“You may be ingesting your makeup without realising it,” warns cosmetologist

Let’s be honest—no one applies lipstick thinking they’ll end up eating it. Yet, over time, we consume more makeup than we realise. Every sip of coffee or bite of food taken while wearing lipstick can transfer small amounts into the mouth. Lipsticks, lip glosses and lip balms are the main contributors, but other face products can also play a role.

Makeup applied to the face can transfer to hands and then to food, utensils or drinks if hands aren’t washed before eating. Fine powder particles from products such as foundation or setting powder may also be inhaled and later swallowed during normal daily activities.

Cosmetologist Dr Gagan Raina, Medical and Clinical Director at Arisia Skin Clinic, tells HT ShopNow that daily use of lipsticks and lip balms can result in the ingestion of about 20–40 milligrams over time. “While most cosmetics are safe when used as directed, they are not designed for regular consumption,” she explains.

Which chemicals are most concerning?

Dr Raina points to long-term, low-level exposure to certain ingredients as a potential concern. “Trace amounts of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and nickel can accumulate in the body over time and may affect the nervous system and hormonal balance,” she says.

She adds that some mineral oils can persist in body tissues, and their long-term health effects are still being studied. Preservatives like parabens and antioxidants such as BHA and BHT are also under research for possible links to hormone disruption and inflammation.

Should you stop using makeup?

According to Dr Raina, regulated cosmetic products usually stay within permissible safety limits. However, repeated ingestion over many years may still pose risks, particularly with unregulated or counterfeit products, where contaminant levels can be unpredictable and unsafe.

That doesn’t mean you need to give up makeup. Simple precautions can reduce unintentional ingestion—washing hands before eating, avoiding frequent reapplication of lip products, and choosing high-quality, trusted brands. Being mindful allows you to enjoy makeup while keeping potential risks in check.