In a note sent to Lusa News agency on Monday, DECO says it has tested seven red lipsticks and found mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in three of them (Avril, Kiko and Mac brands).

Deco explains that one of these red lipsticks, made by Avril, "is certified by Ecocert as a 'natural' and 'biological' product" and on the label informs that it does not use oil derivatives.

It also detected in the Kiko and Mac lipsticks quantities higher than those considered safe of components of mineral oils derived from petroleum (MOSH and POSH).

In the case of Kiko's red lipstick, Deco stresses that it "does not comply with the recommendations of the industry itself (Cosmetics Europe)".

The red lipsticks analysed in this study covered Avril Le Rouge Hollywood 598, Mac Retro Matte Ruby Woo 707 and Kiko Kikoid Velvet Passion 05 Burgundy.

On a red lipstick of the Maybelline brand, Deco says it has detected "acceptable levels of these substances", but nevertheless stresses that it "contributes to the cocktail effect, i.e. to the overall exposure to them".

Traces of lead were found in all the lipsticks analysed, "although at levels below the technically avoidable limit".

"We reported the conclusions to Infarmed, the body responsible for controlling cosmetics. Although the quantities of substances of concern are lower than those detected in other lipstick tests we have carried out, they are still a cause for concern”.

MOSH, POSH and MOAH are mineral oil components derived from petroleum. Mineral oils are used in cosmetic products, among others, as softeners, skin protectors and viscosity regulators.

Despite their usefulness, these components "raise concerns when used in lipsticks", says Deco, underlining: "The same goes for contaminants such as heavy metals".

"Ingestion, which is a real scenario in the case of lipsticks, can involve the risk of genetic mutations and tumours”.

"The test results apply to the products indicated, not to the entire lipstick range of the brands. The dyes vary with the shade of the lipstick, so the concentrations of the substances being tested for, particularly lead, may vary. Therefore, we cannot advise or advise against other lipsticks of the same brand".