What's that shade you're wearing?
In
the United States, the use of color additives is strictly
regulated. A number of color additives approved for
cosmetic use in general are not approved for use in
the area of the eye. An import
alert for cosmetics containing illegal colors lists
several eye cosmetics.
Keep away from kohl -- and keep kohl away from
kids!
One
color additive of particular concern is kohl. Also known
as al-kahl, kajal, or surma, kohl is used in some parts
of the world to enhance the appearance of the eyes,
but is unapproved for cosmetic use in the United States.
Kohl consists of salts of heavy metals, such as antimony
and lead. It may be tempting to think that because kohl
has been used traditionally as an eye cosmetic in some
parts of the world, it must be safe. However, there
have been reports linking the use of kohl to lead poisoning
in children.*
Some
eye cosmetics may be labeled with the word "kohl"
only to indicate the shade, not because they contain
true kohl. If the product is properly labeled, you can
check to see whether the color additives declared on
the label are in FDA's list of color
additives approved for use in cosmetics, then make
sure they are listed as approved for use in the area
of the eye.
Dying
to dye your lashes?
Permanent
eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to
cause serious eye injuries, including blindness. There
are no color additives approved by FDA for permanent
dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows. FDA has
an
Import Alert in effect for eyelash and eyebrow dyes
containing coal tar colors. For more information
on this subject, see Eyelash
Dyes and FDA
Warns Against Use of "Permanent" Eyelash/Eyebrow
Dyes and Tints.
Safety
Checklist
- If
you use eye cosmetics, FDA urges you to follow these
safety tips:
-
If any eye cosmetic causes irritation, stop using
it immediately. If irritation persists, see a doctor.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make
sure that any instrument you place in the eye area
is clean.
- Don't
share your cosmetics. Another person's bacteria may
be hazardous to you.
- Don't
allow cosmetics to become covered with dust or contaminated
with dirt or soil. Keep containers clean.
- Don't
use old containers of eye cosmetics. Discard mascara
three months after purchase.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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