Your Lipsticks May Contain Heavy Metals Like Lead and Cadmium: Understanding the Health Risks

Do you find yourself drawn to impeccably painted lips, with red lipstick and winged eyeliner as your signature makeup style? If so, you should proceed with caution, as this article is tailored just for you. Whether it’s red, pink, or nude shades, lipsticks have long been a staple in our beauty routines, whether we’re aiming for a bold statement or a more natural appearance. In fact, for many of us, lipstick was our first foray into the world of makeup (or perhaps gloss, for some). However alluring they may seem, like other cosmetics, lipsticks pose certain risks, particularly since they can easily be ingested. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the five health hazards associated with using lipsticks.

The Dangers of Lipstick: Health Risks to Be Aware Of
Have you ever stopped to consider that your beloved, intensely pigmented lipstick might pose a threat to your health? These lipsticks often contain a cocktail of potentially harmful ingredients such as lead, aluminum, cadmium, cobalt, manganese, chromium, nickel, copper, and preservatives, which have been linked to various chronic illnesses including breast cancer, kidney failure, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Let’s delve deeper into how lipsticks can impact your well-being.
1. May Contribute to Cardiovascular Conditions

If you’re active on social media platforms like Instagram, you’ve likely come across the saying: “What if your makeup contains lead poison, at least your complexion will get all the boys in.” This highlights the concern about the presence of poisonous lead in makeup, particularly lipsticks. When ingested, lead from lipsticks can lead to symptoms such as anemia and weakness. Moreover, elevated levels of lead in the body can contribute to serious conditions like coronary heart disease, brain damage, hypertension, fluctuations in heart rate, and other cardiovascular ailments.
Consuming lead can also result in neurotoxicity, which may manifest as behavioral issues and difficulties in language acquisition.
2. Linked to Renal Failure
Another toxic substance found in lipstick is cadmium, which can induce short-term illnesses like diarrhea, stomach aches, and vomiting. However, prolonged exposure to this chemical can lead to severe and potentially fatal conditions such as kidney diseases, lung damage, and osteoporosis. Ultimately, these illnesses can become life-threatening if not addressed in a timely manner.
3. Poses Risks During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are often cautioned to either avoid using lipstick altogether or to use it sparingly due to its content of lead and other harmful substances. When ingested by a pregnant woman, these substances can accumulate in the body and, when passed on to the unborn child, lead to various complications, including adverse effects on brain, kidney, and nervous system development. At this stage, the developing fetus has lower tolerance to such substances, increasing the risk of harm to its brain, nervous system, and kidneys. Additionally, prolonged use of lipstick during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage and premature labor.
4. Linked to Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
At times, certain lipsticks may contain elevated levels of preservatives, such as parabens. These preservatives can trigger minor ailments like allergies, sneezing, coughing, and irritation. However, prolonged use of lipstick can result in excessive exposure to parabens, potentially leading to more serious conditions like breast cancer.
Furthermore, lipsticks may contain aluminum, a substance that prompts the body to produce excess estrogen. Elevated estrogen levels are associated with the proliferation and division of breast cells, which could increase the risk of cancer. This excessive cell growth may ultimately contribute to the development of breast cancer.
5. Could Impact Brain Development
Regular use of lipstick, especially when ingested inadvertently through drinks and food, can pose risks to the nervous system and impede brain development. Petrochemicals, derived from natural gases and crude oils, found in lipsticks can act as barriers to proper brain development and overall growth.
Recipe for Homemade Lipstick
Indulge in your love for beautiful red lips without worrying about harmful chemicals by making your own all-natural beetroot lipstick. Not only is it safe, but you can also create it right in the comfort of your own home. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the process!
100% Organic Lip Tint Made from Beetroot

Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of beeswax
- 1 teaspoon of shea butter
- 2 teaspoons of sweet almond oil
- 2 drops of your preferred essential oil
- 1/8th teaspoon of beetroot powder
- Lipstick tube or tin
Method:
- Set up a double boiler by filling a medium-sized pot halfway with water and placing a mixing bowl on top.
- Add the beeswax, shea butter, and almond oil to the mixing bowl. Heat gently until the wax is melted, stirring occasionally.
- Once melted, stir in the beetroot powder until well combined.
- Remove the mixture from the heat source and add the essential oil, stirring to incorporate.
- Carefully pour the mixture into your lipstick tube or tin.
- Allow the lipstick to cool and solidify before use.
The makeup you use every day might pose various health risks, and in extreme cases, it could even be life-threatening! That sounds alarming, doesn’t it? Switching to this natural lipstick can help you avoid these health concerns and still enjoy beautifully colored lips. While all the ingredients in this DIY lipstick are natural, it’s important to ensure you’re not allergic to any of them before using it.