Are ​Your Cosmetics Making You Sick?

LEAD – This heavy metal reacts with chemicals to become toxic. Lead builds up in the body over time and can cause lead poisoning. Even low levels of exposure may cause hypertension, neurological changes and brain dysfunction. Lead's been banned for use by the construction industry since 1978, but the FDA still allows it in cosmetics, and lipstick is the prime offender. The nature of lipstick wear—coating the lips—means that users habitually eat the product, and many women begin wearing lipstick in their preteen years.

If you'd rather not ingest lead, try natural, lead-free lipsticks such as Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance and Ilia Pure Lip Care.