Recent viral posts claim that “all lipsticks contain toxic cadmium” — but the truth is more nuanced. Research confirms that some lipsticks and lip glosses may contain trace amounts of cadmium, a metal linked to kidney and bone damage and classified as carcinogenic at high exposures.

A 2013 University of California, Berkeley study analyzing 32 popular lipsticks found low but measurable cadmium in several products, alongside other metals such as lead and chromium. These substances can be ingested slowly as wearers swallow small amounts of product each day.

However, experts stress that trace detection does not equal danger. The levels found in most mainstream cosmetics are generally far below doses known to cause harm. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union routinely test and set safety thresholds.

“Finding cadmium in tiny quantities isn’t unexpected — pigments and mineral-based colorants can contain it naturally,” toxicologists explain. “But safety margins are very large compared to everyday use.”

Practical tips for consumers:

• Choose reputable brands that comply with FDA or EU safety standards.

• Avoid extremely cheap or unregulated products, especially those from unknown online vendors.

• If concerned, alternate lip colors and reduce reapplication to limit cumulative ingestion.

Bottom line: Cadmium can appear in some lip products, but levels in regulated markets are typically low and not considered dangerous with normal use. Viral posts often lack this context, overstating the risk. Awareness is good — panic isn’t necessary.