When it comes to what you’re putting on your lips, steer clear of lip colours full of lead, aluminum, and other toxic heavy metals (sadly still widely available).
Not all lipstick is created equal.
Whatever we put on our lips is not only absorbed, but often ingested as well, which increases the impact of toxins. And just because a lip product says it’s natural, unfortunately doesn’t mean it is safe. The first thing we can do is read labels… look for full disclosure and a complete ingredient list – ingredients that you can read and recognize, and understand their origin (helpful hint: if there is no ingredient list at all, that is a sign to stay away from the product completely!). Remember, if it’s on you, it’s in you.
One major examination found lead in 61% of lipsticks tested (including many “eco-friendly” and “green labeled” tinted balm). The good news is that you can limit your heavy metal intake without giving up lipstick.
Choose lipsticks (or lip tints, glosses, and balms) made with organic ingredients that you can pronounce and understand.
A great place to start is the Environmental Working Group’s database of safe lipsticks (they break every product down by ingredient).
Find our favourite lipsticks in The Wellness Intelligence Collective.
For more of our lessons in Empathy Economics click here.