Fashion mavens around the world have long relied on lipstick to add that special burst of color to their overall makeup look. What you may not know is that the lipsticks you use every day are often packed with surprisingly harmful ingredients. If you've already made the switch to natural eye makeup and organic foundation, do yourself a favor and add natural lipstick to your list.
The following five lipstick ingredients may surprise even the most informed fashionistas. Remember to keep these nasty ingredients and their equally nasty side effects in mind the next time you hit the cosmetics aisle. You can avoid these hidden ingredients by choosing all-natural makeup instead of conventional brands.
Triclosan: Research released in the United Kingdom has linked triclosan, used as a preservative in many cosmetics, to heart and muscle problems. Many health experts also note that triclosan can cause bacteria to become highly resistant to antibiotics, aiding in the growth of so-called “super bugs” that are difficult for the body to battle.
Red Dyes and Cadmium: D&C Red 36 and D&C Red 22 Aluminum Lake are long-standing lipstick staples. However, these bright red dyes have been linked to a wide variety of health problems. Many red lipsticks also include cadmium, a heavy metal that is considered toxic.
Methylparaben: This preservative, which has been banned in the European Union, has been linked to cancer and endocrine system problems. It is widely used in cosmetics in the U.S.
Propylparaben: This ingredient has also been linked to endocrine system problems and some types of cancer. It can also irritate the skin, leading some consumers to suffer from serious allergic reactions.
Retinyl Palmitate: While this ingredient touts itself as a synthetic form of vitamin A, it has been linked to fertility problems. Many health professionals believe that this chemical is particularly harmful for pregnant women.
Lead: It doesn’t get much worse for your well being than lead. Lead is a widely known neurotoxin that can cause mental and behavioral deterioration through regular exposure. Ordinary, store-bought leading brands of lipstick typically contain elevated levels of lead, and daily use of these products can jeopardize your health. Check out the FDA’s list of lipsticks containing lead.
With W3LL PEOPLE’s all-natural makeup products, you’ll never have to worry about whether you’re applying harmful chemicals to your skin. We choose ingredients with care, creating a cosmetic line where beauty and nature coexist.
Shop our full line of toxin-free, kiss worthy lip products: CLICK HERE