Lipsticks Not Safe? Some Contain Alarming Amounts Of Toxic Metals

Could puckering up be the kiss of death? If a new study is to be believed, yes. A new preliminary study has revealed that popular lipsticks and glosses contain alarming levels of toxic metals.

While previous research has raised concerns over the presence of lead in lipsticks, the new study is the first to reveal that several popular lip products contain cadmium, chromium, aluminum and other metals. What's more, the levels present may potentially be harmful.

A team of researchers from the University of California tested 32 lipsticks and glosses purchased from various drugstores, department stores and chain stores, as part of a study to determine the chemical makeup of the products. Further investigation revealed that the lipsticks contained nine potentially harmful metals.

"We looked at nine heavy metals and found that all of them were present in most of the lipsticks, but not necessarily at really high levels," says study author Katharine Hammond.

While the metal levels were not high enough to pose immediate health risks, the researchers admitted that there were risks associated with continued exposure.

"Low levels of metals may not create a risk, but as the exposure increases, the damage can increase," warns Hammond. ""I don't think that people should go into a panic, or abandon lipstick, but I do think this is a concern. I don't think this is trivial. It needs to be addressed."

When concerns were raised over the presence of lead in lipsticks in 2007, The Food and Drug Administration looked into the matter and found that usually, the amounts are pretty low and do not pose any safety concerns. Consequently, it did not set limits for lead in cosmetics.

Countering the claims of the preliminary study by the researchers of University of California, Linda Loretz, chief toxicologist for the Personal Care Products Council (trade association for the cosmetics industry) stated that the report "does not provide any new meaningful information."

"The finding of trace levels of metals in lip products is not unexpected given their natural presence in air, soil and water. Very low levels are also found in drinking water and food," adds Loretz.

With the study still is at a preliminary stage, the debate over how safe lipsticks are rages on.