According to an MSNBC article from Reuters, test results reported by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that 61% of brand-name red lipsticks had detectable amounts of lead. In fact, one-third of lipsticks tested contained more lead than is legally allowed in candy. The campaign reports that while the FDA tries to protect children from accidentally ingesting lead by monitoring the amount allowed in candy and toys, there are currently no restrictions as to the amount of lead allowed in lipsticks.

Lead exposure is linked to language delays, learning delays, and various behavioral problems. The danger is especially significant in young children and expectant mothers, and has even been associated with infertility and miscarriage.

It is entirely possible to make lipsticks without lead, and the cost of individual brands had no correlation with the actual amount of lead that was found. Christian Dior, a high-end, costly brand, had higher levels of lead than other brands, as did Cover Girl and L'Oreal. However, other less expensive brands, like Revlon, contained no detectable amount of lead.

In defense of these allegations, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association reports that lead, a naturally occurring element, is not intentionally added to any cosmetic products. According to the article, the CTFA states that the FDA has "set strict limits for lead levels allowed in the colors used in lipsticks, and actually analyze most of these to ensure they are followed...The products identified in the (CSC) report meet these standards."

L'Oreal's U.S. arm credits that "all the brands of the L'Oreal Group are in full compliance with FDA regulations."

Proctor and Gamble, manufacturers of Cover Girl, argue that the amount of lead ingested from lipstick is small: "hundreds of times less than the amount that she would get from eating, breathing and drinking."

However, small amounts add up. On average, women ingest over two pounds of lipstick a year! Dr. Mark Mitchell, president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice, states that "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. The latest studies show there is no safe level of lead exposure."