This is no longer an "urban legend". The "FDA Analyses of Lead in Lipsticks" mentions some of the brands with the levels of lead from
highest to lowest. Maybelline has 7.19 ppm of lead. The new limit is 10 ppm: http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/productinformation/ucm137224.htm
From CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57377840-10391704/lead-found-in-400-types-of-lipstick-which-has-most/
From The Washington Post: http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-02-14/business/35443991_1_red-lipsticks-campaign-for-safe-cosmetics-fda
According to the W.P. article, 10 ppm is meant to be the limit but they don't say anything about the 7ppm (Maybelline) being cumulative over time. Users probably best stick with the ones at the lower end of the FDA list in my opinion. This ABC news one is quite good too: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2012/12/does-lipstick-contain-lead-gma-tests-lipsticks-and-lip-glosses/
From CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57377840-10391704/lead-found-in-400-types-of-lipstick-which-has-most/
From The Washington Post: http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-02-14/business/35443991_1_red-lipsticks-campaign-for-safe-cosmetics-fda
According to the W.P. article, 10 ppm is meant to be the limit but they don't say anything about the 7ppm (Maybelline) being cumulative over time. Users probably best stick with the ones at the lower end of the FDA list in my opinion. This ABC news one is quite good too: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2012/12/does-lipstick-contain-lead-gma-tests-lipsticks-and-lip-glosses/
