Lipstick (Lead & Metals)

Colour lipstick reapplied throughout the day.

50Moderate burden · out of 100

Cleaner swapFewer reapplications and brands that publish metal-testing

How this score is built

100Start
77Chemical hazard 5 × 4.6−23
63.4Everyday exposure 4 × 3.4−13.6
50Persistence 5 × 2.6−13, then rounded to 50
ModerateThe band50 sits in 40–59.

What each input rests on

The three ratings behind the score, and the studies each rests on
Input	Rating	Evidence
Chemical hazard	5/10	unsourced input
Everyday exposure	4/10	Lead was found in 24 of 32 lip products (mean 0.36 ppm); at average use, estimated intakes exceeded 20% of acceptable daily intakes for aluminium, cadmium, chromium and manganese, and heavy use pushed chromium above it for 68% of products. Lead intakes stayed under 20%. Concentrations and potential health risks of metals in lip products · Environ Health Perspect 2013 DOI 10.1289/ehp.1205518 · PMID 23674482 · Abstract, Results · read 2026-10-16
Persistence	5/10	unsourced input

Ratings are editorial. A study listed here supports the rating; it did not compute it. How the index is built

What this means for you

FDA surveys have detected trace lead and other metals in many lipsticks. Because lipstick is worn on the lips and partly ingested, frequency of reapplication is the main lever.

Evidence strength: moderate

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Lower-exposure choices

Fragrance-Free Basic SkincareMinimal · Personal Care

All 33 personal care entries, highest burden first →