How to Avoid Lead in Your Lipstick

The Bad News:  Bold red lips are the hot new accessory. But they also may be a hot new health hazard. Nearly a dozen well-known brands of red lipstick were found to contain high levels of lead, which have been linked to numerous health problems. Tests showed that the levels exceeded the FDA's "acceptable" standard for candy. Yet many other name-brand red lipsticks also tested positive for "safe" levels of lead—that is, the amount fell below what's termed dangerous. At this point, we're asking ourselves: Is any level of lead really acceptable? Since it's estimated that the average woman eats about four pounds of lipstick in her lifetime, the answer is short and sweet: No!  

The Good News: Putting your lips in the red doesn't mean putting your health at risk, according to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which conducted the lead testing. The consumer safety group wants women to know there are healthy alternatives to toxic brands. For lipsticks that are sexy—and safe—see the companies that have signed the group's Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

The News You Use: Did we mention that, unlike foods, the FDA doesn't regulate cosmetics or personal care products? These companies are free to put anything—and everything—into items we use on our lips, eyes, hair and body. One way to avoid potential health hazards is to focus on organic or natural cosmetic lines where the ingredients are generally in plain view, with nary a toxin, carcinogen or chemical in sight. For a handle on what's considered a natural ingredient, go to naturalingredient.org where they spell it out in fine detail. Some brands that toe the nontoxic red line include: