Is Your Eye Makeup Remover Safe?

- Private group -
Tue, 09/16/2014 - 7:45am

Article from Essilor of America

http://news.essilorusa.com/stories/detail/is-your-eye-makeup-remover-safe

It’s common knowledge that the right amount of eye makeup is the perfect way to play up your peepers, but what happens when you take your makeup off? There are plenty of products specifically created to remove eye makeup, but are the ingredients safe? Is it better to just scrub off eye makeup with a wash cloth and warm water? Or is that even more damaging to the delicate skin around the eyes? Find out the best way to get your makeup off without compromising the health of your eyes.

Check the Ingredients
No matter how much a product boasts about its “organic ingredients” or “doctor-approved formula,” it’s always a good idea to check the ingredient list yourself. Be on the lookout for these common ingredients and their harmful side effects.

  • Mineral Oil - Due to its ability to remove grease, Mineral Oil is often used in makeup removers. But when Mineral Oil coats the skin it hinders the skin’s ability to breathe and can lead to break outs.
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – While Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is an excellent cleansing agent, it can also irritate the skin and eyes.
  • Diazolidinyl Urea – This antimicrobial preservative is found in several cosmetic and skin care products but can cause allergic reactions in some people. If someone is allergic to Diazolidinyl Urea, they will experience red, swollen, itchy skin where the product was used.  Diazolidinyl Urea can also irritate the eyes if it is applied too closely.

Safest Removal Methods
Just because you have the right ingredients doesn’t mean your eye makeup remover is safe. The removal process is just as important, when it comes to keeping your eyes safe and healthy.

Instead of using cheap cotton balls, use a sturdy cotton pad or soft cloth to remove makeup. Cheap cotton balls aren’t made of 100% cotton and can be too rough on the skin. Since the skin around your eyes is so thin, it can easily tear when eye makeup isn’t removed with care.

To keep eye makeup from getting in the eyes, gently wipe the eyelid with downward strokes and then wipe across the lash line. This will keep eye makeup and remover from getting in the eyes and blocking the tear ducts. The meibomian glands are also susceptible to blockage by makeup, since they line the eyelids. These glands are responsible for producing oils that keep tears from evaporating too quickly. If the tear ducts and/or meibomian glands are blocked, it can lead to several problems including dry eye syndrome.

If you are still feeling unsure about the risks associated with eye makeup remover, check out the FDA’s guidelines for cosmetics and ask your eye doctor about the safest ways to remove eye makeup during your next eye exam.