Lime Crime: Too Much Drama Fo’ Yo’ Mama!
If you’ve ever wondered why I’ve never reviewed indie cosmetics brand Lime Crime on VBR, it’s because their name and reputation reeks of DRAMA, big-time. The brand has managed to lose their credibility over the years, especially within the vegan community.
Doe Deere, Lime Crime founder, definitely has a ruthless entrepreneurial fire (I’ll give her that, sort of), but she certainly seems to be lacking in business management finesse. She’s gotten mad flak in the past for priding her label as vegan while actively selling products that contained beeswax and carmine. And if you’re thinking about writing a nasty LC review, prepare for the wrath of DD. Homegirl doesn’t take criticism well. You can read all about Doe Deere’s crazy antics here. ← Whoever updates this Tumblr page certainly is a dedicated individual, right?
With a shaky past, peppered with misinformation and lack of professionalism, this bit of recent news makes ya wonder WTF is up with this company? Like, f’reals!
The FDA recently sent Lime Crime a letter citing that their Velvetines Liquid Matte lipsticks contain color additives ferric ferrocyanide and ultramarines, both of which are not FDA-approved for use on the lips. You can read the FDA’s letter in its entirety here.
The company claims that it was simply a labeling error. Their response, which was posted on their website, is below.
(LIME CRIME’S RESPONSE TO FDA WARNING LETTER)
Lime Crime received a warning letter from FDA in reference to the cosmetic pigments Ultramarines and Ferric Ferrocyanide printed on the Velvetines box. The letter was a request for clarification as to whether those ingredients are in the product, and the FDA does not claim to have tested the products for the presence of these ingredients in the formula. In fact, those ingredients are not in Lime Crime’s Velvetines products.
Lime Crime has been in active communication with the FDA regarding the letter. As per FDA, Lime Crime is complying with the request to provide documentation that these ingredients are not part of the Velvetines formula. We are confident that once FDA reviews the proof, they will understand that it’s simply a labeling error and consider the case resolved.
Ultramarines and Ferric Ferrocyanide are commonly used ingredients which appear in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products, including eyeshadow, face & skin products, and soaps. They are approved for lipstick use in Europe, but not in the U.S.
Whatchall think about this and Lime Crime in general? Love, hate, forgive and forget?
Btw, if you’re freaked out and wanna swap out your Velvetines STAT for some other colorful, non-traditional lippies, I def recommend checking out Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Jeffree Star, and ColourPop Cosmetics, just to name a few. xx
About Sunny (Sunny's Profile)
Longtime vegan, hardcore compassionate beauty junkie, serious cake aficionado, and lover of all things floofy and sparkly! If there's something in particular you'd like me to review, drop me a line at Sunny@VeganBeautyReview.com. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Google +.Filed in: Vegan Beauty • vegan makeup
