TOXIC LEAD FOUND IN LIPSTICKS

Toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition (EWC) in the Philippines has issued an alert on lipsticks that are heavily contaminated with lead, a neuro and reproductive toxicant, which can have damaging effects on the health of women, as well as children.

This follows the issuance of 6 advisories by health authorities there warning the public against the purchase and use of imported Qianxiu lipsticks, which are illegally being sold without the required authorization.

The range of Qianxiu lipsticks that have been red-flagged are: Hello Kitty #07 (pink canister), #06 (black canister), #03 (black canister), #11 (pink canister), #10 (pink canister) and #02 (black canister)

The said variants of Qianxiu lipsticks were among the 16 lip products reported by EWC to the Philippines Food and Drug Administration on 5 March 2025 for being contaminated with high levels of lead in defiance of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD). The lipsticks were found laden with up to 43,640 parts per million (ppm) of lead, way above the 20ppm limit for lead as a heavy metal contaminant under the ACD.

In tests by EWC, Qianxiu #02, #03 and #06 (black canisters) contained 17,690 ppm, 43,640 ppm and 31,520 ppm of lead, while Qianxiu #07, #10 and #11 (pink canisters) contained 13,610 ppm, 27,390 ppm and 9,640 ppm of lead, respectively.

“We urge consumers not to use Qianxiu and other unauthorised lipsticks from dubious sources and with unknown composition as they may contain banned ingredients like lead, which is a well-documented neurological and reproductive toxicant,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EWC.

Lead is a hazardous chemical banned in cosmetic products in the Philippines and EWC is urging government regulators to remove the toxic lipsticks from the market.

According to the report “A Poison Kiss: The Problem of Lead in Lipstick” published by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, “lead builds up in the body over time and lead‐containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, combined with lead in water and other sources, could add up to significant exposure levels”.

“The science indicates there is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead is a neurotoxicant and can be dangerous even at small doses. Medical experts are clear that any level of lead exposure is unhealthy,” the US-based advocacy group emphasised.

Studies have also shown that women’s exposure to lead, a known endocrine disrupting chemical, may result in hormonal changes, menstrual irregularities, reduced fertility, and a host of other health problems, which may also affect babies in the womb.

Women are advised to be aware of the hidden health risks in lipsticks, and don’t let children play with lipsticks.