Just as supplements have been plagued with inconsistent quality and toxic substances, so have cosmetics and jewelry marketed for kids that have been contaminated with lead, according to studies conducted in Ireland and Canada.

In one set of tests, Irish researchers detected lead levels in children's cosmetics purchased in discount stores exceeded recommended safe limits by a factor of 500, and more testing discovered lead concentrations as high as 10,000 mg in some cosmetics.

If that doesn't worry you enough, the news is even worse in Canada, as more than half of the children's jewelry tested by Health Canada's product safety laboratory last year (39 out of 67 pieces) was made of pure lead. Amazingly, 20 pieces contained levels of lead ranging from 80-95 percent, comparable to amounts found in common car batteries.

Although the CDC appears to be keeping close tabs on toxic amounts of lead found in children's jewelry, the same can't necessarily be said for lipsticks. Although a recent FDA study found lead in 20 brands of red lipstick produced by 10 different manufacturers at levels four times greater than those reported in independent tests, the agency hasn't released the list of products tested to the public, nor has it developed any safety standard governing lead levels in lipstick.

If you've been looking for a less toxic lipstick, check out this list of safer, lead-free options from The Daily Green.

Independent.ie December 24, 2009

Kelowna.com December 22, 2009

The Daily Green September 1, 2009