Women In Optometry: What Are Eye-Safe Cosmetics?

The search to enhance beauty with eye makeup began thousands of years ago and continues today with unrelenting passion. This makeup includes quite an array of cosmetics, such as concealers, conditioners, creams, extensions, eyeliners, foundations, glues, mascaras, primers, removers, serums, shadows and toners.

However, there is a dark side to these cosmetic products. A number of ingredients in mainstream cosmetics and skincare may act as endocrine disruptors, irritants, allergens, immunosuppressants, carcinogens, mutagens, toxins and tumor promoters and may significantly damage the ocular surface and eyelid.

Eye-safe cosmetics and skincare are specially formulated products designed to be safe for application around the sensitive eye area. They are typically fragrance-free, preservative-limited and devoid of adverse agents like benzalkonium chloride, formaldehyde-releasing compounds, chlorphenesin, parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, retinoids and tea tree oil.

These products should be subjected to clinical testing to ensure that they don’t harm the ocular surface or delicate periocular skin. Testing helps ensure that they ideal for individuals with sensitive eyes, dry eyes or those who wear contact lenses. Eye-safe cosmetics can include eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras and skincare products specifically developed to support and not disrupt eye health, ultimately helping users maintain comfort and well-being. Beauty does not have to hurt.