Unregulated Cosmetics and Eye Damage

Introduction:

The human eye is the most sensitive organ in the human body. Eye makeup has become an essential part of makeup for celebrities and makeup enthusiasts. Doing eye makeup regularly alone will not cause damage to the eyes. Irresponsible eye makeup habits can affect eye health. The presence of various toxins like mercury, silver nitrate, and lead causes various eye infections and can cause loss of eyesight. Eye damage can occur from the eyelashes to the eyelids.

What Are the Harmful Contents of Eye Cosmetics?

Cosmetics contain several ingredients, some of which are good and some of which cause damage to eye structures. And at the same time, some ingredients are potentially dangerous. The chemicals present in eye makeup products include

• Carbon black.

• Ethanolamine compounds.

• Benzalkonium chloride.

• Prime yellow carnauba wax.

• Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

• Parabens.

• Aluminum powder.

• Retinyl acetate.

• Heavy metals.

• Titanium dioxide.

How Does Mercury Used Eye Makeup Affect Vision?

• Mercury has been used in cosmetics as a preservative or cleansing product. Mercury is used as a preservative and germ killer to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.

• In cosmetics, inorganic mercury is used in skin-lightening creams and soaps. Organic mercury is used as a preservative in eye cosmetics like mascara and makeup cleaning products. The organic mercury used in eye makeup is called thimerosal (ethyl mercury and phenylmercuric salts).

• In 1974, the FDA banned the use of mercury but not a complete ban. The United States Food and Drug Administration advised the usage of mercury in cosmetics and should be in a very small amount not more than 65 parts per million in the final cosmetic product. The most terrific part is that they did not have to disclose the ingredient and the quantity of mercury used on the product label. This makes it difficult for the customers to know which products are safe.

• High levels of mercury can cause various health complications including loss of vision and damage to the eye.

• Unregulated cosmetic products use a small amount of mercury which acts as a toxin without proper labeling and warning instructions. Beauty products that are salty do not need to get approval and some products with an unsafe amount of mercury are still sold in the market.

• Mercury can cause infection, allergic reactions, neurology problems, renal problems, and skin irritation.

How Is Silver Nitrate Used in Eye Makeup?

• Permanent eyelashes and eyebrow tints can cause serious eye injuries including blindness. FDA had approved the safe use of silver nitrate as a color additive. Cosmetics with silver nitrate are not to be used by persons under the age of 16 and should not be used for more than one minute.

• The eye makeup products with silver nitrate are not intended for direct sale or distribution to customers. The fake eyelashes and extensions use adhesives for proper placement. The adhesives used can cause allergic reactions and injury in the eye area.

How Do Eye Makeups Cause Damage to the Eye?

• The fake eyelashes and extensions use adhesives for proper placement. The adhesives used can cause allergic reactions and injury in the eye area. They also result in vision-threatening allergic reactions.

• Fake eyelashes are used to increase the length of eyelashes resulting in increased debris contact, and tear film is dried.

• The lash boost serums available in the market use prostaglandin or synthetic prostaglandins, which can change eye color, darken eyelids, redness, and be harmful to vital eyelid glands.

• Eye makeup products like Kajal eyeliner are used inside the eye or too close inside to it. The makeup products get deposited in the eye. Many people fail to remove makeup at bedtime and this aggravates the chances of eye infections and eye diseases.

• The eyelid margins contain small glands that secrete tears and keep the eye surface moist and well-lubricated. When applying the makeup the small tear-secreting glands are blocked and make the eye surface dry. The particles present in the eye makeup also destabilize the tear film, causing frequent blinking of the eye due to irritation.

• The cloud of small gland openings of the eye can cause stye and boil on the eyelid. Long-term use of eye makeup can cause conjunctival thickening and subsequent deposition of the particles in the eye.

• Do not apply eye makeup at the point where the eye and eyelid meet. A gland called the Meibomian gland is present. Blockage of the gland causes dryness of the eye.

What Are the Eye Makeup Habits Causing Eye Diseases?

1. Not cleaning the makeup brushes.

2. Sharing mascaras and eyeliners.

3. Not washing hands before applying eye makeup.

4. Using expect makeup products.

5. Wearing makeup to the bed.

6. Improper storage of eye makeup products.

How Do Eye Cosmetics Affect Children?

• Pediatricians recommend that the baby's eyes should be kept free from any application of eye cosmetics. Applying kajal or surma in a baby's eye can cause watery eyes, itchiness, allergies, and infections. The lead present in the suruma can be absorbed through the eye and can cause cosmetic plumbism.

• When the kajal is washed off, during a bath, it can reach the nasolacrimal duct presented as an opening between the eyes and nose. This can block the ductal opening. Prolonging the application of lead-containing cosmetics results in excessive lead storage in the body and affects a child's brain development.

• During the application of surma or Kajal, the dirty fingers can hurt the baby's eye, which causes immediate pain and discomfort, and the baby can even lose vision.

What Are the Common Eye Diseases Associated With Eye Cosmetics?

• Conjunctivitis or pink eye is the most common eye problem. The preservatives used in the eye makeup products cause bacterial infection.

• Corneal abrasion or scratch.

• Allergic reactions

What Are the Tips to Prevent Eye Diseases Associated With Eye Makeup Products?

• The first role is not to share any makeup products because they can pass on bacterial infection.

• Avoid applying eye makeup inside the eye, especially while wearing a contact lens.

• If suffering from any type of eye infection do not apply eye-make-up.

• Do not use makeup products beyond the expiry date.

• Remove makeup at the end of the day, before going to bed, and if the makeup irritates, stop using it.

• Always close the cosmetic products after use.

• Discard dried-up mascara, do not use saliva or water to moisten it.

• Do not store eye makeup products above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Always opt for eco-friendly natural brands of eye makeup.

• Avoid waterproof products since they can lead to dry eyes.

• Use coconut oil, which is gentle, natural, and effective for removing makeup.

• Read labels carefully before starting to use them.

• Get an eye test before starting to use certain products if one has eye symptoms.

Conclusion:

Wearing eye makeup to enhance looks and beautify has become a daily routine of many women. The eye makeup products and the ingredients of the products should be checked properly. If one feels any irritation while using a particular product, discontinue its use. Always give importance to the eyes and vision, rather than wearing heavy eye makeup. Try to avoid using eye makeup inside the eye. Always follow good makeup habits to ensure proper eye health.