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How to read Eye Cosmetic ingredient labels and what to avoid
1. Carbon black
Carbon black is a powder found in eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow and eyebrow shadow and has been
linked to cancer and organ system toxicity.
It will show up on the label as carbon black, D & C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black, furnace
black, lamp black and thermal black.
2. Ethanolamine compounds
Ethanolamines is that they can be contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines.
To spot ethanolamines, avoid products that contain ingredients with the letters DEA, TEA and MEA.
3. BAK
Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a preservative found in eyeliner, mascara and makeup remover. BAK is
well documented to be toxic to the epithelial cells of the eyes. These cells keep dust, water and bacteria
out of the eye and provide a smooth surface on the cornea to absorb and distribute oxygen and cell
nutrients from tears to the rest of the cornea.
BAK can be listed under various names including benzalkonium chloride, quaternium-15 or guar
hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.
4. Prime yellow carnauba wax
Used in mascara and eyeliners to stiffen the product and make them waterproof, prime yellow carnauba
wax clogs the oil glands in the eyes and can lead to dry eye disease, which affects 3.2 million women age
50 and older, according to the National Institutes of Health.
5. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Formaldehyde and preservatives that release the chemical are strongly linked to allergic reactions and
cancer. Formaldehyde can be listed as such on the label but it might also be listed as quaternium-15,
DMDM hydantoin and urea.
6. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that are used to prevent the growth of bacteria in makeup products, but
they’re absorbed through the skin and easily transmitted into the bloodstream. They’re also endocrine
disruptors and are linked to reproductive toxicity, early puberty and breast cancer. Parabens can also
make dry eye worse since they prohibit the oil glands that line the eyelid from secreting enough oil.
When reading labels, avoid anything with the suffix-paraben.
7. Aluminum powder
Used to give eye makeup its hue, aluminum powder is both a neurotoxin and has been linked to organ
system toxicity. Makeup labels will list aluminum, LB Pigment 5 or pigment metal.
8. Retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate
Two forms of vitamin A, retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate, have been linked to cancer and reproductive
toxicity. They’re also found in anti-aging face creams and eye creams.
Even if you don’t have dry eye disease, you should avoid vitamin A around the eyes.
There are well-documented studies that show that it will kill the oil glands and once they’re gone, you
can’t rebuild them
9. Heavy metals
Nickel and chrome are two heavy metals found in all types of makeup, especially in green or metallic
shadows, as well as makeup brushes.
Heavy metals are neurotoxins that have been linked to brain damage. Nickel in particular has been
associated with lung cancer and respiratory concerns. What’s more, up to 17 percent of women have a
nickel allergy, which can cause dry, itchy eyelids, a red skin rash and watery blisters.
What’s problematic about these heavy metals is that because they’re often a contaminant of other
products, they may not be listed on the label.
10. Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide is a barrier sunscreen, titanium dioxide is generally considered safe. However recent
evidence shows, when in its nanoparticle powder form it can penetrate the cells, leading to
photocatalysis within the cell, causing DNA damage after exposure to sunlight, potentially leading to
cancer. Titanium dioxide is labeled as such or as TiO2.
Make-up Pearls
1. Never share makeup. Pink eye is not a good look on anyone. We all are covered in
microbes. This is normal, but the germs that grow on your friends' skin may not be the same
as your own, and can cause infections.
2. Toss your mascara every three months, even if you think it's still good. Germs can get into
the tube and grow. Dry or powdered makeup can last up to two years. If you get an infection,
however, throw everything away. Contaminated makeup will keep making you sick.
3. Discard dried-up mascara. Don't add saliva or water to moisten it. The 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.
4. Apply mascara from the midpoint of the lash to the tip, but avoid putting mascara on the base
of the lash (Figure 1). This minimizes contamination and prevents clogged glands. Use
washable mascara to prevent lash breakage and avoid fiberbuilding formulations to prevent
flakes, which can get into the eye and stick to contact lenses.
5. Apply eyeliner above the base of the upper eyelashes and below the base of the lower
lashes, but do not apply it on the eyelid margins. Putting liner and mascara on the eyelid
margins will clog the oil glands and will make the tear film unhealthy, eventually causing
dryness and blurred vision.
6. Avoid unpleasant reactions by using makeups free of preservatives, parabens, mineral oil,
chemical dyes, and fragrances.
7. Keep the glitter on your fingernails, but avoid it on the eyelids. As pretty as it is, glitter
particles can fall into your eye, potentially causing painful abrasions or embed in your tissue.
8. Remove makeup every night and after removing your contact lenses. Makeup removal is
essential to healthy skin and avoiding breakouts. However, you don't want makeup run-off
getting onto your contact lenses.
9. Apply perfumes and hair-sprays before applying your contact lenses. You don't want these
chemicals sticking to or dissolving into your contact lenses. Some aerosolized chemicals can
cause some pretty nasty burns or discomfort when kept in contact with the eye.
10. Apply makeup after the contact lenses are applied. This prevents makeup from getting
trapped under the contact lens.
11. Most Importantly! Wash your hands after applying hairspray and before applying or removing
your lenses, even if they look and feel clean. Any chemicals, dirt, or germs on your fingers
will get into your eyes. Be aware that there are bacteria on your hands that, if placed in the
eye, could cause infections. Wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics.
12. If any eye cosmetic causes irritation, stop using it immediately. If irritation persists, see a
doctor.
13. Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection or the skin around the eye is
inflamed. Wait until the area is healed. Discard any eye cosmetics you were using when you
got the infection.
14. Make sure that any instrument you place in the eye area is clean.
15. Don't allow cosmetics to become covered with dust or contaminated with dirt or soil. Keep
containers clean.
16. Don't use old containers of eye cosmetics. Manufacturers usually recommend discarding
mascara two to four months after purchase.
17. Don't store cosmetics at temperatures above 85 degrees F. Cosmetics held for long periods
in hot cars, for example, are more susceptible to deterioration of the preservative.
18. When applying or removing eye cosmetics, be careful not to scratch the eyeball or other
sensitive area. Never apply or remove eye cosmetics in a moving vehicle.
19. Don't use any cosmetics near your eyes unless they are intended specifically for that use.
For instance, don't use a lip liner as an eye liner. You may be exposing your eyes to
contamination from your mouth, or to color additives that are not approved for use in the area
of the eye.
20. Avoid color additives that are not approved for use in the area of the eye, such as
"permanent" eyelash tints and kohl. Be especially careful to keep kohl away from children,
since reports have linked it to lead poisoning.