Public warned against fake MAC lipsticks laced with lead

Environmental and public interest group EcoWaste Coalition on Sunday issued a strong warning against purchasing counterfeit cosmetics after discovering 11 fake MAC lipsticks laced with lead.

The group found lipsticks with lead content of up to 3,780 parts per million being sold in DCLA Plaza, Davao City and 999 Shopping Mall in Divisoria, Manila.

The group tested “MAC Zac Posen’” variants, including “Girl About Town” (No. 08); “Embrace Me” (No. 05); “Rudy Woo” (No. 12); and “Kinda Sexy” (No. 14).

These lipsticks were being sold at P45 to P65. Real MAC Zac Posen sell for P1,800.

"Some consumers knowingly pick branded counterfeits like 'MAC' because these are cheaper than the real ones, and also because these are supposedly closer to the original products in terms of quality. But, as our investigation shows, branded fakes can be notoriously toxic," EcoWaste coordinator Thony Dizon said. "These lipsticks, sold by unauthorized retailers at bargain prices, are obviously falsified and substandard."

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2013-24 prohibits the use of lead in cosmetic products, as the substance is toxic and can lead to a host of health problems like anemia, kidney dysfunction, and may even result in death. —ALG, GMA News