Care of the Eyes

Natalia
Jul 25
5 min read

Updated: Aug 4

The eyes are commonly viewed as the windows to the soul and a vital communication tool. Centrally situated on the face, the eyes often attract significant attention in conversations about cosmetic enhancements. The COVID-19 pandemic has further heightened this focus, as they are the sole facial feature visible while masks are in use. The unique anatomy of the periorbital region makes it the initial area to be noticed and affected by observers.

A youthful face typically features full eyebrows and skin that exhibits both volume and elasticity. Moreover, the integrity of the tear film is essential for aesthetic considerations. Care of the eyes and what products are used, is therefore, very important.

The Purkinje (basically, cells that help the brain see) images reflected in a healthy tear film contribute to the formation of visually appealing reflections. The images we observe significantly influence our perception of the eye, commonly described as having a “sparkle”. Disruption of the tear film due to ocular surface disorders can lead to a reduction in this perceived “sparkle”.

One of the most important components to having a healthy tear film is cilia or eyelashes. Eyelashes serve multiple protective functions for the eye. They initiate a reflexive response to potential threats, shield the eye from airborne particles due to their curved structure, assist in retaining moisture by reducing airflow, filter sunlight, and contribute to aesthetic appeal. Each eyelid typically features 2 to 3 rows of lashes. The upper eyelashes are generally more numerous, ranging from 100 to 150, and are longer, measuring between 8 and 12 mm, with a characteristic upward curve, in contrast to the lower eyelashes, which number between 50 and 75 and measure 6 to 8 mm in length. One to four eyelashes are lost and replaced daily. The optimal eyelash length equals 0.35 ± 0.15 times the eye width, averaging around 12 mm. Changes in the volume, length (such as with artificial lashes), and curl (as with lash lifting) of natural eyelashes can interfere with their ability to deflect debris and limit tear evaporation.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable reduction in the production and distribution of eye makeup. Also, the way by which consumers acquire their ocular cosmetics has changed. Traditionally, the majority of beauty products were purchased from physical stores; however, there has been a notable shift towards online shops. The influence of social media platforms on the online sales of eye makeup is considerable. However, consumer decisions about eye makeup purchases are not only guided by engaging digital content; they are also significantly affected by the views of close friends and family, along with the impact of celebrities. Overall, it seems that consumers seem to be leaning towards the personal stories of influencers when making choices, rather than relying on the principles of evidence-based medicine.

A study has shown that users generally have a very limited understanding of the materials used in extensions and the adhesives that facilitate their attachment. Their primary focus tends to be on aesthetics, ease of maintenance, and, for a small subset, the cost. Health consequences were not considered; users were primarily interested in achieving a “superstar look” without awareness of the potential toxic and allergic reactions, as well as damage to the ocular surface that these components might cause. So, an increasing public knowledge seems to be a critical step in decreasing cosmetics-related side effects.

Once an eye cosmetic product is opened and used, its sterile (or microbiologically clean) state is immediately compromised due to several factors: repeated contamination from the user, direct contact, tears and mucus, finger contamination, environmental exposure, a warm and moist environment, and breakdown of preservative systems. The direct consequence of this microbiological contamination is the introduction of a non-sterile product into the delicate ocular environment. This poses significant risks of ocular infection, allergic reaction, as well as irritation and inflammation.

To mitigate these risks, the following instructions are recommended: adhere to period-after-opening dates (maximum time to use the product once opened), avoid sharing, apply makeup with clean hands, replace after eye infections, avoid adding water or saliva to the products, store products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and discard products that change in color, odor, or consistency.

A variety of chemicals are utilised in cosmetic products as preservatives. Commonly employed preservatives in the cosmetic industry include benzalkonium chloride (BAK), formaldehyde-releasing agents, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and chlorphenesin. Notably, these compounds mostly pose a risk to the ocular surface structures, even at concentrations that are hundreds of times below the established safety limits for cosmetic products, potentially causing ocular discomfort and various symptoms. BAK serves as the primary preservative. Its detergent-like properties, while effective against microbes, can disrupt the lipid layer of the tear film, leading to increased tear evaporation and dry eye symptoms. BAK has been shown to exert cytotoxic effects on corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells and can contribute to subclinical conjunctival inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia, and goblet cell loss. This disruption of the ocular surface can manifest as discomfort, foreign body sensation, burning, redness, and superficial punctate keratitis. In light of potential toxicity to the eyes, it is crucial for consumers to be more conscious of the ingredients found in cosmetics. However, it appears that relatively few individuals are sufficiently informed or driven to examine cosmetic ingredients.

Some are increasingly cautious about specific health products, particularly in the cosmetics sector. This caution may encourage you to adopt a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, crafting these products independently. A study involved the collection and analysis of recipes of 275 DIY products sourced from blogs and social media. The products included a variety of categories, such as eye makeup, eye makeup removers, eyelash products, and eye contour care items. A review of internet-based recipes indicates a considerable degree of heterogeneity and uncertainty regarding the specified quantities and ingredients. For example, numerous mascara recipes suggest the use of activated charcoal as the black pigment. Unlike other ingredients, some recipes suggest utilising charcoal in the form of tablets or capsules. The various forms available on the market contain differing levels of charcoal. Activated charcoal is sourced from materials that are inherently high in carbon content. The production processes for charcoal do not eliminate the risk of toxic substances, which could adversely affect human health. Consequently, some of these recipes may inadvertently include heavy metals such as cadmium, antimony, tellurium, mercury, thallium, or lead. Given that exposure to heavy metals is associated with several ocular conditions, it is imperative to advise against the use of charcoal-based products unless their quality can be assured prior to use. Also, there are considerable variations in the types of additives utilised to ensure the effective preservation of produced items. Furthermore, the application of antimicrobial preservatives is minimal, if present at all. Finally, after the preparation process, essential physical or chemical parameters, such as pH levels, isotonicity, and sterility, are not checked. Collectively, it seems that DIY formulations designed for application in the eye or surrounding areas are potentially unsafe, and their usage may lead to significant adverse effects.

Despite the popularity of eye makeup, its potential ocular side effects have not received adequate attention. During standard ophthalmic consultations, ophthalmologists often encounter inquiries regarding the side effects associated with eye cosmetics. Generally, these side effects can be divided into three distinct categories: mechanical damage, irritative or toxic responses, and infections. It is strongly advised that individuals refrain from using eye cosmetics if they are currently suffering from ocular surface conditions such as dry eye disease or are scheduled for an ophthalmic procedure in the near future. At present, it appears that consumers are significantly swayed by social media platforms, rather than adhering to the foundations of evidence-based medicine. Therefore, enhancing public awareness is essential to minimize the adverse effects linked with cosmetics.

NOT MY OWN WORK. Taken from:

Cheraqpour, K. Beauty’s Blind Spot: Unmasking the Ocular Side Effects and Concerns of Eye Cosmetics. Cosmetics 2025, 12, 149. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12040149