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Group Finds Lead In Lipsticks

Levels Higher Than Federal Limit

POSTED: 7:30 am EDT October 11, 2007
UPDATED: 6:25 pm EDT October 11, 2007

A proven toxin has been found in several lipsticks made in the United States. The products were sold at both high-end retail stores and shelves in grocery stores here in Massachusetts and elsewhere.

NewsCenter 5's Pam Cross reported Thursday that advocates want the industry and feds to do more. Out of 33 brands tested, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said it found that one-third contained lead amounts that are higher than the federal limit.

"The cosmetics companies that we trust and believe in are not looking out for our health. Some of the top, major brands are not paying attention to this issue," said Stacy Malkan, of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

The campaign found that 61 percent of testes lipsticks had lead, and 33 percent exceeded the lead level allowed for candy.

"When you think about how many times she applies it in the day, how many times she licks her lips, gets it into her body, and it's the cumulative dose that we worry about," Boston Lead Poisoning Prevention Program's Dr. Sean Palfry said.

Among the top brands testing positive for lead were:

  • L'Oreal Colour Riche "True Red"
  • L'Oreal Colour Riche "Classic Wine"
  • Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor "Maximum Red"
  • Dior Addict "Positive Red"
  • "All of the brands of the L'Oreal group are in full compliance with FDA regulations. L'Oreal confidently and proudly stands behind each and every product that we sell," L'Oreal said in a statement.

    The test involved a small sample of lipsticks purchased in Massachusetts and three other states.

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