Lead
Also known as: lead acetate, lead compounds, Pb, plumbum
A toxic heavy metal found as a contaminant in many cosmetic products, particularly lipsticks and hair dyes. There is no safe level of lead exposure. It accumulates in the body over time, primarily in bones, and causes irreversible neurological damage.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Lead.
Even occasional exposure contributes to lifetime bioaccumulation. No safe level exists.
Daily lipstick use results in measurable lead ingestion. Studies estimate average lipstick wearers ingest several milligrams of product daily.
Unacceptable risk. Cumulative lead exposure from frequent lipstick application compounds neurological damage over a lifetime.
Health Risks
Neurotoxin with no safe exposure level. Causes cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and developmental delays, particularly in children.
CDC — Lead is harmful at any detectable level
FDA testing found lead in 400 lipsticks, with concentrations up to 7.19 ppm.
FDA Survey of Lead in Lipstick, 2012
Bioaccumulates in the body over a lifetime, storing primarily in bones and releasing during pregnancy, exposing the fetus.
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2009 — lead mobilization during pregnancy
Linked to reproductive harm including reduced fertility, miscarriage, and developmental toxicity.
Global Regulatory Status
How lead is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
No explicit ban but FDA guidance limits lead to 10 ppm as impurity in cosmetic lip products.
Details
Lead and compounds banned under Annex II; trace impurities must be below safe limits.
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Lead and compounds banned under retained Annex II.
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Prohibited on Hotlist; max 10 ppm as unavoidable impurity.
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Lead compounds prohibited under MHLW negative list.
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Lead banned; max 20 ppm as unavoidable impurity.
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Lead compounds prohibited.
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Banned as intentional ingredient; max 10 ppm as impurity.
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Banned as intentional ingredient by ANVISA.
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Banned under BIS standards; max 20 ppm as impurity.
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Banned under ASEAN Cosmetic Directive; max 20 ppm as impurity.
Why Brands Use Lead
Lead is not intentionally added to most cosmetics — it is a contaminant that enters through raw materials like colorants, minerals, and water sources used in manufacturing.
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Better alternatives exist. Brands choose lead because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like iron oxides (tested for heavy metal purity), mica (tested for heavy metal purity), titanium dioxide deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Lead in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing lead in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz tests every batch of raw materials for heavy metals including lead, ensuring levels are non-detectable. Zero tolerance for lead contamination.
