"Tests conducted by the FDA last year on 22 red lipsticks found lead, a neurotoxin, in every single lipstick sample studied.

The highest levels were in three well-known and common brands: Cover Girl, Revlon, L’Oreal.

While the FDA says it’s continuing lead research on additional cosmetic brands and colors, it’s reassuring consumers that the lead levels it found in the red lipsticks are very small and not a health threat.

The FDA does not regulate lead in finished cosmetics, only in colors added to the products. None of the products exceeded the 20 parts per million limit on colors, the agency said."

Stacey Singer reports for Cox Newspapers May 25, 2010. [2]