6 Best Lead-Free Lipsticks of 2020
Beauty brands like Revlon and MAC have safe options.
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Now more than ever, people are looking to avoid potentially harmful ingredients in makeup and are adopting a clean beauty mindset to find cosmetics that are safe for the body. Non-toxic nail polish and organic hair color are on the rise, so it makes sense that people are concerned about lead levels in lipstick.
According to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead is a “naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals, causing health effects.” As for why lipsticks contain lead in the first place, “It’s not that cosmetic companies are intentionally putting lead in the product,” says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Health, Beauty and Environmental Sciences Lab. “Lead can come in as a naturally occurring contaminant of the pigments used in lipstick formulas.” It's for this reason that you’ll never find lead as a listed ingredient on a product label.
What does the FDA say about lead in cosmetics?
Typically, cosmetic products and most ingredients used in cosmetics don’t need to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before hitting shelves. However, the FDA does regulate color additives, meaning that they need approval before they can be used in cosmetics as well as drugs, foods, medical devices and animal products.
Therefore, the FDA has come out with a draft guidance for the cosmetics industry, limiting the maximum level of lead to 10ppm (parts per million) in makeup. Overall, the FDA finds that “the level of lead in lipstick is not a major health concern,” as cited in It’s OK to have Lead in your Lipstick by Perry Romanowski and Randy Schueller. According to Romanowski and Schueller, while exposure to lead should be minimized, the levels of lead in lipstick is not something to worry about.
If you’d rather err on the side of caution, here are 6 lead-free lipsticks shades that were tested for lead and other heavy metals in a massive study conducted by the FDA in 2013. Lead in these lipsticks were labeled as “NF,” or “not found,” which means that any amount present was too small to detect. These lead-free lipsticks come from fan favorite high-end and drugstore makeup brands, like Revlon, Maybelline, MAC, and more.
MAC Satin Lipstick in Myth
MAC Satin Lipstick in Myth
Muted, nude lips pair perfectly with more intense eyeshadow looks, like a dramatic smokey eye for instance. One of the more popular nude lipsticks is MAC's lipstick in Myth — a light, neutral nude that flatters many skin tones.
Several MAC users swear by the satin formula, saying they're amazed by the color output and claiming it to be "not chalky at all." Many users also note the comfortable wear: one shopper calls the formula "creamy" and "features a soft cushion-y feel," while another says, "Formula goes on smooth for easy reapplication throughout the day."
Maybelline New York SuperStay 14-Hour Lipstick in Continuous Cranberry
Maybelline New York SuperStay 14-Hour Lipstick in Continuous Cranberry
For makeup that lasts, Maybelline has an entire collection of SuperStay cosmetics dedicated to comfortable, long-lasting wear. This particular lipstick promises up to 14 hours of lightweight and long-lasting color. It also claims to not dry up, cake, or drag, thanks to its ultra lightweight formula.
Amazon reviewers shared their thoughts on the SuperStay 14-Hour lipstick on the site, where it's listed for just $4. "I've spent a lot of money on lipstick over the years, so I'm shocked that good ol' drugstore Maybelline makes my favorite lipstick," says one Amazon user. She continues to say that similar long-lasting lipsticks would either wear off or stain her lips. "This stuff stays on, and the color never shifts," she adds.
Bobbi Brown Beige Lipstick
Bobbi Brown Beige Lipstick
The iconic beauty brand is known for its excellent line of eyes, lips, and face products, but Bobbi Brown's first ever product was in fact lipsticks. The classic Lip Color line promises full-coverage while moisturizing your lips with vitamins C and E, resulting in a semi-matte finish.
This particular shade is a favorite among users, with one Sephora user saying she doesn't leave the house without Beige, saying that the formula is "velvety and pigmented," but will transfer and needs reapplication throughout the day. "I treat it like a very, very pigmented balm," she says.
Smashbox Be Legendary Cream Lipstick in Primrose
Smashbox Be Legendary Cream Lipstick in Primrose
Smashbox boasts the fact that its beauty brand is cruelty-free, including this creamy rose lipstick. Its Be Legendary Cream lipsticks are enriched with vitamins to soften and protect your lips, while delivering pigment-loaded color. The formula is named after and inspired by their glamorous L.A. celebrity photo studio and is meant to pop on camera and stay true-to-color in photos.
One Sephora user who describes herself as an avid lipstick collector says that this lipstick stands out against the other lip products in her collection, saying that Primrose is "super flattering" and is the "most gorgeous shade of neutral pink, with just enough color to look flirty."
Revlon Moon Drops Lipstick Creme in Orange Flip
Revlon Moon Drops Lipstick Creme in Orange Flip
This lead-free lipstick is a fan favorite for a couple of reasons. The Moon Drops formula is ultra creamy and moisturizing and has SPF 6 to keep your lips protected from the sun. Also, while the lipstick shade is called Orange Flip, it glides on as a beautiful coral color according to Amazon reviewers.
"This is my go-to lip-saver, lipstick blender, use-it-six-times-a-day product," says one Amazon reviewer, who says she has been using the lipstick for over two decades. "Living in a very dry mountain climate, this Moon Drops Conditioner is indispensable." Tip: this shade is difficult to find in stores, which is why it's so pricey on Amazon.
Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in Papaya
Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in Papaya
The French luxury skin care company isn't just known for making quality skincare products — they also offer exceptional lip products, like the Joli Rouge. This line of satin lipsticks is known for being incredibly creamy and leave a satin finish.
This shade, Papaya, is more natural-looking, but the formula is buildable and gives intense color. One Amazon reviewer says about the five-star-rated product, "Great color and wonderful texture... Been wearing Clarins lip color for over 10 years and love it."
Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.
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