Should we put a cross on luscious and glossy mouths? A study by researchers from the University of California, Oakland, revealed, on a sample of 32 lipsticks and lip glosses, a high concentration of components that are a priori incompatible with the beauty of our lips: lead, aluminum, chromium, cadmium and five other toxic metals. We suddenly want to take out our “bare” lips and put away our lip sticks…
The presence of these components is not new, but the quantity observed by researchers reaches or even exceeds in some cases the limits recommended for health. “The level of certain metals is so high that it can have a long-term harmful effect,” says researcher Katharine Hammond of UC Berkeley, quoted by medical site WebMd. The researcher, on the other hand, refused to cite brands, arguing that these results “are applicable to all lip sticks”.
In the survey published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, 24 of the 32 lipsticks examined revealed the presence of lead, at low levels and not dangerous for human health. But Katharine Hammond is worried about the use that could be made by children having fun putting on makeup. “Exposure to toxic products is dangerous for them, whatever the dose,” she points out.
We eat up to 87 mg of lipstick a day!
Researchers looked into lip sticks because they are cosmetics that are easily ingested. In addition, it is enough for the lips to be cracked for them to become a breeding ground for microbial infections.
The study recalls that a regular user of lipstick absorbs an average of 24 mg of product per day. If she carries a lot of it, she can unknowingly swallow up to 87 mg a day. To limit the risks, we take a good look at the composition of lipsticks. If we get lost, why not switch to organic cosmetics?