Researchers from the Ecology Center recently tested 31 different types of face paints and makeup that can be used to create outrageous designs on your children’s faces. Scarily enough, every single products was found to contains traces of some sort of metal. More than half of them contained cadmium which is a toxic heavy metal which links to birth defects, cancer and even brain damage.

This is very disturbing as these products are super popular with kids, especially during Halloween. Dress-up can be fun, but it can definitely turn ugly if toxic metals are involved. Children are even more so at risk as their bodies are still growing and their brains are busy developing. This makes them more vulnerable to the toxins.

Not enough testing has been done to determine just how much of the products are absorbed into the skin. However, the fact that it is known that our skin is very highly permeable means that putting the products into our mouths is just as dangerous as putting it onto our skin.

So, the next time you or someone you know wants to go over the top on Halloween, rather avoid commercial makeup by making your own or just simply go without it.