Warning Out on Cheap 3 for P100 Lipsticks with Toxic Lead as High as 43,640 ppm
The EcoWaste Coalition has detected violative levels of lead, a neuro and reproductive toxicant, in these unauthorized lipsticks.
7 March 2025, Quezon City. As the International Women’s Day is celebrated, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition drew attention to the presence of cheap lipsticks in the market that are heavily contaminated with lead, a neuro and reproductive toxicant, which can have damaging effects on the health of women, as well as children.
In test buys conducted this week, the group purchased 16 samples of "Hello Kitty Qianxiu Lipstcik" (sic) from a retail store at 168 Shopping Mall in Binondo, Manila. Sold for P35 each or for P100 for three pieces, this lip cosmetic in black and pink canisters is available in different shades of red to suit one’s mood and preference.
According to the online portal of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Qianxiu lipstick has no certificate of product notification or CPN, indicating that the product is being offered for sale sans quality and safety assessment by the agency in violation of Republic Act No. 9711, or the FDA Act of 2009.
With the aid of a handheld Olympus Vanta M-Series X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, the group detected lead in all the 16 samples at levels that far exceeded the regulatory limit. Under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, lead as a heavy metal contaminant in cosmetics cannot go above 20 parts per million (ppm).
As per XRF screening results, nine of the 16 samples were found adulterated with 13,610 ppm to 43,640 ppm of lead; three had 2,642 ppm to 9,670 ppm; and four contained 106 ppm to 188 ppm of lead.
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| This lipstick contains a humongous 4.364 percent of lead or 43,640 ppm, way above the 20 ppm limit under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive. |
As pointed out in the report "A Poison Kiss: The Problem of Lead in Lipstick" published by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, "lead builds up in the body over time and lead‐containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, combined with lead in water and other sources, could add up to significant exposure levels."
"The science indicates there is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead is a neurotoxicant and can be dangerous even at small doses. Medical experts are clear that any level of lead exposure is unhealthy," the US-based advocacy group said.
Studies have shown that women’s exposure to lead may result in hormonal changes, menstrual irregularities, reduced fertility, and a host of other health problems, which may also affect babies in the womb.
"If a woman is exposed to lead during her pregnancy, the developing baby can also be exposed," the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, adding that "lead in the blood during pregnancy can increase risk for miscarriage; cause the baby to be born too early or too small; hurt the baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system; and cause the child to have learning or behavior problems."
To prevent and reduce lead exposure for women and children, the EcoWaste Coalition urged consumers to be vigilant and follow these safety tips in relation to lipstick use:
Go to the FDA verification portal to check if the product is authorized before making a purchase: https://verification.fda.gov.ph/Home.php
- Avoid buying unauthorized lipsticks; shun imitation products.
- Reject lipsticks with no labeling information.
- Get your lipstick from a licensed dealer and ask for an official receipt.
- Be wary if the price is incredibly low, it probably is a counterfeit.
- Use less lipstick if you are uncertain if it is safe from lead and other contaminants.
- Don’t let children play with lipstick.
"Wearing a red lipstick is your personal choice, but be sure to pick one that is toxics-free," the EcoWaste Coalition said. "It's better to be safe than sorry."
The EcoWaste Coalition has already reported its latest toxic discovery to the FDA, which will be forwarded to the Regional Field Office/Field Regulatory Operations Office (RFO/FROO) for appropriate action.
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