C O L O R C O S M E T I C S FAQ S H E A V Y M E TA L S

W H AT A R E H E A V Y M E TA L S ?

W H AT A R E T H E L I M I T S F O R H E A V Y M E TA L S I N S K I N C A R E AND BE AUT Y PRODUCTS?

A heavy metal is any metal of environmental concern, meaning that acute or long term exposure may lead to

The US FDA has issued some limits for metals as intentional

harm. Heavy metals are found naturally in the earth, and

colorants, but there are no limits for heavy metals as

we’re exposed to them from a variety of sources like air

contaminants. Health Canada has issued limits for cosmetics

pollution, mining and industrial waste in drinking water and

sold in Canada (20 parts per million), and several other

in waterways, and through the food chain. Though small

countries have, as well, though most are considered

amounts of metals (like iron) are actually required for good

“guidance,” not law.

health, the term “heavy metals” is usually meant to imply “toxic heavy metals” since most of them are not good for human health.

A R E O T H E R C O M P A N I E S T E S T I N G F O R H E A V Y M E TA L S ?

The heavy metals that are most dangerous to human health

Cosmetic companies generally do not formulate their

are lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic.

products to minimize heavy metal contamination, nor do they test for heavy metals or declare them on ingredient labels.

W H Y A R E H E A V Y M E TA L S A H E A LT H C O N C E R N ?

Beautycounter sent several color cosmetics from other Many heavy metals have been demonstrated to be harmful

brands that are currently on the market to a lab to be tested

to humans. The metals lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic

for heavy metals. All of the products we sent to the lab

pose some of the biggest risks to health. The effects of heavy

had some heavy metal contamination. The tests found

metal exposure can include lowered IQ, neurological effects,

that products run the gamut; For example, some luxury

cancer, headaches, extreme irritability, and kidney, lung and

brands had no detectable lead and some natural brands had

heart damage. The most likely routes of exposure are through

extremely high levels.

food, drinking water, cigarette smoke, air pollution and the workplace.

Suppliers of color ingredients sometimes offer formulators a certificate that assures that the colorant contains less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of lead or 10ppm heavy metals

H O W D O H E A V Y M E TA L S G E T I N T O M A K E U P ? A R E

across the board. While a promise of 10ppm is better than no

C O M P A N I E S U S I N G T H E M I N T E N T I O N A L LY ?

promise at all, Beautycounter does not feel that this number is low enough. Furthermore, this 10ppm minimum applies

For the most part, cosmetics companies are not intentionally

to just one colorant at a time, and one product typically uses

using heavy metals as ingredients in their products.

multiple colorants. If your product includes ten colorants,

However, heavy metals are frequently found in makeup

this could add up to 100ppm!

because they contaminate the colorants that companies use. Whether those colorants are natural ingredients that come from the earth (where heavy metals are present at random

H OW D O I K N OW I F T H E R E I S L E A D O R OT H E R H E AV Y

and may attach to the intentionally mined ingredients), or

M E TA L S I N M Y M A K E U P ?

whether they are synthetic, heavy metal contamination seems to be common in a wide range of makeup products.

B E AU T YC O U N T E R

Laws do not require that heavy metal contaminants be

C O LOR C OS M E TI C S FAQS 1

C O L O R C O S M E T I C S FAQ S H E A V Y M E TA L S

listed on cosmetic ingredient labels because they are

parts per million, then we know that can be achieved in this

not intentional ingredients. Furthermore, levels are not

industry, so we wouldn’t accept a higher level.

necessarily consistent from batch to batch. Therefore, short of commissioning her own test on each individual product,

The allowable thresholds vary by metal, but in all cases are

a consumer has no way of knowing whether or not her

extremely low — far lower that Health Canada’s limits, or any

cosmetic products are contaminated with heavy metals.

limits that we’ve seen in the cosmetics industry. If a product exceeds our allowable levels, we either reformulate the product, or choose to not proceed with formulation.

W H AT I S B E A U T Y C O U N T E R D O I N G T O L I M I T T H E A M O U N T O F H E A V Y M E TA L S I N I T S P R O D U C T S ? A N O T H E R C O S M E T I C S C O M P A N Y T O L D M E T H AT T H E Y A R E

We send all of our color products to a third party testing facility during formulation while we’re tweaking the product formula, and again at the end of formulation when we approve the product. We then test every production batch of every color — every time we produce it! We test for 12 heavy metals: antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, nickel and selenium. We always strive to achieve undetectable levels of heavy metals in our products. “Undetectable levels” range from 0.5 to 5 parts per million, depending on the metal. Sometimes, “undetectable” is not possible for every metal in every formula; for this reason, we have established very low allowable background levels for each metal.

H O W D O Y O U D E T E R M I N E W H AT I S A N A L L O W A B L E

I N C O M P L I A N C E W I T H F D A R E G U L AT I O N S , O R T H AT T H E Y A R E F R E E O F H E A V Y M E TA L S . A R E T H E Y M A K I N G S A F E R P R O D U C T S T H A N B E AU T YC O U N T E R ?

No. There is virtually no FDA regulation over this industry, and the FDA does not require that cosmetics companies test for or limit the amount of heavy metal contaminants in products. Based on our research and on the results of several independent product tests that we commissioned, Beautycounter believes that no brand using mineral-based or synthetic colorants can in truth guarantee that they have “zero” heavy metals in every product they make. We also have not heard of any other company issuing a voluntary threshold for contamination.

H O W D O I K N O W T H AT B E A U T Y C O U N T E R ’ S C O L O R

B A C K G R O U N D L E V E L O F H E A V Y M E TA L S ?

PRODUCTS ARE SAFE?

Since the FDA has no limits for heavy metal contaminants in

We are not saying that small amounts of heavy metals are

cosmetics, we created our allowable background levels based

“safe.” There is no “safe” level of lead, for instance. But

on:

since Beautycounter is extremely precautionary when it

• Health data showing effects of heavy metals

comes to screening all ingredients for safety and establishing

• Health Canada’s guidance on heavy metals in cosmetics

our allowable background level of heavy metal contaminants,

• FDA’s limit for lead in candy

we believe that our color cosmetics are the safest ones out

• EPA’s drinking water standards

there.

• Cosmetic product tests commissioned by the FDA, consumer health groups, and by Beautycounter. If those tests

The only way to be sure that you are not applying heavy

found, for example, that one metal was often at or below .5

metals to your skin is to refrain from using color cosmetics.

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C O LOR C OS M E TI C S FAQS 2

C O L O R C O S M E T I C S FAQ S H E A V Y M E TA L S

The only way to be sure that your color cosmetics have been tested and carefully evaluated for heavy metals therein is to use Beautycounter. We do not guarantee “zero heavy metals” and we believe that no brand using mineral-based or synthetic colorants can in truth guarantee that. But we can guarantee that we test and evaluate every product to make it as safe as possible.

I NEVER KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE BEFORE. SHOULD I BE C O N C E R N E D F O R M Y H E A LT H ?

Exposure to heavy metals in cosmetics is one piece of a larger environmental health puzzle. Exposures to heavy metals through air, food and water are greater concerns because the metals are directly ingested and inhaled, and because air, food and water (unlike color cosmetics) are not elective! Now that you know about this you can choose to make a more informed decision regarding your cosmetics use, and you can push other companies and government agencies to test for and disclose levels of heavy metals in your community and in your products.

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C O LOR C OS M E TI C S FAQS 3

C O L O R C O S M E T I C S FAQ S EYE DUOS, BLUSH DUOS, AND BRONZERS

W H AT I S S P E C I A L A B O U T C O L O R S H A D E E Y E D U O S , C O L O R S W E E P B L U S H D U O S , A N D C O L O R C O N T O U R M AT T E BRONZERS?

Our challenge was to create color powders that could meet the color, payoff and application standards of Christy

was in Italy. Going forward, we will continue to endeavor to produce our products in the United States whenever possible.

W H Y D O N ’ T T H E C O M P A C T S C O M E W I T H A P P L I C AT O R S INSIDE?

Coleman, Beautycounter’s Head of Creative Design and an accomplished celebrity and fashion makeup artist, while

Instead of adding disposable applicators (which can be lost

also maintaining our extremely high standards for safety. In

or wasted, and cannot deliver the same level of application

developing these products we adhered not only to our usual

performance) we created a full set of high-quality, animal

restriction list of over 1500 ingredients; we also adhered to

hair-free taklon brushes designed specifically for use with

our own, industry-leading heavy metal contamination limits

these powders.

and testing protocols. These powders are unprecedented in their union of performance and safety.

The All Over Eye Brush and Crease Eye Brush are tailored to the size and orientation of the Color Shade Eye Duo. The

W H Y D I D B E AU T YC O U N T E R C H O O S E PA P E R C O M PAC T S?

