Give Unsafe Lipstick the Kiss-Off!

Did you know that during a recession, lipstick sales rise? Apparently it’s a small luxury that acts as the perfect pick-me-up during trying times. Unfortunately, that little boost might just be toxic.

On Friday, Canada declared two chemicals, known as D4 and D5 siloxanes, toxic to people and the environment. I applaud Canada for making sure these chemicals, common in lipstick and thousands of other personal care and household items, will be dealt with.

If only the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were as rigorous. We’ve all probably heard about cancer-causing lead being found in lipsticks. And the dangerous ingredients in cosmetics are piling up, with no regulation in sight.

Imagine you’re at the drugstore and you pick out a tube of Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lip color in Mocha Ice. This is what you get for your $7. Scary, right? I’m not picking on Maybelline–they aren’t even the worst offenders. My point is this: Know what you’re buying and use www.cosmeticsdatabase.com as a resource.

Now I’m a lip balm girl myself, and favor Juice Beauty SPF 8 Lip Moisturizer. Natural Solutions magazine compiled a list of the best natural beauty products and chose Earth’s Beauty Lipstick for its “vibrant color and smooth-as-silk texture.”

And if you really want to be safe, you can make your own. Like this cranberry lip gloss formula that sounds positively yummy.

Whatever you choose to put on your lips, make sure you only pucker up for the natural and organic stuff.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

J.L. A.

9:26AM PST on Feb 15, 2012

Scary how many industries add and we have to push for the health research instead of proving safe before use....

send a green star

LMj S.

3:48PM PST on Feb 14, 2012

thank you

Virginia E.

9:40PM PST on Feb 13, 2012

You're more aware now after readings article like these, that help the consumer tremendously

Meg G.

3:42PM PST on Feb 12, 2012

Apparently there is a way of testing if there is lead in your lippy or the new one you are about to buy. If I remember rightly it is run the lipstick across some gold and if there is lead it the lippy turns black.

Michele W.

9:00AM PST on Feb 12, 2012

Thank you

Mel M.

4:27AM PST on Feb 11, 2012

Thanks

Joe R.

5:38PM PST on Feb 10, 2012

Even though the recession sucks, I've never thought of buying lipsick as a quick pick-me-up. Perhaps I'll get some tomorrow at J C Penny's. (I love their new spokeswoman!)

Past Member .

8:52PM PDT on Aug 19, 2011

Scary how these everyday items can be so harmful.

Victoria G.

4:21PM PDT on Mar 18, 2011

It is soooo scary that we could be putting harmful chemicals on our lips. I don't know about you, but whenever I have any lip stuff on I almost immediately lick my lips. It doesn't just vanish off of my lips, it goes somewhere and that somewhere is my stomach. YIKES!
Victoria Girard
Publisher, http://revealgreatskin.com

Fleur B.

12:12PM PST on Feb 5, 2011

I am glad more people are aware of harmful and errible substances in our beauty products.
Body Shop I belive are now owned by Loreal, who test on animals....? so if anyone can confirm no testing on animals by the bodyshop?
Organic Neal's Yard Remedies have lip gloss in a range of colours, it is wonderful, I like the colour nude - https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/Fleur