Is Your Eye Makeup Causing Infections? (Ophthalmologist Explains)

An eye is a jewel of our body. But do we really take care of it, the way we should? During festivals, we use makeup, which can sometimes be harsh on our skin and even damage our eyes.

As an ophthalmologist in Hinjawadi, Pune, I frequently see patients who develop allergies or skin infections after the festive season, often due to eye makeup.

To help you take care of your eyes during festive seasons and use eye makeup safely, I am writing this blog.

When "Just Irritation" Becomes Something More

Many of my patients come to me saying, “Doctor, it’s just a little redness,” or “My eyes are slightly itchy, it will go away.” But what starts as minor discomfort can sometimes signal a more serious problem.

The delicate skin around our eyes is thinner than the rest of our face – almost 10 times thinner! This makes it extremely sensitive to the chemicals present in makeup products.

When we apply kajal, eyeliner, mascara, or eyeshadow, we’re introducing foreign substances very close to one of our body’s most sensitive organs.

Common Eye Makeup Reactions I See in My Clinic

Let me share what I commonly observe in patients who come to our clinic in Hinjawadi:

Contact Dermatitis:

This appears as red, itchy, and sometimes swollen eyelids. It happens when your skin reacts to ingredients in makeup products. The eyelids may become dry, flaky, or even develop small bumps.

Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Your eyes become red, watery, and itchy. You might feel a burning sensation. This occurs when allergens from makeup enter your eyes, causing the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering your eye) to become inflamed.

Blepharitis:

This is inflammation of the eyelid margins. Makeup residue can clog the tiny oil glands along your eyelid, leading to crusty eyelids, especially in the morning. Your eyes may feel gritty, as if there’s sand in them.

Styes and Chalazion:

These are painful lumps that form on your eyelid when oil glands get blocked by makeup particles. A stye can be quite uncomfortable and may require medical treatment.

Corneal Damage:

This is the most serious concern. Particles from eye makeup, especially glitter or old, contaminated products, can scratch your cornea. This can lead to infections and, in severe cases, affect your vision.

The Hidden Dangers in Your Makeup Bag

What makes eye makeup potentially harmful? Let me explain:

Expired Products: That kajal you’ve been using for two years? It’s a breeding ground for bacteria. Makeup products have a shelf life – typically 3-6 months for liquid products like mascara and eyeliner, and up to 2 years for powder products.
Sharing is NOT Caring: I know it’s tempting to share makeup with friends or family, but this can transfer bacteria and viruses from one person to another. Even the testers at makeup stores can be contaminated.
Sleeping with Makeup: When you sleep without removing eye makeup, it can seep into your eyes, block oil glands, and cause irritation throughout the night. Your eyes need to breathe and recover.
Low-Quality Products: Cheap makeup often contains harmful chemicals, heavy metals like lead, and irritating preservatives. These can cause serious allergic reactions and long-term damage.

Understanding Eye Makeup Ingredients: What to Choose and What to Avoid

As a doctor, I always tell my patients: you wouldn’t put something harmful in your mouth, so why put it near your eyes? Let me help you understand what goes into your makeup products.

Harmful Ingredients to Avoid

When you’re shopping for eye makeup, read the ingredient list carefully. Here are the substances you should avoid:

Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben): These preservatives can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation around the sensitive eye area. They’re commonly found in mascara and liquid eyeliners. (Source: Healthline)
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing Preservatives: Be cautious of ingredients such as quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, and imidazolidinyl urea. These can release formaldehyde, which irritates the eyes and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Source: Environmental Working Group
Fragrance or Parfum: This single word on an ingredient list can represent dozens of different chemicals. Many people are sensitive to fragrances, which can cause burning, redness, allergic eyelid dermatitis, conjunctivitis and watering of the eyes.
Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic can sometimes be found in low-quality kajal and eyeliners. These are particularly dangerous as they can accumulate in your body over time and cause serious health issues. (Source: Wikipedia – Kohl (Cosmetics))
Coal Tar Dyes: Listed as “CI” followed by a number (e.g., CI 75000), these synthetic colours can cause severe allergic reactions. They’re especially problematic in dark-colored eyeliners and mascaras.
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate): While vitamin A is good for your skin in some forms, this particular ingredient near the eyes can increase sensitivity to sunlight and cause irritation.
Talc: Often found in powder eyeshadows, talc particles can easily get into your eyes and cause irritation. If contaminated with asbestos (which has happened in some products), it becomes even more dangerous.
Plastic Microbeads and Large Glitter Particles: These can scratch your cornea if they get into your eye. The scratches, though tiny, can become entry points for bacteria. (Source: AAO.org)

