Studies Claim Lipsticks May Cause Cancer – Experts Decode

Our makeup routine feels incomplete without lipsticks. Some of us use them on a daily basis, and boast a huge collection of lipsticks – of every colour, size and shape. But what if we tell you that lipsticks may have the potential to harm your health, and even cause lung cancer? Sounds shocking, right? Unfortunately, it might be true. Multiple studies have pointed out that lipsticks may contain harmful metals in them. If you want to know more about it, keep reading.

To get a better understanding of this, we reached out to Dr Shireen Furtado, Sr Consultant - Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore and Dr Neeharika Goyal, Consultant – Dermatologist, Svastam Wellness Skin Clinic, New Delhi. Let’s hear it out from our experts.

Can Lipstick Cause Cancer?

Multiple studies and researches claimed that lipsticks may have toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lead present in them. They highlight the long-term risks, including potential links to lung cancer, associated with it. How much truth is there in these claims? Let’s hear it out from our experts.

“Recent studies showing that many lipsticks contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium is a serious health concern. These metals can enter the body through the lips or skin and build up over time, leading to long-term health problems. Lead is known to affect the brain and nervous system, while cadmium can damage the kidneys and lungs and even increase the risk of cancer. Although the amount of metal in each lipstick may be small, frequent use can make exposure harmful, especially for women who use it daily,” shares Dr Furtado.

Also Read: 5 Health Risks Of Using Lipsticks And DIY Natural Lipstick Recipes

Side Effects of Lipsticks

Speaking about the overall side effects of lipsticks, Dr Goyal shares that health side effects of lipsticks include allergic reactions, dry or chapped lips, and most importantly, heavy metal poisoning because of lead or cadmium. “These components can have a long-term effect on the nervous system by disrupting hormones and increasing cancer risks. Some chemical ingredients can cause irritation or pigmentation on the skin around the lips,” says the expert.

Dr Furtado jots down some of the side effects of lipsticks for us:

• Lipsticks contain chemicals and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can enter the body when applied to the lips. These can cause skin allergies, dryness, and irritation.
• Long-term use may lead to hormonal imbalance, kidney or liver problems, and even affect the nervous system.
• Some ingredients may also darken the lips or cause chapping.
• Cheap or expired lipsticks increase the risk of infection and allergic reactions.

Tips to Use Lipstick Safely

Dr Goyal shares that one should use lipstick that is free from toxins and dermatologically tested. “Lipstick can be infected if shared; thus, lipstick should be used individually. Remove all lipstick while sleeping and apply a limited number of times during the day. Cosmetics should be kept in a cool and dry place and their dates of expiry routinely checked to reduce chances of health complications from the use of expired or spoiled cosmetics,” adds the expert.

Dr Furtado lists down some safety tips while using lipsticks:

• Always choose branded or dermatologically tested products, instead of cheap or unlabelled ones.
• Check the ingredients and avoid lipsticks with harmful chemicals or heavy metals.
• Never share your lipstick with others to prevent infections.
• Keep your lips clean and moisturized before applying lipstick.
• Avoid using expired products, as they may cause allergies or irritation.
• Remove lipstick properly before going to bed to let your lips breathe.
• Store your lipsticks in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality.
• Using natural or organic lipsticks is also a safer option for daily use.

“Following these habits helps protect your lips and reduces health risks from harmful ingredients,” concludes Dr Furtado.

Also Read: Health dangers lurk for every woman who’s a lover of lipsticks

The Final Word

Lipsticks may contain chemicals and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can enter the body when applied to the lips. These may lead to life-threatening diseases. Thus, one must follow certain safety habits that will help protect their lips and reduce health risks from harmful ingredients.