Lipstick is a cosmetic product that many people use every day. With so many brands on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are safe, especially more affordable drugstore options like LA Colors. This article will take an in-depth look at LA Colors lipstick ingredients, safety concerns, and quality to help you determine if it is a good option for you.
Introduction to LA Colors Lipstick
LA Colors is a popular makeup brand sold at Dollar General, Family Dollar, and other discount retailers. Their lipsticks typically cost between $1-$3, making them one of the most budget-friendly options on the market. The brand offers a wide selection of lipstick finishes and shades.
Some of the key features of LA Colors lipsticks include:
- Wide range of finishes – matte, satin, glossy, and metallic
- Hundreds of shades and colors
- Most lipsticks priced under $3
- Sold at major discount retailers
- Cruelty-free – not tested on animals
The low price point and easy accessibility makes LA Colors lipstick tempting. But are the ingredients and formulas safe enough for regular use? Let’s take a closer look.
LA Colors Lipstick Ingredients
When evaluating the safety of any cosmetic product, it’s important to look at the ingredients list. Here is an overview of common ingredients found in LA Colors lipsticks:
Emollients
LA Colors lipsticks contain emollients like phenyl trimethicone, caprylyl glycol, and hydrocarbon. Emollients help provide a smooth, creamy texture and application. They also moisturize the lips to prevent drying and cracking. The emollients used in LA Colors lipsticks are considered safe and non-toxic.
Waxes
Beeswax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and microcrystalline wax give the lipstick its sturdy, molded shape and structure. These waxes help the color adhere evenly to lips and are FDA approved for use in cosmetics.
Pigments
Iron oxides, manganese violet, red lake #7, and ultramarines provide rich color. Titanium dioxide adds opacity. These inorganic pigments are considered safe and provide good color payoff.
Preservatives
Preservatives like BHT and phenoxyethanol prevent mold, bacteria, and other microbes from growing. This extends the shelf life and keeps products safe to use. The preservatives used meet industry standards.
Fragrance
Fragrance ingredients help make the lipstick smell nice but don’t serve a functional purpose. LA Colors does not disclose fragrance ingredients since they are considered a trade secret. Fragrance can cause irritation or allergy issues for some.
| Category | Common Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Emollients | Phenyl trimethicone, caprylyl glycol, hydrocarbon |
| Waxes | Beeswax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax |
| Pigments | Iron oxides, manganese violet, red lake #7, ultramarines, titanium dioxide |
| Preservatives | BHT, phenoxyethanol |
| Fragrance | Undisclosed mixture of fragrant ingredients |
Overall, the key ingredients in LA Colors lipstick are quite standard and found in lipsticks across various price points. No overtly harmful or toxic ingredients were identified.
Safety Concerns
While the ingredients seem relatively safe, some specific concerns regarding LA Colors lipstick have been raised:
Leaking cartridges – Some users report the lipstick melting and oozing out of the tubes, especially when left in hot environments like cars. This can create a big mess. While not necessarily unsafe, it indicates some issues with stability.
Skin irritation – A small subset of users experience lip or skin irritation after applying certain shades. This could indicate allergy issues with fragrance ingredients or pigments. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
Inconsistent quality – Reviews mention some shades applying patchy or uneven. Flawed manufacturing can compromise safety by increasing bacteria growth.
China-made ingredients – Ingredients imported from China have come under scrutiny for purity and standards issues in recent years. LA Colors does source some raw materials from China.
High lead content – Lead is a known toxin. Back in 2017, the brand had a recall after an independent study found lead levels over 10 ppm in some shades, surpassing the FDA limit of 5 ppm. They reformulated, but it’s still worth being aware of.
While these are valid issues, they don’t appear to be widespread or affect all products universally. But those with sensitive skin or lips may wish to exercise extra caution with the brand.
LA Colors Lipstick Reviews
With millions of units sold each year, LA Colors lipstick has been tried by countless beauty lovers. Looking at customer reviews can provide helpful insight into real-world performance and safety.
