Technical Library
“Lead in Lipstick Is Not a Concern” (2009)
FDA Study Confirms Traces of Lead in Lipstick Is Not a Safety Concern
September 2009
A report released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) consumer advocacy group has needlessly alarmed consumers by raising irrational fears that many popular lipstick products contain dangerous levels of lead. FDA scientists tested the same selection of lipsticks evaluated by the CSC and have determined that the lead levels present are safe and well below limits recommended by other public health authorities. The FDA found that lipsticks tested had average levels of 1.07 ppm or 0.0001%.
Since lead is a naturally occurring substance found throughout nature, it would be practically impossible to completely eliminate all traces of lead and it’s not at all surprising to find trace levels that are far lower than what occur in normal drinking water. California’s has set the most stringent levels for lead in the US and it allows up to 5 ppm in cosmetics. The FDA concluded that the lead levels are within The range that would be expected from lipsticks formulated with permitted and approved color additives.
This is not the first time the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has issued dire and unfounded warnings concerning cosmetic products. Even now, they continue to demand that the FDA require lipstick to be 100% lead free. In the opinion of Schoon Scientific, this consumer advocacy group has repeatedly distorted information to needlessly frighten and alarm consumers, and they should not be considered as a credible source of information.
Source: www.fda.gov
For credible information about lead in lipstick or lipstick ingredients see:www.cosmeticsinfo.org