Is Your Child’s Halloween Makeup Tainted with Lead?

Halloween is a magical time for children. Dressing up as their favorite characters, enjoying spooky fun, and indulging in candy make it a highlight of the year. However, while parents enjoy seeing their kids revel in the festivities, the holiday also brings unique safety concerns. From car accidents to tampered candy, the risks are well-known. But many parents may overlook a hidden danger: the Halloween makeup used to create those elaborate costumes.

The Scary Truth About Halloween Face Paints

Many parents choose face paint over masks, thinking it’s safer since masks can obscure vision and increase the risk of accidents. However, Halloween face paints may pose a hidden danger.

A 2009 study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Pretty Scary, tested 10 popular face paints and found all of them contained lead. Six also had other harmful metals like nickel, cobalt, and chromium—known skin allergens. The report revealed chemicals associated with organ toxicity, neurological damage, endocrine disruption, and even carcinogens.

A follow-up study in 2016, Pretty Scary 2, uncovered even more alarming data. Of 187 Halloween face paints marketed to children, nearly half contained heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead—ingredients not even listed on the product labels. Darkly pigmented paints were especially prone to contamination.

Why Face Paint Is Still Unsafe

Despite growing awareness, cosmetic safety regulations in the U.S. remain inadequate. The FDA operates under a 75-year-old law that offers minimal oversight of cosmetics. Unlike food and drugs, cosmetics don’t require pre-market safety testing, and manufacturers don’t have to list all ingredients—especially for products sold online.

The FDA also cannot mandate recalls without court intervention, leaving safety largely in the hands of manufacturers. Unfortunately, this self-regulation has repeatedly failed consumers.

Why Heavy Metals Are a Big Problem

Lead and other heavy metals are especially concerning because no amount of lead exposure is safe, according to the CDC. Lead poisoning can affect every system in the body, causing developmental delays, learning difficulties, fatigue, and more. These effects are particularly severe in children under six, making the hidden presence of lead in face paint a significant risk.

As one expert, Dr. Sharima Rasanayagam, explained: “Parents shouldn’t have to be organic chemists to make safe choices for their family—manufacturers can and should do better.”

Safer Alternatives to Toxic Face Paints

The good news? There are non-toxic alternatives to traditional Halloween face paints. Brands like Elegant Minerals and Natural Earth Paint offer options free from harmful chemicals like parabens, formaldehyde, and heavy metals. Theater makeup is another safer option, as it’s designed for long-term wear and tends to be gentler on the skin.

Before using any new makeup, do a patch test on your child’s arm or behind their ear to check for allergies. If irritation occurs within 24 hours, don’t use the product.

Hurt by a Halloween Product? We Can Help

Toxic face paint isn’t the only hazard parents should be aware of. Flammable costumes, decorative contact lenses, and other Halloween products can also pose risks. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe before reaching consumers.

If your child has been harmed by a Halloween product, our product liability attorneys may be able to help. Contact us for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.