The Hong Kong Consumer Council (HKCC) recently evaluated 30 lipstick brands, lip tints, or liquid lipsticks from world-renowned brands and found that more than half of them contained heavy metals with potential allergenic risks, and seven models were found to contain fragrance allergens.
Moreover, 24 samples were detected with mineral oil-saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) mixtures and their analogous that could accumulate in the human body.
The test covered 23 traditional lipstick brands in tubular form and seven lip tints or liquid lipsticks, ranging in price from HK$65 to HK$505 (US$9-US$65) each.
Among the 30 samples, 2 received the highest overall score of 5 points, namely “DIOR Rouge/ DIOR Couture Color Lipstick,” and “CLIO Crystal Glam Tint.”
The Consumer Council stated that MOSH mixtures and their analogous can be divided according to their respective chain length ranges. According to an opinion paper issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2012, long-chain MOSH mixtures with carbon molecular weights from C16 to C35 may be present in the human body. They could accumulate in adipose tissue, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and other tissues. Their accumulation may be related to the formation of lipogranuloma, but the long-term impact on the human body remains to be seen.
Tests by the Consumer Council found that four lipstick samples contained high levels of long-chain MOSH mixtures and their analogous, including OPERA (20.48 percent), GUCCI (18 percent), CHANEL (11.4 percent), and MAC (11.69 percent), all of which fail to meet the safety limit (10 percent ) as recommended by the European Consumer Organization. In addition, more than 70 percent of the samples (23) were detected with short-chain MOSH mixtures and their analogous, and such short-chain MOSH mixtures are more likely to accumulate in the liver.
8 Found to Contain Allergenic Heavy Metals Exceeding Recommended Level
The test also found that nickel was detected in 12 samples, with the amount ranging from 0.82mg/kg to 3.3mg/kg; cobalt was detected in 18 samples, with the amount ranging from 0.11mg/kg to 1.7mg/kg. Chromium was detected in another six samples ranging from 0.89mg/kg to 2.4mg/kg. Two to three allergenic heavy metals were detected in eight samples, with the content being equal to or higher than the 1 mg/kg recommended by overseas scientific literature.The Consumer Council pointed out that nickel and cobalt are known allergens. Repeated use of nickel-containing products may cause allergic contact cheilitis through skin contact, which may cause dryness, peeling, cracks, fissures, erythema, swelling, burning feeling, and tingling sensation. People who are allergic to nickel are likely to be allergic to cobalt too. Skin contact with chromium can cause irritation and allergic dermatitis.
In this test, only samples from four brands did not contain “lead, nickel, cobalt, and chromium.” They are DIOR, Visée, FASIO, and CANMAKE.
8 Samples Did Not Show Ingredient Lists on Labels
The Consumer Council also found that all samples with labels of ingredient lists did indicate the presence of titanium dioxide. This is a substance commonly used as a white pigment in lipstick products. However, the European Union has banned its use as an additive in food since 2022. Therefore there are overseas consumer organizations who also recommend people not to pick lip cosmetics that contain it.Wipe Off Lipstick Before Eating
The Consumer Council reminds consumers that if they have the habit of unconsciously licking their lips, they should pay special attention to the ingredients of lipstick products and avoid products containing mineral oil or synthetic hydrocarbons as major ingredients. Before eating or drinking, they should, if possible, first wipe the lipstick away to reduce the ingestion of lipstick components through eating.The Consumer Council also published responses from the various brands to its test reports. Most of them stated that the ingredient content complied with international safety standards.