A recent research reveals that over 400 popular lipstick brand contain twice as much lead as previously believed – up to 7.19 parts per million (ppm).

Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels.

Maybelline Color Sensation, by L’Oreal USA, was found to have the most lead of all the brands that the FDA tested, with 275 times more than the brand with the lowest amount of lead – Wet & Wild Mega Mixers Lip Balm. The Wet & Wild lip balm happened to be the least expensive, which shows that a high-priced lipstick does not mean it is safe.

Pregnant women are vulnerable to lead exposure because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with the baby’s development.

Lipstick which is an everyday use should have less lead inside it to prevent harm.