The social media world is blowing as some makeup users are wondering whether some higher-end eyeshadow palettes are developing mold. The key for optometrists and office staff is that questions all over social media today may become questions for you tomorrow.
With the passage of The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gained slightly more authority to regulate cosmetics. The law requires that more reporting from cosmetics manufacturers. Companies are also required to provide a list of ingredients to the FDA and substantiate the safety of the products.
But while the internet debates whether that’s mold or a wax bloom, there are steps your patients can and should take today to minimize the chances of infections or irritations from the cosmetics they use near their eyes.
Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, owner of BeSpoke Vision and president of the Intrepid Eye Society, encourages optometrists to initiate the conversation with makeup-wearers. “I always ask how they take their makeup off or whether they have questions about mascara/eyeliner/shadow and whether they use any type of lash serum to grow or thicken their lashes. This questions really help me set up an opportunity to educate.”
TIPS FOR COSMETICS USERS
From false eyelashes to eyeshadows and eyeliners and even facial creams or powders, the eyes often end up in very close proximity to these products. Application, removing and cleaning require extra care to avoid contact with the eyes or bacteria or demodex infections.
Since the social media buzz currently is around eyeshadows, Amy Gallant Sullivan, CEO and founder of Èyes Are The Story and executive director and co-creator of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society, provides these five tips that ODs should be sharing with patients about eyeshadow use.
- Replace eyeshadows every 6-12 months.
- Never share eyeshadows.
- Avoid water-based eyeshadows such as creams and liquids to avoid extra bacterial buildup (and mold!!!!)
- Use clean applicators to apply eyeshadows.
- Clean makeup brushes weekly with an eye-safe facial cleanser and spray with hypochlorous to disinfect.
Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, director of optometry at UC Davis, adds that the environment that cosmetics are stored in is important. Control the humidity, she says. “Keep makeup in a clean and dry location–not in a moldy gym bag.”
ADVICE FOR CONTACT LENS WEARERS
Contact lens wearers should practice stellar hygiene habits when inserting and removing their lenses or touching their eyes. Dr. Barnett says, “I recommend applying contact lenses before putting on makeup and removing contact lenses before taking off makeup. Make sure to remove makeup every night and to replace liquid makeup frequently.”
She adds, “For a patient who is a heavy makeup user, consider prescribing a daily replacement contact lens to ensure they have a clean, healthy lens each day.”
As a last bit of advice, Gallant Sullivan encourages anyone who suspects a makeup product has mold to report it. “if a customer buys a product and there is mold in the product, the brand MUST be contacted and held responsible. Good French cheese can be moldy upon opening, not eye makeup.”
Read related content: What Are Eye-Safe Cosmetics? | Women In Optometry
Read more: TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface
Featured photo credit: Getty Images, Isabel Pavia
