Hypoallergenic is just a Buzzword. It can be a misleading label that does not confer any additional safety for use around the eyes.

The term “hypoallergenic” has no FDA backing. In many cases, it is used as marketing tactic to attract consumers. Additionally, the FDA does not require all ingredients to be listed on a product if they are present at a level of 1% or less so potential allergens may not be listed. Consumers can still have problems with products with the hypoallergenic label. 

Consumers and the patients we serve need to understand that there is no guarantee that a cosmetic will not cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, the long list of other cosmetics wear complications is not relayed to the consumer. Dermatologists agree that the label hypoallergenic has very little value. 

 

Be aware that when buying products, such as ‘gentle mascaras’ that promise to give you longer, thicker lashes without any redness, stinging, or itching – Read the ingredients. When reviewing the chemicals used in the formulations, look for hormone disruptors, formaldehyde donors and neurotoxins. Furthermore, recent Harvard research shows that cosmetic preservatives such as formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol, and chlorphenesin are toxic to the human ocular surface. Individuals are causing damage to their eye health with each application of these products.

There are well-known complications for the eyes associated with mainstream beauty ingredients and cosmetics practices.

Bottom Line: Beauty may be skin deep, but health risks are often invisible to the eye, unless you read the fine print. Check out our latest Ingredient Intel below.

EYE MAKEUP NASTIES TO AVOID

- Parabens
- Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde donors
- Tea Tree Oil
- Argirilene
- Phenoxyethanol
- Chlorphenesin
- Retin A
- Isopropyl cloprostenate
- Benzalkonium chloride (BAK)
- Alcohol