There Might Be Lead In Your Lipstick, Science Says

Ladies, put down the lippie! Until you've read this at least.

According to a report in USA Today, researchers at the University of California-Berkeley's School of Public Health recently tested 32 commonly sold lipsticks and glosses for a number of health-harming toxins, and welp, unlike those vibrant red and pink shades you're slathering on — the results ain't pretty.

Of the products tested in the study, 75 percent contained traces of lead, along with other potentially hazardous metals, such as cadmium — a carcinogen that's been linked to breast cancer — chromium, and aluminum. 

While researchers said the amount found in a majority of the products shouldn't techincally be cause for alarm, it could be potentially dangerous if you're applying the stuff two to three times daily. (ummm...) As for "heavy users," a.k.a. women who apply lipstick up to 14 times a day, the study suggested they could be ingesting an average of 83 milligrams of product a day — meaning they could be surpassing the daily recommended exposure to certain heavy metals.

"I don't think people should panic," one study author said. "But if you use [lipstick] several times every day, you may want to think about [using it less]."

Of course, this doesn't apply to all lipsticks, but it's still scary nonetheless. Worried about your favorite shade? Check out this list of the top 20 leading-containing lipsticks from the FDA's 2012 review of 400 products. Some of the brands might surprise you.