It’s no secret that we support going non-toxic when it comes to skincare and beauty, but we know it’s hard to part with our cult favorite products we’ve been using for years. New studies and amazing brands have made incredible strides in producing clean cosmetics that truly perform, and if you’re going to start somewhere, make it your mouth.
This may not be surprising to some, but it shocks us every time: routine lipstick wearers can consume up to four pounds of lipstick in their lifetime. Some statistics say nine pounds, but we think that says something about a niche demographic’s commitment to consistently pigmented pouts. However, the bottom line remains the same. If you’re putting on lipstick, some of it is going in your mouth and being processed the same way as everything else you eat, every time.
Your lips are also a thinner tissue than your skin, so some toxins are absorbed straight away. Common toxic substances that are rapidly absorbed are preservatives. Methylparaben comes to mind, which can be harmful to the endocrine system and is banned in Europe for its possible link to cancer. It’s also a “hidden ingredient,” meaning that it’s not always listed on the box.
Lead is another toxin found in many regular lipsticks, and is a harmful neurotoxin that builds up in the body over time. It’s not a helpful ingredient, but is a common contaminant that finds its way in when creating synthetic pigments. There’s literally no “safe” amount of lead one should consume, so shooting for none is your best bet.
Don’t be discouraged—clean products are here to the rosy rescue! There are so many clean beauty brands to choose from today, so luckily we’re not limited. However, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.