Ensuring the Safe Usage of Eye Cosmetics - The Basics

Utilizing eye cosmetics correctly generally ensures their safety. However, always remain vigilant about the potential for infection, harm from applicators, and the risks associated with unauthorized color additives.

Stay Clean and Hygienic!

When you first buy eye makeup, they're usually harmless. But, improper usage can lead to bacterial or fungal contamination, causing potentially severe infections and even temporary or permanent vision loss. Follow the safety guidelines below to keep your eye cosmetics infection-free.

Check even new eye cosmetics for potential microbial contamination. The United States FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has an Import Alert in place for certain cosmetics, like eye makeup, tainted with dangerous microbes.

Don't Share, Don't Swap!

Sharing or swapping eye cosmetics, even with your closest friends, poses a risk of introducing harmful germs to your eyes. 

"Testers" at retail stores, and used by many people, can be hotspots for contamination. If you want to test cosmetics at a store, such as eye liner, ensure the use of single-use applicators like clean cotton swabs.

Make sure to clean Reusable Makeup Swabs between each use!

Stay Steady!

Applying makeup in a moving vehicle may seem efficient, but PLEASE resist that temptation. A sudden jolt or crash could result in accidental injury to your eye from a mascara wand or other applicator. Even a minor scratch can lead to a severe infection.

Check out our NaturaLush Dual Tip Eye Definer Pen! It comes in multiple colors!

Know What's Inside!

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act mandates that all eye cosmetics sold to consumers must include a list of ingredients. Use this to avoid certain ingredients and compare brands.

If a product lacks an ingredient list, it's considered misbranded and illegal in interstate commerce. Smaller packages in compartmented displays often provide ingredient lists on tear-off sheets. If you can't find the information, ask the store manager or the manufacturer.

Understand Your Colors!

The U.S. strictly regulates color additives. Not all color additives approved for general cosmetic use are safe for the eyes. There's an import alert for cosmetics with illegal colors, including some eye cosmetics. Clinical studies have indicated adverse reactions, such as inflammation around the eye, irritation, and in some instances, serious, medical complications.

Avoid Kohl, and Keep it Away from Kids!

Speaking of unhealthy... Kohl. Also known as al-kahl, kajal, or surma, Kohl enhances the appearance of the eyes in some cultures by giving the appearance of black eyes. But, it's not approved for cosmetic use in the U.S. due to its heavy metal salts like antimony and lead. It has been linked to high lead levels, resulting in the possible lead poisoning of children.

Kohl imports are withheld for three main reasons: 

• It includes an unsafe color additive.
• The product has false "FDA Approved" labeling.
• The ingredient declaration is missing.

If a cosmetic product mentions "kohl" only for color and is correctly labeled, verify the color additives on the FDA's list of approved additives for cosmetics and check that they're safe for use around the eyes.

Try our FDA approved Eye Shadow Palette - Dark Storm instead!

Not your color? Check out our wide range of Eye Shadows & Products.

Thinking About Dyeing Your Eyelashes?

Protect your brow hairs! Permanent eyelash and color eyebrow tints and dyes can cause severe eye injuries, even blindness. The FDA approves silver nitrate as a colorant in cosmetics, exclusively for professional use, specifically for tinting eyebrows and eyelashes. 

Check out our NaturaLush Brow Soap!

These products shouldn't be used on individuals under 16 or applied for longer than one minute. Also, they shouldn't be distributed or sold directly to consumers. An FDA Import Alert is currently in effect for eyebrow and eyelash dyes that contain coal tar colors. For additional information and guidance, we recommend you consult a brow expert!

Try our NaturaLush Eyebrow Gel instead!

Considering Fake Eyelashes or Extensions?

False eyelashes, extensions, and their adhesives are categorized as cosmetic products by the FDA. This means they must meet the safety and labeling requirements for cosmetics. The eyelids are sensitive, and adhesive can cause allergic reactions, irritation, or other injuries. Always check the ingredients before using these adhesives.

Have You Had a Bad Reaction?

If you have a negative reaction to eye cosmetics, consult your healthcare provider immediately. Make sure to bring the label that shows cosmetic ingredients! The FDA also encourages customers to report any adverse reactions to cosmetics.

Follow the FDA's safety guidelines if you use eye cosmetics:

• Stop using the product immediately if it causes irritation. Consult a doctor if irritation continues.
• Don't apply eye makeup if you have an eye infection or inflammation. Wait until it's healed, and discard any cosmetics used during the infection.
• Always wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics to prevent bacterial infections.
• Keep your tools clean.
• Don't share your cosmetics.
• Keep containers clean to prevent dust or soil contamination.
• Discard old containers of eye cosmetics. Most manufacturers suggest throwing away mascara between two to four months after purchase.
• Dispose of dried-out mascara and don't moisten it with saliva or water. This could introduce bacteria and weaken the preservative intended to prevent microbial growth.
• Avoid storing cosmetics in conditions exceeding 85 degrees F. Cosmetics left in warm vehicles, for instance, are more prone to preservative degradation.
• Be careful while applying or removing eye cosmetics to avoid injury. Don't apply or remove eye cosmetics in a moving vehicle.
• Only use cosmetics specifically formulated for eye application. Don't use a lip liner as an eyeliner, as it can expose your eyes to mouth bacteria or color additives not approved for use in the eye area.
• Avoid using color additives not approved for use around the eyes, like "permanent" eyelash dyes and kohl. Keep kohl out of reach of children, as it's associated with lead poisoning.

References are available upon request. All content is sourced, cited, and vetted by the FDA.