Is Lip Gloss Bad For You?
Short answer
Some lip gloss may be bad for you. Trace amounts of lead and other toxic metals have been found in certain glosses. However, at this time, the FDA does not consider it to be a serious safety concern.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Lip gloss was invented by the legendary cinema makeup artist Max Factor. He wanted to add create a shiny lustre effect on the lips of his leading ladies. After seeing lip gloss on the big screen, ordinary women wanted to replicate the look themselves. Factor launched his own lip gloss in 1932, the first commercially available kind ever.
Today, lip gloss is still used frequently. It comes in a variety of colors, consistencies and finishes—from sheer to opaque and anywhere between a subtle sheen to full-on sparkles. Needless to say that when it comes to modern lip gloss, we have a lot more options—and a lot more questionable ingredients to look out for.
In 2013, reports that trace amounts of lead and other toxic metals in lip products sparked a lot of media attention. A study printed in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal revealed that lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and other metals were present in the products.
Lead was the most abundant—found in 75 percent of the lip products tested, including gloss. A potentially dangerous neurotoxin, long-term buildup of lead may cause serious health problems: headaches, muscle and joint point, infertility, impaired cognitive function and more. Lead is especially dangerous to pregnant women and children as it may lead to developmental disorders.
Chromium is a mineral that is used by the body in small amounts to aid in digestion. However, it is toxic in large quantities. A known human carcinogen, overexposure to chromium has been linked to stomach tumors, lung cancer and other serious health conditions.
In addition to lead and chromium, all lip products tested included trace amounts of aluminum, manganese and titanium. However, the FDA did not find any of this a cause for concern. The findings were not new—there have been reports of lead in lipstick and other cosmetics for quite some time. It’s also unsurprising: the metals are naturally present in water and soil, so it makes sense that they would eventually make their way into products made from these things.
But even though the FDA isn’t worried, it’s not a bad idea to take charge of what goes onto your skin—and eventually into your body. To limit your exposure, avoid dabbing the gloss into your skin or getting any in your mouth. Never swallow it, even if it claims to be flavored or edible.
Also, you’re not likely to find “lead” and “chromium” on the ingredients label of any product—so simply scanning the packaging won’t be enough. Do your research: the Environmental Working Group keeps a database of cosmetic products and ranks them by toxicity. Check their site to see if your favorite lip glosses have ever been found to contain lead or other potential toxins. If they have, it might be time to switch brands.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- infertility
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cancer
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stomach tumors
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- adds shine, color to lips
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readily available
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wide selection
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