There has been a recent scare in the cosmetic industry. Some popular brands of lipstick are reported to contain high levels of lead, which can be hazardous to your health. This has caused many women to reconsider their beauty products and take a second look at natural or green makeup options.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics became concerned that there were lead in popular brands of lipstick. In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted a test and found nothing hazardous to women’s health. However, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics reanalyzed the report and found that most of the 400 different lipsticks were positive for lead. The products with the highest levels of lead include lipsticks made by L’Oreal (including Body Shop and Maybelline), Procter & Gamble (Cover Girl), and Revlon.
According to the FDA there is a certain amount of lead that is tolerable since there is little “absorption and ingestion” of lipstick. Yet, are you willing to take that chance? Lead exposure to children, pregnant, or nursing women can be dangerous. Lead poisoning can cause miscarriages and affect fetal development.
So why not be cautious and try natural or green makeup?
Organic cosmetics do not contain harsh chemicals or dyes like traditional makeup. Most contain natural minerals, organic plant extracts, and organic oils for fragrance. These cosmetic products are free of the chemicals that can cause rashes and other skin problems. Some of the organic brands are also packaged in recyclable materials, making it good for the environment too.
If you’re thinking about giving organic makeup a try be sure to do your research. Some companies use the term “organic” loosely to garner better sales. Take a close look at their website and their labels to see exactly what organic materials they use in their products. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, beeswax, zinc, or iron oxide.
The Daily Green and Mother Nature Network recommend these organic cosmetic brands: Jane Iredale, Honeybee Gardens, Burt’s Bees, Kiss My Face, and Organic Wear Makeup.