The 5 Best Lead-Free Lipstick Brands

You might want to think twice before applying your favorite shade of lipstick. The New York Times reports that a new study has found that many brands contain as many as eight metals (including cadmium and aluminum) and now experts are questioning what will happen if these metals are swallowed or absorbed on a daily basis.
 
"It matters because this is a chronic long-term issue, not a short-term exposure," Katharine Hammond, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of California at Berkeley, told the newspaper. "We're not saying anyone needs to panic. We're saying let's not be complacent, that these are metals known to affect health."
 
While both the Federal Drug Administration and the cosmetics industry state that the average lead levels found pose no real or unusual health risk, doctors note that lead tends to accumulate in the body — and this is where the harm lies. There have also been traces of cadmium, cobalt, aluminum, titanium, manganese, chromium, copper, and nickel found in 24 lip glosses and eight lipstick brands. Researchers who interviewed teenagers who use these products say they reapply these glosses and lipsticks about 24 times per day. Yikes! Looking for lipstick that's lead-free? Here are five to try. (Your lips will thank us later!)
 
1. BareMinerals Natural Lipcolor
The brand touts the label "100 Percent Natural" on its lipstick because it's just that. With its nourishing blend of exotic oils, natural waxes, and plant extracts, you won't have to worry about any lead ingestion here. Lips remain hydrated and the color glides on smooth.
 
2. AvonUltra Color Rich Lipstick
Not only does this lipstick provide a rich color pay-off, but it also creates a full lip look that lasts for hours.
 
3. The Body Shop
Much like Bare Minerals, this lipstick also contains various natural moisturizing ingredients like sesame seed oil, beeswax, and coconut oil for long-lasting intense color.

4. MAC Matte Lipstick Viva Glam 1
Although most of the Estee Lauder brands were found to contain levels of lead, there is one from MAC (which is owned by Estee Lauder) that contains none. So, you can bravely rock a red lip without the worry. (Instant diva attitude free with purchase.)
 
5. Tarte
Known for its high-performing products, this brand uses only natural, good-for-you ingredients in its products. The Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick relies on a mix of amazonian clay, mango extract, shea butter, and avocado extract to nourish lips and keep them hydrated for hours.


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