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Lead among various metals found in lipstick, lip glosses

Most lip products tested by researchers contained various metals, including lead that was detected in 75% of the products in a recent study.

Researchers assessed lead and eight additional metals found in 32 lip products (eight lipsticks, 24 lip glosses) used by Asian women (aged 14 to 19 years) in Oakland, Calif. The products, priced from $5.59 to $24, were analyzed by plasma optical emission spectrometry, and daily oral intakes were determined through previous usage estimates.

Acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) were based on information used to establish public health goals for exposure and compared with estimated intakes to assess potential risks.

High concentrations of titanium and aluminum were found in most of the products, and all contained detectable manganese. Twenty-four products, including one with 1.32 ppm, showed detections of lead at an average concentration of 0.36 ± 0.39 ppm.

Estimated intakes derived from aluminum, cadmium, chromium and manganese were greater than 20% of ADIs when the products were used at an estimated mean of 24 mg/daily. The researchers’ estimated ADI for chromium would be exceeded in the average daily use of 10 products.

If products were used at higher rates than the 95th percentile, the percentages of samples with estimated metal intakes beyond ADIs were 68% for chromium, 22% for manganese and 3% for aluminum, researchers wrote. In average and high rates of use, estimated intakes of lead were less than 20% of ADIs.

“Our data indicate the need for further studies to evaluate metal concentrations in lip products, as well as other cosmetics, and related potential health risks,” the researchers concluded. “Cosmetics safety should be assessed not only by the presence of hazardous contents, but also by comparing estimated exposures with health-based standards.”

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.