The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] regulates all cosmetics in the United States including mascara, eye shadows, eyeliner, concealers, and eyebrow pencils. The following are tips from the FDA on the safe use of eye cosmetics:
Keep Everything Clean
Dangerous bacteria and fungi can grow in some cosmetic products as well as their containers. Cleanliness can help prevent eye infections. Always wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics be sure that any instrument you placed near your eyes is clean. Be especially careful not to contaminate cosmetics by placing an eyelash wand on a countertop where it can pick up bacteria.
Don’t Moisten Cosmetic Product
Don’t add saliva or water to moisten eye cosmetics. Doing so can introduce bacteria.
Don’t Share or Swap
People can be harmed by others’ germs when they share eye makeup. Keep this in mind when you, come across “testers” at retail stores. If you do sample cosmetics at a store, be sure to use single-use applicators, such as clean cotton swabs.
Use Only Cosmetics Intended for the Eyes on the Eyes
Do not use a lip liner as an eye liner. You may expose the eyes either to contamination from your mouth or to color additives that are not approved for use near the eyes.
Say “No” to KOHL
Also known as al-kahl, kajal, or surma, kohl is used in some parts of the world for enhancing the appearance of the eyes. It contains slats of heavy metals such as lead and is not approved for cosmetic use in the United States.
Don’t Dye Eyelashes and Eyebrows
No color additives are approved by the FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows. Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries.
Avoid Using Eye Cosmetics If You Have an Eye Infection
Discard any eye cosmetics you using when you got the infection. Also, do not use eye cosmetics if the skin around the eye is inflamed.
Don’t Use Old Cosmetics
Manufactures usually recommend discarding mascara 2-4 months after purchase. Discarded dried-up mascara.
Don’t Store Cosmetics the Temperatures Above 85 Degrees Fahrenheit
Preservatives that keep bacteria or fungi from going can lose their effectiveness in cosmetics exposed to high temperature. Beware of cosmetics kept for long periods in hot cars.
*Adopted From FDA’s Consumer Health Information
.
Follow us on Facebook for more tips on health and wellness every week.
.
For information on procedures and wellness, visit our collection of free, downloadable eBooks