Our paper compacts are a ref lection of our commitment to environmental responsibility. We did not want to work with traditional stock plastic compacts that are made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or SAN (styrene acrylonitrile resin) because they do not degrade in landfills, and are made with hazardous additives that may leach into water and soil. Rather than using these plastics, we elected to create our

taklon bristle tips were custom crimped to pick up the ideal amount of this formula. The Angled Blush Brush is tailored to the size and orientation of the Color Sweep Blush Duo. The taklon bristle tips were custom crimped to pick up the ideal amount of the Color Sweep Blush Duo or Color Countour Matte Bronzer powder. The Powder Brush can also be used with the Color Contour Matte Bronzer for an all over sunkissed look.

pallets from paper. We are proud of our commitment to avoid harmful ingredients not only in our formulas, but also in our

W H Y D O T H E B LU S H A N D E Y E D U O S H AV E T WO S H A D E S?

packaging. The Eye Duo shades were designed to be complementary; W H Y W E R E T H E P O W D E R S M A N U F A C T U R E D I N I TA LY, INSTE AD OF IN THE US?

We believe in supporting domestic manufacturing, and until now we have produced all of our products in the United States. In the case of powders, we searched long and hard for a manufacturing partner who was willing to work with our ingredient restrictions and our heavy metal testing and requirements, while still delivering the performance that we demanded. In the end, the partner we worked best with

B E AU T YC O U N T E R

they can be used alone, or together for a complete look. The Blush Duo shades, with different levels of sheen, can be worn alone, layered, or blended together for added dimension. The Eye Duos and Blush Duos are “tassello-pressed” adjacent to each other inside one pan in a custom diagonal formation. “Tassello” means “piece” or “part” in Italian; two separate parts, or shades, are pressed together into one seamless duo. This diagonal pressing allows for ergonomic

C O LOR C OS M E TI C S FAQS 4

C O L O R C O S M E T I C S FAQ S EYE DUOS, BLUSH DUOS, AND BRONZERS

application – holding your brush in your right hand, you do

CAN THESE POWDERS BE USED WE T?

not have to shift or to bend your wrist to rub the brush across one side of the pan in a diagonal motion.

We do not recommend using a wet brush or your fingers in your powders, as this could cause the powders to glaze.

HOW DO I CHOOSE MY SHADES?

W I L L T H E C O LO R C O S M E T I C S L I N E B E E X PA N D E D TO I N C L U D E P R O D U C T S L I K E M A S C A R A?

The Color Shade Eye Duos were developed to be the timeless staples that every woman should own. They can all be

Yes. We will continue to build out our product assortment

used on any skin tone or complexion. All of the duos were

over time. We are already working on mascara, cream

carefully curated to blend and complement each other.

blusher, and lip gloss for 2015.

• Pearl is white with a hint of sheen. Champagne is light yellow gold with a hint of sheen. These colors are great on their own, and can also be used as inner eye or upper lid

W I L L B E AU T YC O U N T E R C H A N G E T H E C O LO R PA L L E T E O F THE E YE SHADOWS ON A SE ASONAL BASIS?

highlights in combination with other shades. • Shell is soft pink with a hint of sheen. Malt is a soft,

Yes. We have more Eye Duo shades planned for Spring and

medium brown with a hint of sheen. These are timeless,

Fall 2015, as well as more Color Outline Eyeliner Pencil and

everyday colors.

Lip Sheer colors.

• Oyster is a nude peach. Amethyst is a warm purple, perfect for a soft pop of color. • Fawn is a natural beige with a hint of sheen. Night is a soft

W H Y D O Y O U U S E T I TA N I U M D I O X I D E I N T H E P O W D E R S ? I S

charcoal black – use it for a sophisticated smoky eye.

IT SAFE?

The Color Sweep Blush Duos can all be used on any skin

Yes. Titanium dioxide is mixed with the iron oxide

tone or complexion.

colorants to achieve the desired shades. Full size (that is,

• Bloom is a cool pink with a hint of sheen. Tulip is a soft pink. Combine them for a romantic, feminine blush.

not nanoparticle size) titanium dioxide does not absorb into intact skin.

