How safe is your lipstick?

LIPSTICK

It’s often applied daily and inevitably you eat a bit of it each time, so it’s important to know just what is in your lipstick.

Research has shown that many lipstick brands contain heavy metals including cadmium, aluminum and even lead. Companies don’t go about adding these into their formulations. They exist in the products as ‘impurities’. They are present in other ingredients such as the wax, oils or mineral pigments used in the formula.

Currently there are no set standards for how much lead lipstick can contain. In Australia, while the NICNAS stipulates that lead cannot be added to cosmetics, it says, “It is recognised that there is a potential for certain natural mineral raw materials that are used in cosmetics to contain small amounts of lead, and industry indicates this is managed as part of the specification process.” So the rule is, as long as manufacturers don’t add lead, then it’s fine. According to the law.

There are no safe levels of lead!

It’s unfortunate that red lipstick and darker hues can be the worst offenders. Heavy metals over time can build up in the body and cause severe health problems including allergies, reproductive and developmental disorders, neurological problems, memory loss, mood swings, muscle disorders, kidney and renal problems, lung damage, hair loss, nausea, headaches, and of course, cancer.

Some likely colours – Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake” or “D&C Red 6.” According to the Environmental Working Group, D&C Red 6 can contain arsenic, lead, gossypol, mercury, PCBs and even pesticides. Even if buying organic lipstick you are not removing potential heavy metals.

The better option is to look for naturally occurring mineral deposits called Iron Oxides which make up the pigment colour. Try these brands
@alitcosmetics
@iliabeauty
@zuiiorganic
@100percentpure
@lukbeautifood
@hanami_cosmetics
@meganpotter_cosmetics tinted lip balm
@gemmavendetta
@mgnaturals They also have children’s makeup!

#toxicbeauty #cleanbeauty #makeup #lipstick #lead #organic #nontoxlipstick