Even if you visit your eye doctor for regular checkups, something you do every day could be harmful to your eyes. Applying safe eye makeup is just as important as other steps you take to protect your vision. Your eyes and skin around them can be sensitive to cosmetic ingredients. It's important to choose safe eye makeup products that are non-toxic and won't cause irritation. Every person is different and a product or ingredient that could bother one person may not bother another. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims eye cosmetics are safe when used properly. However, the FDA advises that it's important to be careful about the risk of infection, injury from applicators and the use of unapproved color additives.
Keep It Clean
The biggest key to applying safe eye makeup is to keep it clean. Eye cosmetics are manufactured to be hygienic when you buy them, but some actions allow bacteria to grow inside the products. If this happens, you'll be transferring that bacteria to your eyes and risking infection. To ensure you're applying safe eye makeup, follow these rules:
- Don't share or trade eye makeup. Another person's germs may be hazardous to you.
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Be careful when trying "testers" at retail stores. Ask for a single-use applicator or clean makeup brushes with an alcohol-based hygienic spray cleaner.
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Don't use eye makeup if you have an eye infection or inflammation of skin around your eyes. Discard eye products and makeup brushes you were using when you got the infection.
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Wash hands before applying eye makeup.
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Don't use old eye makeup. Manufacturers recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase.
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Don't add saliva or water to moisten dry mascara. Bacteria from your mouth may grow in the mascara and cause infection. Adding water may introduce bacteria and will dilute the preservative that is intended to protect against microbial growth.
What's Inside?
Regulations require ingredient labels on eye cosmetics. If you are sensitive to certain ingredients, check labels to find out what's inside. If you don't see a label, ask a store associate or manager to provide it. Another key to applying safe eye makeup is to find out whether you are sensitive to or allergic to certain ingredients. This usually happens by trial and error and comparing ingredient labels. The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago points out that all eye cosmetics contain preservatives that retard the growth of bacteria in the makeup. These preservatives protect against infection, but they can sometimes irritate eyes or sensitive skin around the eyes in some people. If you are sensitive to the ingredients in waterproof mascara, try a water-based product instead. Some products labeled "natural" or "hypoallergenic" may work better for those with sensitivities. "Organic" denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. However, USDA requirements for the use of the term "organic" (when it pertains to food) are separate from the laws and regulations that the FDA enforces for cosmetics.
Avoid Color Additives
In the U.S., color additives are strictly regulated and some are not approved for use in eye makeup. Steer clear of kohl which is used in some parts of the world as eyeliner. Kohl is not legal for cosmetic use in the U.S. since it can contain heavy metals (such as lead). Don't be alarmed if you see eyeliners labeled with "kohl" as a shade. This doesn't mean the products contain kohl, but check the ingredients to be sure.
For questions or comments, contact Woodhams Eye Clinic.