• Flamingo is a bright coral with a touch of sheen. Apricot is a soft coral. These shades create a lively f lush, and are also

W H Y I S T I TA N I U M D I O X I D E O N C A L I F O R N I A ’ S P R O P 6 5 L I S T ?

great for dark skin. • Tawny is a warm tan with a hint of peach. Whisper is a

Proposition 65 is California’s list of chemicals that may

soft peach with a hint of pink. These shades work together to

cause or be linked to cancer or reproductive harm. Studies

create a subtle, sun-kissed cheek.

based on animal data indicate that exposure to very large quantities of titanium dioxide in powder form, when the

The Color Contour Matte Bronzers come in just two shades,

particles are unbound and smaller than 10 microns (which is

designed for the complete range of skin tones. These matte

about the size of a red blood cell), may be linked to increased

bronzers work not only for bronzing, but also for contouring.

cancer risk.

• No. 01 is matte golden tan, for light and medium skin tones.

However, since titanium dioxide’s introduction to the

• No. 02 is matte terracotta brown, for medium and dark skin

marketplace in the 1920s, there have been no identified

tones. B E AU T YC O U N T E R

C O LOR C OS M E TI C S FAQS 5

C O L O R C O S M E T I C S FAQ S EYE DUOS, BLUSH DUOS, AND BRONZERS

health concerns among consumers or even those working

There is no indication that exposure to small amounts of

in titanium dioxide manufacturing. In fact, no correlation

certified asbestos-free talc would present any health concern.

between worker exposure and increased risk of lung cancer or other lung effects has been found. W H Y D O YO U U S E C A R M I N E?

We are confident in the safety of the titanium dioxide in the Color Shade Eye Duos, Color Sweep Blush Duos and Color

Carmine is a red pigment derived from insects native to

Contour Matte Bronzers because it is bound and pressed and

South America and Mexico. We use this natural colorant

is large particle, (non-nano, and larger than 10 microns),

where it is needed to achieve a vibrant red, since some of the

making it very unlikely that the TiO2 could be inhaled

synthetic red colorants do not pass our ingredient screen.

or absorbed through the skin. To be absolutely confident,

We understand that vegans will not be able to use the color

we commissioned a toxicologist to conduct a thorough

cosmetics that employ carmine.

toxicological review of titanium dioxide as we’re using it in these cosmetic products. Research indicates that exposure to this ingredient through normal use of these powders poses no health threat for the general population.

W H Y D O Y O U U S E TA L C I N T H E P O W D E R S ? I S I T S A F E ?

Talc serves as one of the base ingredients in the powders and contributes to the high performance of the product. Years ago there was concern that talc, which is sourced from the mineral magnesium silicate, may be located near asbestos underground and therefore may be contaminated with asbestos fibers. Most talc manufacturers took steps to reduce or eliminate this concern starting in the 1970s. A 2010 US FDA survey of talc-containing products did not find asbestos, and our independent research has confirmed that this is no longer a concern. We have also obtained certificates of purity from our talc supplier which assures us that there is no detectable asbestos in the talc used in our eyeshadows, blushers or bronzers. Some studies indicate that exposure to talcum powder through genital use of talc-based body powders may be linked to increased ovarian cancer or uterine cancer. While other data indicates that talc is generally safe as used, people might consider using caution with talc containing body powders, or use cornstarch powders instead.

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C O LOR C OS M E TI C S FAQS 6

C O L O R C O S M E T I C S FAQ S LIP SHEERS, LIP SHINE & LIP CONDITIONER

W H AT I S S P E C I A L A B O U T B E A U T Y C O U N T E R ’ S L I P S H E E R S ?

overwhelmed by a color you can always blot your lips to take the shade down a notch. (Remember: Lip Sheers are

Unlike most lip color formulas, Lip Sheers are easy to use,

never meant to overwhelm your look, just enhance it.)

non-sticky or waxy, won’t dry out your lips, and are free from toxic ingredients commonly found in lipsticks and cosmetic products.

W H AT I S L I P S H I N E ? W H AT D O E S I T D O F O R M Y L I P S ?

We wanted to create a non-sticky gloss with extra shine I S L I P S H E E R A L I P S T I C K O R A L I P G L O S S ? W H AT ’ S T H E

designed to deliver light-ref lecting luster to lips while

DIFFERENCE?

conditioning them too. Our Lip Shine can be worn every day, alone or layered over your favorite Lip Sheer for added

Our Lip Sheer is more like a lipstick, without a lipstick feel.

dimension. Plus, it’s scented with vanilla planifolia so it

And unlike a lip gloss, our Lip Sheers don’t have a

feels sophisticated (and never too sweet).

liquid consistency or leave behind super-glossy shine—just a subtle, radiant sheen. We tried to create a product that was easy-to-wear and timeless, with a moisturizing feel. It’s

D O I A P P LY T H E L I P S H I N E B E F O R E O R A F T E R T H E L I P

also long-lasting – these colors have real staying power!

