Remember a couple of years back, Environment Working Group (EWG) and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) published a report on lead in lipsticks?  I was really happy to see that report and the spotlight it shined on cosmetics product safety.  It was definitely informative and eye opening…

However my frustration grew as I found the report did not offer guidelines, advice or suggestions for consumers on how to find “safe” lipsticks.  One of the report’s conclusions was that “the results do document that reading labels or spending more money won’t guarantee that you are protected from lead.”  As a consumer, my first reaction was, “Great! Now I just have to stop wearing lipstick all together… What’s next? Stop wearing the rest of my makeup?” (In case you didn’t notice, I am being sarcastic here…)

In response to the CSC report, Allure Magazine had a little write-up about the subject matter.  According to Allure, the amount of lead we would get from wearing lipsticks, even on a daily basis, would not pose as significant risk.

In September 2009, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics published a new press release citing FDA had done its own studies, and found even higher level of lead in lipsticks than the 2007 report.  What CSC didn’t mention, however, is that FDA also deemed the level of lead found in lipsticks pose no health risks.

So what’s going on here?  Are lipsticks safe to wear?  Are we going to get lead poisoning from wearing lipsticks?

If you’re a supporter of CSC, you would probably say wearing lipsticks (especially from certain brands) is bad for your health.  If you trust FDA and its findings, then you can continue enjoying a little bit of luxury for your lips.

My personal opinion is:

• While I applaud the efforts and intentions of CSC, I do think they tend to be a bit overzealous and employ a lot of “scare tactics” (with not just lipsticks or cosmetics, but personal care items in general).
• I can also see why Allure Magazine might want to debunk or downplay (depends on how you look at it) the danger of lead in lipstick.  Advertising from cosmetics companies are a good source of income for the mag.  If lipstick (or worse, makeup in general) sales drop because people are afraid, the advertising income will also drop.  But I welcome the opposing view and information.
• Personally I don’t worry about getting lead poisoning from wearing lipsticks.  May be if I was eating a tube of lipstick a day and living in China, I would…
• And remember you could be exposed to trace amounts of lead in many other sources, including drinking water and food, because lead occurs naturally in the air, soil, and water.
• That said, I choose to use lip products made with natural pigments and ingredients only.  I feel they are safer than those made with synthetic colorants and petrochemicals.  My philosophy is better be safe than sorry…

What’s your take on this whole “poisonous” lipstick matter?  Do you worrying about lead in lipstick?  Do you have any tips on how to choose safe lip products?