by Janet Harriett

Created on: August 08, 2008   Last Updated: August 22, 2008

The average woman ingests about four pounds of lipstick in her lifetime. If that is not reason enough to be concerned about the ingredients in makeup, consider that the reason transdermal patches for nicotine addiction and hormone replacement therapy work is that the skin is an efficient absorber of the chemicals spread on it.

Cosmetics in the U.S. are required to state the ingredients on the label. However, there is little regulation about what those ingredients can be. Even a 2007 study on lead content in lipstick had to rely on the FDA lead limits for candy, since there are no specific lead limits for cosmetics. That study found that 61% of lipsticks tested contained some lead, and a third of the lipsticks tested exceeded the limits for lead in candy.

Lead is far from the only toxic chemical that can be present in makeup.

Phthalates are plasticizers most often present in nail polishes and hairsprays. Though the proof is inconclusive in humans, rodent studies have shown that high levels of phthalates lead to liver damage. Phthalates may be listed as dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), or diethylphthalate (DEP).

1,4 Dioxane is a potential contaminant in some cosmetic and personal care products, and causes eye and respiratory irritation. Because it is a byproduct of the process and not an ingredient, it will likely not be listed on the label. Ingredients such as PEG, polyethylene glycol and polyoxyethylene may indicate a likelihood that 1,4 Dioxane may be in the product.

Fragrances in makeup are not required to be labeled with their components, which may include volatile organic compounds or any number of chemicals. These can even be present in "unscented" products and products not normally associated with a fragrance, to an aroma in the product's other ingredients.

Even innocuous ingredients can be dangerous if they are reduced to nanoparticles. The smaller particle size makes for better makeup coverage, but the health effects of nanoparticles is still largely unknown. Nanoparticles of a compound can act very differently than the larger particles of the same compound.

Short of becoming an amateur chemist to decipher labels, what can a woman do to ensure her makeup bag is not toxic?

Natural and organic makeup is a good place to start. Consider companies with a proven track record of safety and environmental responsibility in their products. Look for those that use organic plant extracts in their products.

Mineral makeup can also be a good choice for a

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