Today is World Lipstick Day! It's a day to celebrate self-expression, beauty, and all those amazing red, nude, and plum shades that complete our look. Lipstick has always been a must-have in beauty bags worldwide.

But now, experts are asking us to think about what's actually in those colourful tubes – and what it could mean for our health.

Let's explore some less-known side effects linked to using lipstick often, especially when ingredients aren't properly regulated or labelled.

1. Lead Exposure: A Hidden Danger?

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Studies, including past reports from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have found tiny amounts of lead in popular lipstick brands.While these amounts are often said to be within "safe limits," using lipstick repeatedly – especially as we reapply it and sometimes accidentally swallow it – can lead to lead building up in our bodies.

“Lead is a neurotoxin. It doesn’t belong in our bloodstream, even in small amounts,” states Dr. Anita Wekesa, a toxicologist based in Nairobi.

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Long-term exposure to lead can lead to problems like hormone disruption, fertility issues, and in very rare cases, damage to the nervous system.

2. Dry Lips and Colour Changes

Many lipsticks contain ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, and artificial dyes. These can strip away the natural moisture from your lips. If you use lipstick a lot without proper lip care, it can lead to constant dryness, peeling, and sometimes even your lips getting darker or discoloured.

“Matte lipsticks especially can be very drying. Without a balm underneath, you’re inviting long-term damage,” warns Marion Njuguna, a skincare specialist.

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It's a reminder that while matte looks great, your lips still need protection!

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3. Allergic Reactions and Irritation

Some common ingredients in lipstick, like certain preservatives (such as parabens) and fragrances, can cause allergic reactions. This is particularly true for people with sensitive skin. Symptoms might include:

Swelling

Itching

Rashes

Burning sensations soon after putting lipstick on

Experts advise doing a small patch test when you try new products. Also, keep an eye out for common irritants like lanolin, menthol, or artificial dyes such as Red 33.

4. Environmental and Hormone Disruptors

You might find ingredients like phthalates and petroleum derivatives in some lipsticks. These are known as "endocrine disruptors." They can interfere with how your hormones work, especially if you use these products regularly over many years.

So, What Can You Do?

Don't worry, you don't have to give up lipstick! But you can make smarter choices:

Read your labels: Try to avoid lipsticks with very vague ingredient lists.

Go natural: Look for brands that are certified organic or labelled as "toxin-free."

Always remove it: Take off your lipstick before going to bed.Keep them healthy: Hydrate and gently exfoliate your lips regularly to keep them naturally healthy.