Safe and Eye-Friendly Ingredients to Look For

Now, let me tell you what makes eye makeup safer:

Natural Waxes: Beeswax, carnauba wax, and candelilla wax are gentle bases for eyeliners and mascaras. They’re less likely to cause irritation.
Mineral Pigments: Iron oxides, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide are safe, natural colourants that provide good colour without harsh chemicals.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol): This is a safe, natural preservative that also nourishes the delicate skin around your eyes.
Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient helps keep the eye area hydrated without causing irritation.
Plant-Based Oils: Jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil are gentle and moisturising. They’re good ingredients in eye makeup removers and cream-based products.
Chamomile and Aloe Vera Extracts: These natural ingredients have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit sensitive eye areas.

What Labels Should You Look For?

When you’re at the store, choose products with these certifications or labels:

Ophthalmologist-tested: This means eye doctors have reviewed the product for safety.
Hypoallergenic: Formulated to minimise allergic reactions.
Fragrance-free: No added fragrances that could irritate your eyes.
Non-comedogenic: Won’t clog the oil glands in your eyelids.
Dermatologically tested: Safe for sensitive skin.
Suitable for contact lens wearers: If you wear contact lenses, this label is essential.

Special Note About Kajal

Traditional kajal often contains lead and other harmful substances. In my practice in Hinjawadi, I’ve seen several cases of lead toxicity from using homemade or unregulated kajal products. If you prefer kajal:

Choose brands that specifically mention “lead-free” on the packaging
Look for Kajal certified by regulatory authorities
Avoid kajal with a very dark, intense black colour achieved through coal tar or lead
Never use homemade kajal unless you’re absolutely certain about its ingredients

A Simple Test You Can Do at Home

Here’s a quick test for Kajal: Apply a small amount on the back of your hand. If it leaves a greyish residue that doesn’t wash off easily with water, it likely contains lead or other heavy metals. Safe kajal should wash off more easily.

How to Read Ingredient Lists

Ingredients are listed in order of concentration – the first few ingredients make up most of the product.
If harmful ingredients appear in the first five items, avoid that product
“Active ingredients” are listed separately from “inactive ingredients” – check both sections
When in doubt, search online or consult with your eye doctor about specific ingredients

My Tips for Safe Eye Makeup Use

Here’s what I recommend to all my patients:

Always Remove Makeup Before Going to Bed: Use a gentle, oil-based makeup remover. Follow up with a mild cleanser. Never sleep with eye makeup on – this is non-negotiable for eye health.
Check Expiry Dates: Write the date you opened a product on the product itself. Replace mascara every 3 months, liquid eyeliner every 3-6 months, and kajal every 6-12 months.
Choose Quality Over Cost: Invest in hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested products. Look for labels that say “fragrance-free” and “paraben-free.”
Never Share Eye Makeup: Keep your makeup products personal. Avoid using testers directly on your eyes at stores.
Apply Makeup Carefully: Apply eyeliner and kajal on the outer edge of your eyelid, not on the inner rim (waterline). The waterline is very close to your tear film and can directly contaminate your eyes.
Do a Patch Test: Before using a new product, test it on your inner wrist. Ideally, you should wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
Keep Your Tools Clean: Wash makeup brushes and sponges at least once a week with mild soap and water. Let them dry completely before use.
Remove Contact Lenses First: Always remove your contact lenses before removing makeup to avoid trapping makeup particles between the lens and your eye.

When Should You Visit an Ophthalmologist?

Don’t ignore these warning signs:

Persistent redness lasting more than 2-3 days
Severe itching or burning sensation
Swelling of the eyelids
Discharge from the eyes (yellow or green)
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision or any vision changes
A painful lump on your eyelid
Feeling like something is stuck in your eye

A Message from My Practice

At our clinic in Hinjawadi, we encounter preventable eye problems daily. Many of these could have been avoided with proper eye makeup hygiene and awareness.

Your eyes are precious – they allow you to see the beautiful world around you, recognise your loved ones, and perform your daily tasks.

In festive seasons, look beautiful while staying safe. Choose your eye makeup products wisely, use them correctly, and most importantly, listen to what your eyes are telling you.

No amount of makeup is worth compromising your eye health. If you experience any discomfort or unusual symptoms, don’t wait. Visit an eye specialist promptly.

Stay beautiful, stay safe, and keep your eyes healthy!