Like many color cosmetics, face paints can contain parabens, phthalates, synthetic colors, fragrances and other potential toxins or allergens — even lead — and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t have the power to regulate them.

Earlier this year 43 Girl Scouts at an event in Ohio were left with red, bumpy rashes after using Shanghai Color Art Stationery Co. Ltd. face paint. This Halloween the FDA is cautioning parents. “Most of these products are completely safe, but there have been reports of adverse events and allergic reactions,” Linda Katz, director of the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Color told USA Today.

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Make sure you are reading all the packaging and choosing safe products to put on your child’s skin. This Halloween, Wal-Mart sold a package of six make-up crayons for $1.00. There are two warnings on the package. One proclaims, “This product contains LEAD”, the other proclaims that they may be a choking hazard for children under 3.

Do they get bonus points for telling us there is lead in the face paint? The bigger question is who in the world would knowingly include a toxic substance in an item marketed toward children? And what kind of corporate responsibility allows their buyers to order such an item and stock it on the shelves? Just one more reason to NOT shop at Wal-Mart.

For an option you know is safe, use the following face paint recipe.

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