WASHINGTON — Over half of 33 brand-name lipsticks tested (61%) contained detectable levels of lead, with one-third of those exceeding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 0.1 parts per million (ppm) limit for lead in candy. The findings were part of independent lab tests on red lipsticks conducted in September, the results of which were released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics late last week. Among the top brands testing positive for lead were: L’Oréal Colour Riche “True Red” at 0.65 ppm, L’Oréal Colour Riche “Classic Wine” at 0.58 ppm, Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor “Maximum Red” at 0.56 ppm and Dior Addict “Positive Red” at 0.21 ppm. “Lead builds up in the body over time, and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels. The latest studies show there is no safe level of lead exposure,” said Mark Mitchell, president, Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice. The FDA has not set a limit for lead in lipstick.

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