No Excuse For Heavy Metals In Makeup:
A Call For Regulation
The EU has specific laws outlining the safety testing required before a makeup product can be marketed. The US has no such laws – WHY?
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Heavy Metal Is Cool In Music, Not Makeup
Among many other sources, a 2019 review of data related to the toxicity and human-health-related adverse consequences of cosmeceuticals reports that the current findings show cosmetic products may pose toxic/adverse effects and cause human health complications.
This is of particular concern, especially for my fellow lipstick/gloss/balm lovers. Why? Heavy metal content in cosmetics is not regulated in the US, and exposure is most concerning and readily absorbed in lip products.
The review goes on to explain:
After ingestion, lip cosmetics release significant amounts of trace minerals to the digestive tract which, once reaching systemic circulation, damages multiple vital organs. The release of these trace metals by the use of lip cosmetics is a more active exposure amongst female consumers than unintentional contact via metal jewelry and dust.
So, long-term use of these lip products = high amounts of trace minerals reaching systemic circulation in our bodies = vital organ damage, depending on the trace mineral chemical structure. [1][2]
Scary? Yes.
Can you avoid this and still wear makeup? Yes, you can…
If you want to limit your exposure to heavy metals and other common potentially harmful ingredients in cosmetics, especially lipsticks, you can start by avoiding products that contain ingredients with “D&C or FD&C” or “lake dyes.”
See my post on nontoxic lipsticks I love that do not contain lake dyes and my shop dedicated to the best non-toxic makeup I’ve tested!
Photo of lead acetate molecular structure via ChemSpider
References:
1. Science Direct
2. IndiaJournals
EU Outlaws Heavy Metals in Makeup
According to ECHA (European Chemicals Association), cosmetics in the EU must test at “0% Lead required to be put on the market.” [1] The same goes for other heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, zinc, and chromium, which are still found in a variety of personal care products around the world. [2] [3]
It is not enough to simply tell companies to comply with these rules – they actually have to prove it before their cosmetic product is allowed to be marketed in the EU.
Companies are required to produce “a safety report in accordance with Annex I of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.” This report has to include:
- The composition of chemical names of all ingredients and the function intended of each substance.
- Properties of the product and proof of stability in storage.
- Evidence of microbiological quality.
- Product purity, including information on any traces of impurities or prohibited substances.
- Stability & purity of packaging.
- Information on predicted use and subsequent exposure to the product/ingredients.
- Toxicological profile of the substances (including eye and skin irritation/sensitization, and photo-induced toxicity – accounting for the effects of particle size (nanomaterials, etc.), impurities, and substance interaction.
- Data on serious undesirable effects.
- Other relevant information, such as risks and existing studies. [4][5]
Sounds reasonable to me…
Photo of mercuric chloride molecular structure via ChemSpider
Heavy Metals Still "Cool" In US Makeup?
In contrast to the EU, US law does not currently regulate cosmetics or their constituents, and an endorsement by the FDA is not required before new cosmetic products are put on the market.
The FDA has issued “guidance” to cosmetics companies and says they have a goal to ensure that cosmetics do not contain, for example, lead at levels that “would pose a risk to health…” but wouldn’t a harmful level of lead be any level of lead?
I know I’m onto something when I see the authors of research articles such as this one, state that worldwide regulatory entities and quality control of cosmetics should be more concerned with introducing new non-toxic substances in cosmetic formulations in order to prevent damage to human health.
This is why I don’t buy claims that low doses of potentially toxic substances are “ok” because they are in such small amounts, as most of us use many products daily & frequently throughout our entire lives that contain such ingredients. So, I believe it is inexcusable for industry leaders & regulatory agencies to ignore the issue of low dose, prolonged accumulation of heavy metals and other potentially toxic substances in our bodies.
The authors of this scientific review point out that even though massive reports have been collected by government organizations, researchers, and cosmetic companies, ongoing efforts should still be devoted to investigating their ramifications on human health with low-dose administration and prolonged use. [1]
I’m not a scientist but that makes sense to me!
Photo of hexavalent chromium molecular structure by the town of Shrewsbury, MA
References:
1. Science Direct
2. FDA Guidance On Lead In Lipstick
Let’s get to the fun stuff!
See my post on nontoxic lipstick brands I love!
Want even more fun stuff?
Shop my entire curated collection of the best nontoxic makeup (including wear-test videos)!
Fetured Image by VecMes on Freepik
Header Image by kues1 on Freepik