European survey on the content of lead in lip products

► 223 lip products were decomposed by a microwave-assisted acid digestion followed by ICP-MS determination of lead. ► Lead content was compared for various product types, shades, brands, production and purchase countries. ► On average, lipsticks contained a statistically higher level of Pb than lip glosses. ► Pb levels were below German and Canadian recommended limits for lead in cosmetics ► No influence of price on lead content found for lip glosses. For lipsticks, it increased in order: price categories III, I and II.