SHEER?

As an added bonus: Our Lip Sheers are also suitable for the

If wearing alone, apply directly to bare lips. To add

face. Translation: You can add a healthy f lush of color to

dimension on top of Lip Sheers (or your favorite lip color

cheeks by dabbing on and blending in.

formula), apply Lip Shine to the bottom lip only, then press your lips together to blend—this adds just the right amount of radiance to lips. Be sure to clean the Lip Shine applicator

HOW MANY SHADES ARE THERE?

after use with other lip formulas.

We first launched our collection in 2013 with six universallyf lattering shades designed to be timeless, evergreen colors:

W H AT I S A L I P C O N D I T I O N E R ?

Petal, Twig, Coral, Rose, Currant, and Plum. A lip conditioner is just like a lip balm — it repairs dry, For Fall-Winter 2014 we are adding two new luxurious

chapped lips and keeps lips moist, smooth, and supple.

shades that are right on trend for the season: Nude, a true

You use it any time your lips need extra moisture. Keep it

nude and the perfect complement to a smoky eye; and Raisin,

with you and apply as needed, particularly when your lips

a warm, brown berry.

are vulnerable to the elements or dry and chapped. We like to use this right before bedtime, too.

HOW CAN I FIND THE BEST LIP SHEER COLOR FOR ME? W H AT I S T H E D I F F E R E N C E B E T W E E N T H E C A L E N D U L A A N D

Each Lip Sheer shade truly can be worn by everyone—we

PEPPERMINT LIP CONDITIONERS?

worked hard to pick the perfect hue within each color. While we always encourage women to go outside their

Both Lip Conditioners is formulated with ingredients like

comfort zone and have a little fun, if you’re feeling

avocado oil, shea butter, meadowfoam seed oil, and

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C O LOR C OS M E TI C S FAQS 7

C O L O R C O S M E T I C S FAQ S LIP SHEERS, LIP SHINE & LIP CONDITIONER

jojoba seed oil, which have intrinsically moisturizing and

W H Y A R E B E AU T YC O U N T E R L I P P R O D U C T S S A F E R T H A N

regenerative properties. The Peppermint version gets its

OTHER PRODUCTS ON THE MARKE T?

cooling, refreshing f lavor from peppermint oil and rosemary leaf oil, and leaves lips feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Other toxic ingredients common in some lip products

The Calendula version gets its subtle f lavor from calendula

include:

and chamomile oils, and is great for soothing chapped, dry

- Heavy metals: Heavy metals are contaminants that tag

or irritated lips.

along with cosmetic colorants, and do not have to be declared on product labels. The FDA and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have both conducted tests demonstrating

CAN I USE THE LIP CONDITIONER WITH LIP SHEERS OR LIP

significant amounts of lead in some popular lipsticks. In

SHINE?

order to ensure that our Lip Sheers do not contain dangerous heavy metals, we conduct testing on every one of our shades

In short: Yes! Our Lip Sheers are formulated to be

before approval and on every production batch. (For more on

moisturizing and easy to apply even without conditioner

heavy metals, see Heavy Metals FAQ.)

underneath, but if your lips are particularly dry, or if you

- BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole): a preservative and

want a little extra volume, the Lip Conditioner layers well

stabilizer that is likely a carcinogen and an endocrine

under the Lip Sheers or the Lip Shine.

disruptor. - Parabens: preservatives that are linked to hormone disruption.

W H AT I S L A N O L I N ?

- Undisclosed “fragrances”: A much-used moniker that may contain dozens of toxic ingredients—including

Beautycounter’s Lip Conditioners contain lanolin, a natural

phthalates and synthetic musks—which are linked to

wax derived from sheep’s wool. Lanolin is boiled out of wool

reproductive and hormone disruption.

that has already been sheared, therefore no sheep are harmed in the production of lanolin. Our product formulators felt that lanolin was the safest ingredient available that would impart the rich hydration and the slip that we were looking for in the Lip Conditioner. Lanolin also has anti-bacterial properties and is a natural water repellent. We use high quality lanolin from sheep in Australia and New Zealand. It has been filtered and contains no unsafe biological material. At Beautycounter, we’re all about full ingredient disclosure. Vegans, people with allergies, or customers with other preferences/concerns can choose to avoid certain products with ingredients that are not right for them.

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C O LOR C OS M E TI C S FAQS 8