Here is an overview of common feedback on LA Colors lipstick:
Positive Feedback
- Inexpensive, good value for money
- Extensive range of color options
- Good pigmentation and color payoff
- Easy, smooth application for most finishes
- Many shades don’t feel overly drying on lips
Critical Feedback
- Formula feels waxy or greasy on lips
- Doesn’t wear well – fades after a few hours
- Can accentuate lip lines and dry patches
- Strong fake candy scent
- Bulky or flimsy packaging
- Prone to melting and leaking in heat
Overall, the negative feedback seems to focus on cosmetic elegance and performance rather than safety. Dissatisfied customers can likely avoid problems by choosing shades carefully and setting realistic expectations for a $3 lipstick.
How Safe is LA Colors Lipstick?
When weighing all the available information – ingredients, safety issues, and reviews – how safe is LA Colors lipstick? Here is an assessment:
Pigments and waxes – The pigments, waxes, and emollients used appear to meet safety standards for use in lip products. These base ingredients are not likely causes for concern.
Preservatives – The preservative system may not be as robust as high-end brands. This allows more risk of microbial contamination and reduced shelf life.
Fragrance – The undisclosed fragrance ingredients increase risks of irritation and allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Quality control – Inconsistent quality control can lead to issues like patchiness, leakage, and pigment distribution concerns.
Heavy metals – Lead levels have tested above limits in the past prior to reformulation, so third-party testing provides extra assurance today.
Hygiene – Unlike department store makeup counters, drugstores can’t regularly sanitize testers. Shared use increases infection risks.
Considering these factors, LA Colors lipstick from a reputable seller should be safe for most people if used as directed. But those with sensitivities or allergies may wish to exercise caution or look for cleaner lipstick options. Properly storing tubes to avoid melting and not sharing lipsticks also helps reduce risks.
How to Use LA Colors Lipstick Safely
Here are some tips for using LA Colors lipstick in the safest manner possible:
- Perform a patch test on your arm before initial use to check for allergic reaction.
- Make sure lips and skin are healthy, free of cuts, sunburn, or irritation before applying.
- Use clean applicators and never share lipstick with others.
- Avoid purchasing testers that may have been contaminated from many uses.
- Store lipstick properly in temperatures under 80°F to avoid melting.
- Don’t use shades that smell rancid or show signs of mold.
- Stop use if irritation, swelling, or redness develops.
- Throw away lipsticks after 1-2 years as preservatives lose efficacy.
Following basic hygienic practices helps prevent infections and reaction risks when using any lipstick, including LA Colors. Discontinue use of any shades that seem off.
The Verdict
LA Colors lipstick occupies a niche in the market as an ultra-budget choice with a wide selection of colors. The formulas rely on conventional lipstick ingredients that avoid overtly toxic chemicals. For most consumers, LA Colors offers an affordable option that performs reasonably well, albeit with some flaws.
However, the brand’s quality control and stability issues make it a riskier choice for those with sensitivities. And the lack of transparency around fragrance and pigment sources is concerning. Given the modest price though, the lipsticks meet expectations of acceptable safety for many mainstream consumers.
As with any cosmetic, apply a degree of care and caution when using LA Colors lipstick. Seek reviewer feedback on the best performing shades. Avoid sharing lipsticks or using old tubes. Overall, LA Colors lipstick is likely safe for healthy individuals without sensitivities when used properly. But some may prefer to spend a little more for lipsticks with more rigorous safety testing and manufacturing controls.
Conclusion
In summary, LA Colors lipsticks contain mostly conventional ingredients that don’t raise major toxicology flags. Concerns center more around quality control, fragrance allergens, preservative efficacy, and manufacturing oversight. Lead content testing provides some assurance against impurities. While unlikely to be highly hazardous, the brand’s affordability does compromise certain aspects of safety and quality found in premium brands. LA Colors lipstick is suitable and sufficiently safe for most people when used properly, but select individuals may wish to exercise greater caution or opt for pricier lipsticks with greater safety assurances.