Halloween is full of spooky surprises and some of these surprises are more welcomed than others. Goblins, ghosts, and little ones in costumes – we’ll take them! Toxic chemicals, like cadmium and other heavy metals in Halloween makeup and accessories – that’s a creepy surprise we’d all like to avoid.

We recently tested common Halloween makeup that is often used by young children, and posted the results on our website HealthyStuff.org. We found one or more toxic heavy metals in 100% of the 31 Halloween makeup products tested. The study looked for heavy metals, including cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic. Many of the chemicals we detected are potent neurotoxins and carcinogens that can disrupt a child’s development. It’s scary to think about putting these nasty chemicals directly on your face!

HealthyStuff.org researchers purchased the products tested from retailers in southeast Michigan, including Target, Halloween City, Party City, and Spirit Halloween. You can check out each of the individual products tested and our findings by visiting HealthyStuff.org. The Halloween makeup was tested with a High Definition X-Ray Fluorescence (HD XRF) device, which identifies the elemental composition of materials.

The HealthyStuff.org study shows that these Halloween makeup products, which are marketed to children, are universally contaminated with heavy metals. These metals are typically considered impurities and are not subject to the same level of disclosure and regulations as intentionally added ingredients. None of the metals found were listed as ingredients on the products’ labels.

Here are some highlights of the HealthyStuff.org study:
• One in two (52%) of Halloween makeup tested contained detectable levels of cadmium. The highest level of cadmium detected was 455 parts per million
• 100% of the products tested contained chromium
• Other metals detected include: arsenic (29% of the products tested), mercury (13% of the products tested), and lead (3% of the products tested)
• Chemicals may be present at levels lower than the detection limit
• The Halloween makeup products also contain other ingredients that were not tested for, which may be hazardous
• Visit HealthyStuff.org for more details on the findings
• If you’d like to know what chemicals are in your cosmetics, check out the Skin Deep cosmetics database: www.ewg.org/skindeep
• To learn more about safe cosmetics, visit www.SafeCosmetics.org

The problem of dangerous chemicals in common household items, children’s products, and cosmetics has continued to make headlines over the last few years. Much of the fault lands upon outdated, ineffective legislation at the federal level, which is why it’s so important that we take action now. As we advocate for more protective legislation, there are simple things we can do at home to protect our families from dangerous chemicals, particularly those in Halloween makeup. Your family will love making these homemade DIY recipes! Homemade recipes are safe, inexpensive, and a sure way to make your Halloween full of the fun spooky surprises you do want!

Here’s to a happy, healthy Halloween!