Nine researchers analyzed six popular lipstick brands and found cadmium in all the samples tested, with levels between 0.200 and 0.500 ppm; the heavy metal linked to kidney, lung, bone damage, and cancer risk raises an alert about the cosmetic applied directly to the lips every day.

Written by Valdemar Medeiros

Published on 01/06/2026 at 16:17

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Study found cadmium in all lipstick samples analyzed and reignited the debate on heavy metals in daily-use cosmetics.

Lipstick is among the most used cosmetics in the world and is part of the daily routine of millions of people. But a study that analyzed popular brands sold in local markets found something that continues to raise concern among environmental health researchers: the presence of potentially toxic heavy metals in all evaluated samples, including cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel. The result reignited discussions about chronic exposure to contaminants present in products applied directly to the lips and that can be ingested in small amounts over the years.

The research was conducted by nine researchers and used atomic absorption spectrophotometry to analyze six popular lipstick brands sold in local markets.

According to the published results, cadmium appeared in all tested samples, with concentrations ranging between 0.200 and 0.500 ppm, while lead, chromium, and nickel were also detected at different levels depending on the brand and color analyzed.

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Researchers found cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel in all evaluated brands

The study evaluated six brands considered popular among local consumers. The samples underwent chemical digestion using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide before laboratory analysis by atomic absorption, a technique widely used to detect metals at very low concentrations.

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The researchers identified the presence of lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel at different levels.

Cadmium appeared in all evaluated samples, while the other metals showed variations according to the brand and shade of the product.

Cadmium was found in all tested samples

Among the elements analyzed, cadmium received special attention. According to the study, the concentrations found ranged between 0.200 and 0.500 ppm in the samples analyzed.

The authors highlighted that the metal was present in all the brands evaluated.

They also observed differences between colors, with some dark shades showing higher concentrations of certain metals compared to lighter colors.

Heavy metals can reach cosmetics through pigments and raw materials

Studies on cosmetics usually do not treat these metals as intentionally added ingredients.

In many cases, they appear as impurities associated with mineral pigments, dyes, raw materials, or industrial processes used during manufacturing.

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Therefore, various regulatory bodies maintain monitoring programs and limits for contaminants in cosmetic products.

The presence of the metal does not automatically mean an immediate risk, but raises discussions about cumulative exposure over time.

Cadmium is associated with toxic effects in prolonged exposures

Cadmium is internationally classified as a toxic metal. According to OSHA, prolonged exposures may be associated with kidney damage, lung problems, bone weakening, and increased risk of certain types of cancer, depending on the level and duration of exposure.

Researchers emphasize that the main concern is not usually a single application.

The debate is related to repeated use over years or decades and the possibility of bioaccumulation under certain circumstances.

Recent studies continue to find metals in cosmetics around the world

The study is not an isolated case. Research conducted in different countries has also identified traces of heavy metals in commercially sold cosmetics, including lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes, and eyeliners.

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The levels found vary significantly depending on the market analyzed, the methodology used, and local regulatory standards.

In several cases, the results remain within the limits established by regulatory authorities, but still fuel debates about cumulative exposure.

Darker colors showed higher concentrations in some analyses

Another result observed by the researchers involved the relationship between shade and concentration of metals. According to the study, some dark colors, including brown tones and certain shades of intense pink, showed higher concentrations of certain metals when compared to light shades.

The authors suggest that part of this difference may be related to the pigments used to produce certain colors. However, the behavior was not uniform for all elements analyzed.

The greatest concern is repeated exposure over the years

Unlike contaminants occasionally found in food or drinks, cosmetics are usually used daily.

This causes scientists to frequently evaluate cumulative exposure over time, especially in products applied directly to the lips.

Part of the product may be ingested involuntarily during eating, drinking, or simple lip movements throughout the day. It is precisely this continuous exposure that motivates studies on contaminants in cosmetics.

The debate about metals in cosmetics is far from over

More than a decade after the publication of the study that found cadmium in all analyzed samples, research continues to investigate the presence of heavy metals in cosmetic products sold in different regions of the world.

Although levels vary between brands, markets, and methodologies, the discussion remains open: to what extent can metallic contaminants present in products applied daily pose a risk in long-term exposures?

The answer is still being studied by researchers, regulators, and laboratories around the world

Nine researchers analyzed six popular lipstick brands and found cadmium in all the samples tested, with levels between 0.200 and 0.500 ppm; the heavy metal linked to kidney, lung, bone damage, and cancer risk raises an alert about the cosmetic applied directly to the lips every day.

Study found cadmium in all lipstick samples analyzed and reignited the debate on heavy metals in daily-use cosmetics.

Researchers found cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel in all evaluated brands

Cadmium was found in all tested samples

Heavy metals can reach cosmetics through pigments and raw materials

Cadmium is associated with toxic effects in prolonged exposures

Recent studies continue to find metals in cosmetics around the world

Darker colors showed higher concentrations in some analyses

The greatest concern is repeated exposure over the years

The debate about metals in cosmetics is far from over

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Nine researchers analyzed six popular lipstick brands and found cadmium in all the samples tested, with levels between 0.200 and 0.500 ppm; the heavy metal linked to kidney, lung, bone damage, and cancer risk raises an alert about the cosmetic applied directly to the lips every day.

Study found cadmium in all lipstick samples analyzed and reignited the debate on heavy metals in daily-use cosmetics.

Researchers found cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel in all evaluated brands

Cadmium was found in all tested samples

Heavy metals can reach cosmetics through pigments and raw materials

Cadmium is associated with toxic effects in prolonged exposures

Recent studies continue to find metals in cosmetics around the world

Darker colors showed higher concentrations in some analyses

The greatest concern is repeated exposure over the years

The debate about metals in cosmetics is far from over

A giant printer called the “Ferrari” of concrete has landed in Latin America and can already build a 120-square-meter house in just 48 hours, making the traditional construction site look like something from the last century.

Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has ceased to be a climatic phenomenon and has become a biological system that feeds on itself, with 8,000 kilometers in length, 37 million tons of algae, and scientists confirm that it is now permanent.

Brazil will harvest a record crop of up to 357 million tons of grains, but it does not have the capacity to store a large part of it. The storage deficit has reached the highest level in history and is equivalent to almost the entire production of Argentina.

She started by collecting oyster shells from restaurants and today she has already accumulated more than 10 tons to restore reefs, recover coastal habitats, and demonstrate how a common waste can become a tool for ocean conservation.

Scientists have discovered that the Earth recycles its own continents in the depths, dragging pieces of crust down during plate collisions and returning them later as magma, in a mechanism called relamination that has helped build the continents for billions of years.

Turkey is building a billion-dollar shortcut to channel billions of dollars by sea with a 45 km long canal, 275 meters wide and 20.75 meters deep, which promises to relieve the Bosphorus amid the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

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