Other ingredients also found in many lipsticks are lead and some trace elements. However, it is not possible to determine whether these metals are in lipsticks just by looking at the ingredient list since they are not intentional ingredients but rather, they are added as unintentional contaminants. The trace metals are naturally occurring and they accidentally mix up with other chemicals that are used in lipstick production.
Trace metals and lead are not normally listed in the ingredient section of some lipsticks. What should be checked on the ingredient list of lipsticks are thimerosal, sodium hexametaphosphate, chromium, lead acetate, and hydrogenated cottonseed oil.
The Color Issue
The colors of lipsticks come from a variety of lake dyes and pigments. The dyes and pigments include D&C Red 34, D&C Red No 21, D&C Red 7, D&C Orange 17, bromo acid and Calcium Lake. A mixture of red shades and titanium oxide make pink lipsticks. Inorganic and organic pigments are employed.
For the matte lipsticks, they do not contain a lot of emollients but have more filling agents like silica. Crème lipsticks have more waxes than oils. Glossy lipstick has more oil for a shiny finish to the lips. Long lasting and sheer lipsticks have more oil and silicone oil that seals the various colors to the wearer’s lips.