A fresh market investigation by toxics watchdog BAN Toxics has reignited concerns over the safety of low-cost lipsticks sold in local markets, after laboratory tests revealed alarming levels of hazardous chemicals in products that lack proper regulatory approval.
The group warned consumers about the presence of toxic substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic in affordable matte lipsticks priced between ₱50 and ₱70 per piece. These items were purchased from beauty shops and ambulant vendors across Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Marikina, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, and Taguig, many of which were found to have no market authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.
BAN Toxics collected 45 lipstick samples for testing and review, noting that several products carried incomplete or missing labeling information, a red flag for potential safety violations. Nine of the lipsticks explicitly listed propylparaben and methylparaben among their ingredients, chemicals that have drawn increasing scrutiny from health experts worldwide.
Using a Vanta C Series Handheld XRF Analyzer, the group detected lead levels of up to 120 parts per million (ppm), mercury reaching 280 ppm, cadmium up to 114 ppm, and arsenic as high as 36 ppm. Each sample contained three to four hazardous substances, with concentrations far exceeding the allowable limits under the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive and its guidelines on contaminants in cosmetic products.
Citing the World Health Organization, BAN Toxics underscored that lead exposure remains a major global health threat, linked to an estimated 1.5 million deaths each year, largely from cardiovascular disease.
Lead is also known to cause irreversible neurological and behavioral damage, particularly among children, who absorb the metal more readily than adults. Exposure has been associated with reduced IQ, learning difficulties, behavioral disorders, and harm to the developing fetus.
“Lead, mercury, cadmium, and other chemical substances are proven toxicants that accumulate in the body through continuous exposure and can pose risks to public health and the environment,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics.
Parabens, commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, were also flagged as chemicals of emerging concern. Scientific studies have suggested that prolonged exposure may disrupt the endocrine system, potentially leading to hormone imbalance, reproductive issues, increased cancer risk, and skin irritation.
The group noted that since 2013, the FDA has repeatedly issued public health advisories against unnotified cosmetic products, including lipsticks, which may contain heavy metals used as pigments. Because these products bypass the FDA’s notification process, their safety, quality, and compliance cannot be assured, making them potential health hazards.
As part of its advocacy for safer consumer products, BAN Toxics called on regulatory agencies to intensify enforcement against unregistered and unnotified cosmetics and urged manufacturers to strictly comply with labeling requirements under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.
These include clear disclosure of the product name and function, a complete ingredient list in descending order, net content, instructions for use, batch number, special precautions, country of manufacture, manufacturer or responsible party details, and expiry or manufacturing dates.
The group also advised consumers to read labels carefully, avoid products with incomplete ingredient information, purchase only from reputable beauty outlets, and verify a product’s registration status with the FDA before use.
“The public should be cautious when purchasing beauty products, as they may contain harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, and other preservatives,” Dizon added. “If we are not sure that cosmetic products are safe, it is better to avoid buying and using them and to report them to the proper authorities.”
To further strengthen consumer protection, BAN Toxics is pushing for greater transparency and traceability of hazardous chemicals in cosmetic manufacturing and continues to advocate for the passage of a Safe Cosmetics Law in the country.