Let’s face it. Heavy metals are destructive toxins that threaten health. But you probably wouldn’t expect to find them in some of the most commonly used consumer products, would you? Well, according to researchers at Berkeley’s School of Public Health, 32 different brands of lipsticks and lip glosses were found to contain worrying levels of cadmium, chromium, lead, aluminum, and five other toxic metals.
The Danger in Lip Care Products
How can this be an issue for your health, you might ask. After all, you’re not eating them, right? Wrong. Lipstick and lip gloss can be absorbed gradually over the course of a day. This means you’re already ingesting 24 milligrams of lip cosmetics daily. And for those who love to slather on lip color and reapply it all day, the amount consumed increases up to a staggering 87 milligrams per day.
Why is this a cause for concern? “Just finding these metals isn’t the issue; it’s the levels that matter,” warns study principal investigator S. Katharine Hammond, professor of environmental health sciences. “Some of the toxic metals are occurring at levels that could possibly have an effect in the long term.”
The Alarming Effects of Toxic Metals
Toxic metals found in lip care products can have long-term health effects. For example, exposure to cadmium is linked to health problems like kidney damage, bone fractures, and cancer. Meanwhile, lead levels have been tied to decreased brain function and impaired impulse control, which can reflect badly on our daily lives.
So how can these harmful elements end up in products we use daily? According to study lead author Sa Liu, “the ingredients in a product may not be exactly the same as what’s on the label.”
Taking Precautions for Your Health
Given the potential risks associated with using lipstick and lip gloss, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the products you are applying to your lips daily. Here are a few tips to help you lower your risk from toxic metals in lip care products:
Always Opt for Trusted Brands
While the Berkeley study tested a small number of products, the lipsticks and lip glosses examined are common brands available in stores everywhere. It’s essential to choose only trusted and reputable brands when buying lip care products. Research about a product first, and read up on the company’s background and manufacturing practices to ensure their items are safe to use.
Limit Your Lip Color Routine
Consider cutting down on your lip care routine. Instead of applying lip color multiple times per day, limit yourself to only necessary applications. This will help reduce your exposure to potentially harmful heavy metals and keep your lips healthy.
Watch Out for Counterfeit Cosmetics
The risk of heavy metals is significantly higher when using counterfeit or knockoff lip care products. While buying cheap alternatives may be tempting, they can be detrimental to your health in the long run. Make sure to purchase items only from authorized retailers and reputable sellers.
Look for Certification and Approval
It’s always a wise idea to check for certifications or approval stamps from relevant authorities when buying lip care products. If a product undergoes certification and meets specific safety standards, it generally indicates that the item is safe for use.
Protect and Moisturize with Natural Alternatives
Don’t underestimate the power of natural remedies and alternatives. While lip color is a fun way to express yourself and enhance your look, there are other ways to maintain healthy lips without risking exposure to harmful toxins. Look for products that contain natural ingredients, such as beeswax, sunflower seed oil, and coconut oil, which provide moisture and protection.
What’s Next?
It’s clear that further investigation is warranted in determining the true extent of heavy metals in lip care products. Making informed decisions about the products you use daily is essential, especially when it comes to lipsticks and lip glosses. By taking action and making informed choices, you can limit your exposure to toxic elements and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
“I believe that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) should pay attention to this,” says study lead author Sa Liu. “Our study was small, using lip products that had been identified by young Asian women in Oakland, Calif. But, the lipsticks and lip glosses in our study are common brands available in stores everywhere. Based upon our findings, a larger, more thorough survey of lip products and cosmetics in general is warranted.”
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