Lipstick Lowdown – Are the Ingredients Safe?

Here’s some news you may want to consider before applying your favorite lipstick next time. That product that makes you feel more beautiful may contain some elements that aren’t so pretty.

Researchers at the University of California Berkley tested 8 lipsticks and 24 lip glosses commonly sold in drug stores and department stores. Prices varied…and specific brands were not identified.

Their analysis detected lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and five other metals. The team then estimated health risks based on the concentration of the metals in each product, a consumer’s potential daily intake of those metals, and existing health guidelines.

The results showed that average use of some of the lipsticks and glosses could cause excessive intake of chromium, a carcinogen that has been linked to stomach tumors. High use of some of the makeup could lead to overexposure to aluminum, cadmium and manganese. Lead was also found in the majority of the lip products, but generally at concentrations that are considered acceptable.

The researchers say, despite their findings, they’re not recommending you throw away your lipstick or lip gloss, but they are calling for more oversight by health regulators. Metals in cosmetic products are currently not regulated by the FDA.