Toxic Nation | Pollution. It's In You.

Just in time for Halloween, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released a new report on heavy metals in face paint. This report showed that 10 of the 10 childrens' face paints tested contained low levels of lead, a metal that can damage almost every organ in the body, particularly the nervous system. Many experts agree that there is no safe level of lead exposure. Another 6 of the 10 products tested contained nickel, chromium, and/or cobalt, metals which can cause lifelong skin sensitization and contact dermatitis. None of the metals were on the ingredient labels.

So what can we do? If you do use face paint this year, keep it away from mouths and hands to make sure it’s not going to be ingested. Alternatively, consider wearing costumes that don't require face paint or masks, or have some fun and make your own face paint with food-grade ingredients. Safe and happy trick-or-treating!