Foreign Property News | Posted by Aye Myat Thu
Your favorite lipstick might be doing more than just adding color, it could be adding poison.
A recent scientific study has uncovered alarming results: cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal, was found in every single lipstick brand and color tested.
Cadmium is not just another ingredient to brush off.
It’s a known carcinogen and has been linked to serious health risks, including kidney damage, lung impairment, bone demineralization, hormonal disruption, nervous system toxicity, and an increased risk of cancer.
What’s most concerning is that this metal doesn’t break down easily, it accumulates in the body over time. So if you're a frequent lipstick user, the exposure adds up with every application.
Researchers examined a wide variety of lipsticks, from drugstore staples to high-end luxury brands, and the results were the same cadmium was present across all price ranges and shades.
While manufacturers often don’t add cadmium intentionally, it can enter products through contaminated pigments or poor quality control in sourcing ingredients.
Once applied, lipstick can be ingested in small amounts through licking, eating, or reapplying throughout the day, making the risk more personal than many users realize.
The U.S. does not currently have strict regulations on heavy metals in cosmetics, unlike the European Union, which sets tighter restrictions.
This gap leaves consumers vulnerable and largely unaware of what they’re putting on their skin and into their bodies.
Health advocates are now calling for increased transparency and tighter safety standards in the beauty industry. Until then, the best protection is awareness.
Look for brands that independently test their products for heavy metals or have certifications for clean beauty.
Even better, reduce usage or opt for tinted balms with transparent ingredient lists when possible.
It’s time we stop assuming beauty products are safe just because they’re sold on shelves. Toxic exposure should never be the price of self-expression.
Ref: Toxic Beauty: Study Finds Cadmium in Every Lipstick Brand and Color Tested
