The ingredients used to make pink cosmetics can have questionable effects on your body’s health. When creating Hello Beautiful Lipstick, I decided not to create pink lipstick. Here’s why.

Up Close and Pink: The Main Chemical Pink Lipstick 


The color pink in cosmetics is usually created by combining titanium dioxide and red iron oxides and sometimes micas. Titanium dioxide, a white chemical powder, is a potential carcinogenic when inhaled, while micas can cause skin irritation. What’s more, due to new developments in technology, companies can break down titanium dioxide into smaller sizes called "nano-size" creating nanoparticles. Due to their small size, nanoparticles have been proven to be toxic to human tissue and cells when inhaled (CSFC).

There is also concern with the possibility of nano-sized titanium dioxide being absorbed into our skin.
Up Close and Pink: Micas
Micas are often used in lipstick to add a glittery shine. The shine comes from the mica particles reflecting off the light.  Although mica is a “natural occurring mineral formulation, its microscopic glittery flakes can contain toxic metals like lead, manganese, chromium, and aluminum" (New York Times).

What Makes Pink Lipstick Less Safe 
Pink lipsticks can have an increased amount of titanium dioxide and micas in their formulation in order to create a pink color. Titanium dioxide is added to red iron oxides to lighten the color. Iron oxides are natural pigments that occur in nature. However, the pigments formed in nature can contain traces of harmful metals. That’s why most iron oxides are created and tested for safety in scientific laboratories. Lab created iron oxides are labeled as “lip safe” and “FDA approved.”

Consequently, it is increased amount of titanium dioxide and micas in pink lipstick that may cause it be a health risk.

These are the reasons I decided against making pink lipstick for Hello Beautiful Lipstick. Why have titanium dioxide and micas in your lipstick if you can have natural red lipstick without it?

If you want a nude look, try applying a lighter coating of Coral Hello Beautiful! Lipstick for a natural look. The addition of organic ingredients to our lipstick soothes and nourishes your skin without all those icky chemicals.

Sources: Is There Danger Lurking in Your Lipstick

"Nanotechnology." Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Safe Cosmetics Action Network, 1 Jan. 2011. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. <http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=307>.

M, Roller. "Carcinogenicity of Inhaled Nanoparticles." PubMed (2009). US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19558247>.