Lead in Make-up

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

We had quite a scare yesterday when HV taught us this simple test to check if there's lead in make-up.

  • Apply foundation/lipstick at the back of your hand.
  • Rub anything made of gold, like a gold ring, to the make-up.
  • If it darkens or turns black, there is lead in the make-up.
We were on our way to Divisoria so I was the only one wearing gold jewelry, my wedding ring. MM, on the other hand, was the only one with a make-up kit in her bag.

MM tested her Maybelline foundation first. It turned black. Aaack! She tested her favorite Cinema Secrets foundation next. It turned black too! She was distraught. (
I know she left her bulky wallet that day to lighten her load so why did she have 2 foundations with her? Beauty before comfort.)

Good news, MM! You don't have to give up your favorite foundation. At least, not yet.

According to Snopes.com and About.com, this test is a sham.
The handy home test for lead in lipstick touted in the email is bogus. Certain metals, including gold, may leave a dark streak when scratched on various surfaces, but this is an artifact of the metals themselves, not an indicator of a chemical reaction with lead or any other substance.
To All: Can you help me confirm this? Please do the test on your foundations and tell me what happens. If it's true that gold will generally leave a dark streak when scratched, then ALL foundations, regardless of brand, should turn black.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

The pressed powder and cream foundation were to make sure I will not be mistaken for a divi sales person. Hehehe.

Anonymous said...

This is very interesting. I'd try to observe. =)

Mai da Paypay said...

unfortunately, lead makes the cosmetic world go round that's why i think they can't totally take it out of the ingredients. that's why i seldom wear make up (much to my dismay hehe)

Michael said...

While there indeed often is lead in makeup, this suggested "test" is a hoax. See for example http://www.hoax-slayer.com/lead-lipstick.html and http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/lipstick.asp.

 
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