Myth: Some lipsticks contain dangerous levels of lead that pose a health risk.
Fact: While some lipsticks do contain lead, US studies suggest the levels are too low to pose any safety concerns.
A few years back, a US group called Campaign for Safe Cosmetics made headlines when it tested 33 lipsticks and detected lead (as a red colour additive) in levels exceeding limits for lead in confectionery. The gloss came off lipstick as users feared they were at risk of ingesting a toxic substance.
In response, the US Food and Drug Administration analysed total lead content in 20 lipsticks, concluding that the lead levels of all were within the range that would be expected from lipsticks formulated with permitted colour additives. A...
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