What Are The Risk Of HIV Infection Through Lipstick?

Posted on Tue, 17 Mar 2015

Question: I purchased a lipstick at Lancôme and I brought it home. This morning when I went to use it, it looked like the surface had been slightly rubbed at the top. I wiped it, then got worried and sprayed it with bleach, took a shower, and when I got out, I rinsed it with water. I used a lip brush on an area that was mostly unmarked from me wiping it on toilet tissue, but I'm still worried. I was in a rush this am, otherwise I would have not used it and just brought it back. I never use testers, but could I be exposed to something under this scenario?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Risk of transmission of HIV through lipstick is negligible.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.

Even if the lip stick purchased by you was used by a HIV positive individual, it would not transmit HIV to you. Even if that individual had sore over her lip, then also the chances of HIV transmission is almost negligible as the organism can not survive outside the body fluids not more than few seconds. So nothing to worry.
Keep yourself active as ever.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (7 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor, I was more concerned about HSV or Mono, etc. I have heard since that lipstick can be a fomite, and I was very nervous. I am now inspecting the lipsticks when I buy them, and putting them in the freezer for a few days to be sure. Please advise me on the potential exposure risk, and if freezing the lipsticks will make them safe to use (and how long I should freeze them).

Many thanks ~

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Mono harmless. HSV transmission unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.

I can understand your concern about the infection like HSV and Mononucleosis.

Both virus are also not viable on dry conditions and susceptible for weak antiseptics like substances present in lipstick chemicals. Moreover HSV is highly friable and can't live over inanimate objects for long.
With regards to Mono, it is normally a harmless condition and remain without symptoms in many of us as we would have acquired in our early childhood. Only when we became immuno-compromised, we have to worry about he same.

You need to worry about HSV only if it had been used within 1-2 minutes in front of you by somebody. Otherwise it would have no risk in using the lipstick used by some body after 5 minutes. So there is no possibility for you acquire both of these conditions through Lip stick even if it had been used by somebody. Just forget about the same and carry on your normal routine.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 minutes later)

Thank you very much Dr. Murugan! I feel completely at ease! The information on the internet was quite confusing, and actually made me more worried.

Have a Great Day ~

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
You are most welcome. If you don't have any more question you can close this conversation. Thank you for your wishes.
Wish you a nice time ahead.
Dr S.Murugan

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar