Although there are some variations, the typical limit for lead in a color additive is 20 parts per million, which is well within recognized safe parameters under normal use. A listing of FDA-permitted color additives is available at http://www. fda. gov/Cosmetics/Labeling/IngredientNames/ucm109084. htm.
The danger of these products is real — they have been linked to cases of lead poisoning in children. These eyeliners are on an FDA “import alert,” meaning they can be seized by FDA field personnel to prevent sale or distribution. [3] X Research source
The FDA contends that, when used as intended, the elevated lead content in these products is not a health concern because the product does not enter the body. However, the products must contain this special label on the packaging: “Caution: Contains lead acetate. For external use only. Keep this product out of children’s reach. Do not use on cut or abraded scalp. If skin irritation develops, discontinue use. Do not use to color mustaches, eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp. Do not get in eyes. Follow instructions carefully and wash hands thoroughly after use. "
The FDA has done substantial testing and is not concerned with the findings. However, it did find lead in virtually every lipstick tested. The other sections of this article contain more information on lead content in lipstick. Practically speaking, however, the darker (especially red) your lipstick is, the more likely it is to have greater amounts of lead in the pigments. [6] X Research source
In the U. S. , the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actually has quite limited authority in regards to identifying and banning substances such as lead from cosmetics. And, in any case, the FDA has studied the matter and determined that the amount of lead in cosmetics is not a health concern. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
You can also look for lists and searchable databases maintained primarily by organizations that are working to eliminate lead and other potential toxins from consumer products. [10] X Research source Remember that cosmetics formulations change regularly and without warning, so the list of eleven (out of 33 products) that passed muster during testing by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in 2007 is probably no longer accurate. Seek out up-to-date information whenever possible. [11] X Research source [12] X Research source
Increasing numbers of cosmetics companies are proud to advertise that their products are “lead-free,” but again there is no clear definition of that term. Does any trace amount of lead count? How much testing must be done? Who did the testing? You can feel more confident about choosing products that are advertised as lead-free, but you can’t be completely certain due to the lack of established, common standards.
You can also purchase at-home testing kits from various sources, although the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. [15] X Research source There is also a simple at-home method that may or may not be useful (depending upon who you ask). It involves smearing your chosen product onto a clean surface, then thoroughly rubbing a piece of gold, copper, pewter, or silver on it. Supposedly, the presence of lead will cause the product to discolor with darker streaks or smears. Again, the effectiveness of this method has not been confirmed.
See the handout created by an agency of the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (available at http://www. atsdr. cdc. gov/ToxProfiles/tp13-c1-b. pdf) for detailed information about lead, how it enters the body, how it impacts the body, and how to limit exposure.
You are more likely to be exposed to higher levels of lead by way of water carried through old pipes, houses built before 1978 with flaking paint, and airborne dust near industrial sites, to name some examples. [18] X Research source Often with good intentions, some individuals and groups have resorted to scare tactics in order to advocate for the removal of all traces of lead from cosmetics. You may have gotten emails before that say cosmetics companies intentionally use lead because it lowers their costs, and that lead causes cancer. In reality, most lead in cosmetics occurs as a natural contaminant, and the possible links between lead exposure and certain cancers are still unclear. [19] X Research source
Advocates against lead in cosmetics believe that the FDA does not adequately factor in the cumulative impact of reapplying a product like lipstick several times per day, every day. This cumulative buildup, they contend, can push lead intake above the daily “safe” threshold, especially for children. [20] X Research source [21] X Research source There is, unfortunately, no clear consensus about the impact of lead in cosmetics.
Limiting the use of cosmetics by children, especially when it comes to reapplying lipstick or other lip products. Reapplying lipstick or lip products yourself only as necessary, and ideally not more than a handful of times per day. Choosing lighter shades of lipstick and makeup, which tend to have less lead in them. Seeking out lead-free products and/or testing your cosmetics for lead, as discussed elsewhere in this article.
