The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) has responded to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics claim that detectable levels of lead were found in mass market lipsticks.
In its response, the CTFA maintains that lead is not intentionally added to cosmetics, but rather is naturally occurring element that is found everywhere in the environment. According to the association, consumers are exposed lead in every day activities, and lead exposure from cosmetics pales in comparison to lead exposure in food, water and the environment.
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set daily safe levels for lead exposure for adults, children and pregnant women. The agency also has set strict limits for lead levels allowed in the colors used in lipsticks, and actually analyze most of these to ensure they are followed. The products identified in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) report meet these standards. In fact, all the products tested in the CSC report meet the California standards for safety established under their Prop 65 process," said John Bailey, EVP for science for the CTFA in the associations response.
Bailey continues, “Despite the negligible levels of lead found in some lipsticks, cosmetic companies are committed to reducing that level even further. For decades, cosmetic companies have worked to minimize all product contamination, including lead. They actively and continually review all raw materials to ensure that they contain the lowest levels of impurities possible. Cosmetic companies have some of the world’s leading chemists, toxicologists, and biologists to evaluate all the safety information.” To view the CTFA's response, visit www.ctfa.org.
