If you are what you put on your skin every day, everyone must be toxic. According to new research conducted at the University of California-Berkeley’s School of Public Health, 32 commonly sold lipsticks and lip glosses contained lead, cadmium, aluminum, and other dangerous metals. With the average user applying lipstick 2.3 times daily, you can see how this could become a problem. In fact, every time you apply tainted personal care products throughout the day, your body is getting a small dose of chemicals, and it accumulates for a lifetime. Behind the additive fueling monster is the FDA, which has not set any limit for metals found in the raw materials, labeling, and production of cosmetics.
Besides applying lipstick, you’re eating some of it as well. Over the course of a given life, women can accumulate up to ten pounds of the nasty runoff. But it’s not just lipstick; toxic metals are also found in concealer, blush, mascaras, eyeliners, eye shadows, and foundations. When the Environmental Defense group tested the makeup bags of six women, they discovered alarming levels of arsenic, cadmium, and high amounts of lead in each item. So what’s a girl to do about toxic makeup ingredients?
Assume most lipsticks, blush, mascara, and foundations are loaded with heavy metals. However, for more in-depth heavy metal-free cosmetic recommendations, look for companies that have aligned themselves with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. In addition, check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, which surveys for purity, labeling, and product stability. And when in New York, visit the Saks and Bloomingdales beauty and personal care sections for a complete line of natural, organic, and metal-free cosmetic alternatives.
