would use red dye from fish scales to pigment their lips. We have come a long way to make lip products with various compounds, so women will chase the latest fashion trends and purchase the high-end designer labels to show off to their girlfriends.

I used to have a love affair with my Dior Addict lipsticks and Chanel Glossimer glosses. The wear time and textures of those lippies was something I thought was made exceptionally well and quality spoke for the price. I couldn’t be more wrong…

In 2007, Campaign for Safety Cosmetics conducted a study of some questionable ingredients in lipsticks. The results came back shocking, as the #1 questionable ingredient was lead. Lead is a neurotoxin that affects the organs and their functions. Biggest issue with lead in lipstick is that although women ingest very small amounts at a time, it adds up over the years, which poses serious health issues.

Nerve damage, increased blood pressure, hearing and vision impairment, reproductive problems are some examples of health problems. However, lead is not the only toxin lurking in lip products. Parabens, phthalates, fragrances, PEG’s, mineral oil, aluminum, etc., are all toxic ingredients in drugstore to high-end lip products. In addition, our lip skin is very thin (notice that our lips peel and get chapped/dry faster than any other part of the face); therefore, absorption of anything applied will absorb quickly.

Just because lipstick or any lip product is labeled designer and costs a pretty penny, doesn’t translate to a ‘better or safer product.’ Estee Lauder is one of the biggest cosmetic companies that owns Tom Ford, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Smashbox, Tory Burch (makeup/ fragrances), Bumble & Bumble, MAC, Aveda, Origins, etc. Do any of these brands use clean, natural ingredients derived from actual plants and organic oils? Hmm, the answer is on the back of the box with the list of ingredients of your favorite lipstick (or any makeup product).

Lip products were the first to go when I made the switch to go green with personal care items. Simply, because I couldn’t stand a thought that I’m ingesting a small trace of toxins each and every time I’m drinking my favorite latte or tea in the mornings on my way to work. Breakfast with a side of toxins, anyone?

Here’s my fave lip brands that contain clean ingredients derived from organic/ natural oils and use herbs (rosemary, oregano) for preservatives as opposed to parabens and other toxins.