The FDA Web site states that the lead found in lipstick samples by the agency is not a safety concern. What is this assessment based on?
FDA said it has assessed potential harm to consumers from use of lipstick containing lead at the levels found in its testing. However, the new FDA study does not consider or address the safety of lead in lipstick it is only about detection of lead levels. FDA does not provide any studies or method of review to explain its conclusion about safety. The agency says only that, [l]ipstick, as a product intended for topical use, is only ingested incidentally and in very small quantities. However, we know of no studies that investigate how much lipstick is absorbed into the body. Such studies are not required of industry, and have not been conducted by FDA. FDA also notes that the lead levels it found are lower than limits recommended by other public health authorities for lead in cosmetics. The agency mentions a draft recommendation in Canada, and a ruling from Californias Proposition 65 law, which does not consider science on neurotoxicity in its assessments. FDA does not mention that lead
