Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader When It Comes To Choosing Lipstick?

Many years ago, I vividly remember a trip to downtown Montreal to purchase my first lipstick. Oh, the beautiful colours! It was so difficult for me to choose . In those days, there was not too much thought given to selecting lipstick except the colour.

Today, we are so much more knowledgeable about cosmetics. What happens to the lipstick during the day? Where does it go? According to the non-profit group The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, "Lipstick products , like candy, are directly ingested into the body". All you have to do is lick your lips, and any toxins in your lipstick starts the voyage into your body.

Recently, I checked the lipstick ratings on The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website. I was disappointed to find out that Revlon Moisture Cream Lipstick had an overall rating of 9, which is High Hazard. This is the colour I really like and I have been using for many years .

In 2004, the Environmental Working Group survey Skin Deep examined 711 lipstick products and found that 28 per cent contained ingredients associated with cancer risk, such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), nylon-6, ferric red (iron) oxide, polyethylene, and titanium dioxide. Nylon compounds, red iron oxide and titanium dioxide are present in Maybelline's Superstay, though the titanium dioxide and iron oxide are not in the dry/ powdered form that is considered most toxic

My main concern in lipstick products are Frank Carcinogens which are carcinogenic in themselves, like Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) .Butylated Hyroxytoluene (BHT) , and various "Coal Tar Dyes" (and Lakes) .

BHA a mixture of isomers of tertiary butyl-substituted 4-methoxyphenols. BHA is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2005 11th Report on Carcinogens. It's also been found to trigger contact dermatitis.

Some lipstick brands contain BHT( butylated hydroxytoluene ) which contains toluene which is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Harmful if inhaled or absorbed through skin. If you are interested in learning its other hazardous effects you can check the Material Safety Data Sheet on the web. 

We know that lipstick is ingested in our bodies. If these chemicals were served on your dinner plate, would be eat them? I would think not! As a health conscious consumer, I have a decision to make, do I continue using my favourite lipstick or look for a safer brand. Shame on me, if I don't look for a Top Rated Brand.

A Safer Choice

The top rated lipstick on the www.cosmeticsdatabase.com is Coastal Classic Creations Lipstick. I recently purchased their lip care products which are best applied with a lip brush . This company even took time to consider people with nut allergies, as their products are made without nut oils. Check out their website. It is awesome. You will be glad you did.  They list detailed information on all the ingredients they use in their products. I have no connection with this company, but as far as I am concerned, if you buy the best, you can't go wrong.