Are the FDA findings consistent with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics 2007 study of lead in lipstick?
Yes, although the levels of lead found by FDA are much higher than the levels found by the CSC. CSC found lead levels (in 33 samples) ranging from zero to 0.65 parts per million. FDA found lead levels (in 20 samples) ranging from 0.09 to 3.06 ppm. All lipstick samples in both studies were red. The FDA used a new analytical method to look for lead in lipstick, and determined that earlier methods, including the method used by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, may have underestimated the amount of lead in lipstick. FDA noted that three manufacturers had the highest lead levels in their lipstick, although they would not name those brands. In the CSC tests, LOreal, Maybelline and Cover Girl lipsticks consistently had the highest amounts of lead, compared to other manufacturers.
