Halloween makeup contains toxic chemicals that can cause reduced fertility, kidney disease, heart disease, memory and behavioral problems and high blood pressure.
According to New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, Halloween makeup can lead to unanticipated consequences. He said that such products usually contain harmful ingredients such as cobalt, lead, nickel and chromium.
He said that parents are completely clueless as to what they are putting on their kid's face. When they purchase makeup for their children, they should make sure that it does not say made in China.
In a report released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, all 10 of the face paints they tested contained lead, and 6 of the products contained skin allergens chromium, cobalt and nickel.
Europe and Canada have banned the use of lead in cosmetics; however, the United States has no such regulation.
In addition, the report found that products were labeled with claims like non-toxic, skin friendly and hypoallergenic.
Exposure to lead over a long period of time has been associated with many adverse health effects such as memory and behavioral and problems. Furthermore, it may put individuals at a higher risk of reduced fertility, kidney disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Children's bodies and brains are still developing, therefore, they tend to be at an increased risk of complications than adults.
Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a Boston dermatologist, said that it is very clear that lead is not a good thing to expose kids to, especially for a long period of time. Hirsch said that parents should avoid using face paint for their kid's Halloween costumes.
People can make their own face paint with a base of mild toothpaste or safe, unscented lotion tinted with natural food coloring or foods such as chocolate sauce, avocado, beets, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, Green Mom Guide reported.