The recent news showed that some major cosmetic companies seem to feel that lead is an acceptable ingredient for their lipsticks. In fact, the FDA found that the level of lead in many well-known brands had increased since previous tests, with the worst levels being found in Maybelline, L’Oreal, NARS and Cover Girl. Equally disturbing is the fact that cosmetic companies do not have to list lead on their ingredient labels, as it is considered a by-product of the manufacturing process. Face it with so much pollution in the world, they may not be able to get rid of the heavy metals so easily. The FDA’s legal authority over cosmetics differs from other products regulated by the agency. Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA pre-market approval authority, with the exception of color additives. So, lead is truly the beauty industry’s “dirty little secret”!

In the wake of recent scandals involving toxins in beauty products, including lead in lipstick, the House Energy and Commerce Committee called the first Congressional hearing on cosmetics safety in more than 30 years, which was held on March 27th.

Surely, you know that lead is an environmental toxin we should avoid— remember the outcry over lead in paint, gasoline and imported toys? Lead exposure is more critical with products we apply directly to our skin. As the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics stated, “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.” Such accumulation of harmful metals can affect brain function and cause chronic diseases.

Ecco Bella natural beauty customers know they don’t need to worry about our products. Not only do we test for lead, but also for cadmium and mercury. In a test conducted by EMSL Analytical of both Ecco Bella Lipstick and Eyeshadow, the results showed lead <0.08ppm, cadmium <0.90ppm and mercury <0.05ppm. All less than 0.1ppm which is what the FDA allows for candy.

Ecco Bella FlowerColor Lipstick is a simple formula of vegetable waxes, oils and mineral pigments that are free of gluten, FD&C dyes, preservatives and fragrance. Our FlowerColor lipsticks also moisturize without flaking or chapping. They go on creamy and won’t feather. What would you expect from a lipstick that thinks it’s a lip balm? Ecco Bella products are a pure pleasure!

So, while some cosmetic companies seem okay with unacceptable levels of ingredients usually found in batteries and radiation shields, you can kiss those nasty toxins goodbye! Ecco Bella aspires to a much higher standard, that of Mother Nature. And, Mother Nature knows best! After all, she is the original Intelligent Beauty!