FDA Finds Most Lipsticks Contain Lead

Sure, you like the way your lips look with that bold red or pink hue, but you might think twice about which lipstick you use after reading about a recent FDA study. According to the FDA, 400 lipsticks on the market contain lead but not at levels high enough to cause major health problems. However, they do warn that if children are playing with makeup, or worse, eating it (as many kids like to do with strange objects), then this could lead to more serious problems.

Lead exposure is linked to the poor development of the brain in young children, causing problems with speech and math skills development. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics argues that there is no safe amount of lead in makeup–regardless of whether it's an adult or child using the product and are pushing lawmakers to set lead limits for lipsticks.

Ironically, it wasn't the cost of the lipstick that reduced the level of lead in the product. In fact, the lipstick with the least amount of lead was the cheapest–Wet n' Wild Mega Mixers Lip Balm Bahama Mama. The worst offenders were also two of the pricier brands–Maybelline's Color Sensational Pink Petal lipstick as well as five L'Oreal colors.