L’Oreal: Get the lead out of lipstick!

The FDA’s new study found lead in 400 lipsticks tested, with higher lead levels than ever reported in some of the most popular brands. The worst offender was L'Oreal USA, whose Maybelline Color Sensation and L’Oreal Color Riche lipsticks were #1 and #2 on the list. In fact, L'Oreal USA makes five of the 10 most contaminated brands in the FDA study.

It’s more important now than ever to call attention to this problem. A brand-new report for the US Centers for Disease Control states that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. That means we must protect women from lead exposure, since lead builds up in the body over time and easily crosses the placenta, where it can interfere with normal development of a fetus and cause irreversible health effects.

Take action now: Tell L’Oreal the company owes women a huge apology and a commitment to make lipstick without lead.

Subject:

Your Letter:

In September 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics sent 33 lipsticks purchased in the US to an independent lab to be tested for lead.  The two highest lead counts were both found in L’Oreal Colour Riche lipsticks.  Now, FDA has released an expanded study of 400 lipsticks, and guess who is once again the worst lead offender? Maybelline Color Sensation and L’Oreal Color Riche lipsticks were #1 and #2, respectively – and your company makes five of the 10 most contaminated brands in the FDA study.

I’ve had enough.  L’Oreal, aren’t we worth getting the lead out of lipstick? I demand an apology from your company and a public commitment to reformulate all L’Oreal and Maybelline lipsticks to ensure the lowest possible levels of lead.

Lead is a proven neurotoxin linked to learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, impulsiveness, reduced school performance, increased aggression, seizures and brain damage, anemia, and, after long exposure, damage to the kidneys. Lead has also been linked to miscarriage, reduced fertility in men and women, hormonal changes, menstrual irregularities and delays in the onset of puberty in girls.

A brand-new report for the US Centers for Disease Control states that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. That means we must protect women from lead exposure, since lead builds up in the body over time and easily crosses the placenta, where it can interfere with normal development of a fetus and cause irreversible health effects.

American women love their lipstick – many won’t leave home without it. The number of girls and teens using lipstick regularly is also increasing. Undoubtedly, most of these women think that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires cosmetics companies to use safe, non-toxic ingredients, which is unfortunately not the case.

We know that L’Oreal can do better, and this is what we’re asking you to do. Do not hide behind the lack of FDA regulation on lead in cosmetics - just do the right thing and get the lead out.

Sincerely,

Jean-Paul Agon

L’Oreal USA, Inc.

After you send your letter, help us spread the word! You'll find messages to share on Facebook, Twitter and email after you click Submit.