Most consumers are accustomed to being on the lookout for the presence of harmful metals in water, food and other everyday items. However, a recent study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health suggests that consumers should be conscious of the presence of metals in the lipsticks and glosses that they may be using several times a day.
The results of the study, which was recently published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal, demonstrate that many commonly available lip colors contain not just lead but also aluminum, cadmium and chromium. Scientists also looked for other metals in the study, and concluded that some of these undesirable ingredients are present in quantities that have the potential for causing physical harm. The presence of these metals in lipstick is of primary concern because users most often ingest the product, meaning that they may be ingesting metals that can cause a variety of health issues including kidney disease.
During the study, the scientists studied 24 lip glosses and eight lipsticks. Each product was readily available at a drugstore or department store, and prices ranged from the very reasonable up to $24 for a tube of lipstick. Scientists discovered that the presence of metals was not relegated to one brand, store or price point. Instead, the presence of metals in potentially harmful amounts was found in all brands and in even the most expensive products.
Researchers who authored the study are quick to point out that this is a preliminary study at best. A great deal more research is required before definitive conclusions can be reached. Still, they seem to feel that the cosmetics industry should be rethinking the ingredients they use and the contaminants that accidentally find their way into lip products. The FDA, when commenting on the study, suggested that they felt little concern over the findings since most of the metals were present within such small quantities that they were well within recommended guidelines. Some health advocates nonetheless maintain that lip products can be made without such metals, and that such procedures should become industry standard practice.
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And yes, our test results even show indicators of the presence of toxic metals like the ones mentioned above. If you would like a better idea of the type of analysis our testing provides, just click HERE for a sample report. Even better, make an appointment today so that you may see your personal results.
Your Health . . . It’s Worth It!
Dr. Kate Gerber & Dr. John Gerber