Toxic Metals in Lipstick
As required by the US Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the main regulatory body responsible for safety of cosmetic products, such as lipstick, is the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). After receiving pressure from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC), several Senators, and consumers, the FDA decided to expand upon existing research by conducting a lengthy investigation into lead-containing lipsticks. However, the law does not require cosmetic products or their ingredients, aside from color additives, to have FDA approval prior to product launch. Additionally, the cosmetic companies are not required to give the FDA product safety test results. Yet, there is a limit to the amount of lead that color additives can contain at 10 ppm. The FDA has determined that exposure is minimal to the consumer at this level and therefore, has not required cosmetic companies to rid lead from lipstick. The CSC believes this level is still a harmful amount and further action should be taken by the FDA to protect consumers.
Resources
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/products/ucm137224.htm#expanalyses
http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/regulations/us-laws/lead-in-lipstick/
Hello Elena,
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great topic to learn more about. As I have become more aware of the health hazards present in the products we buy, I am astounded by the lack of regulation on the manufacturers of these products. For myself, I want to believe that federal agencies, such as the FDA, are looking out for the interest of the people they are supposed to be serving. However, as we see that the FDA and other federal agencies often turn a blind eye to the health hazards produced by major corporations, my faith in these agencies has been shaken. I wonder if the efforts of the CSC will be undermined by the FDA, other federal agencies, and manufacturers.
Hi Elena,
ReplyDeleteYour topic is great for me too! This is what I also wanted to know!! I use lipsticks almost like every hour, but don’t even know what is in it. In particular, the chemicals from lipsticks directly come into our mouth. It would be very helpful for people who would like to have healthier choices not only for foods, but also for their cosmetics.