The Impact of Beauty Trends on your Eye Health

Modern beauty practices and trends can unknowingly contribute to eye discomfort and long-term issues. Social media, reality TV, and selfie culture can add fuel to a growing obsession with long eyelashes and dramatic eye makeup but unfortunately, studies have shown that some cosmetic ingredients can:

  • Disrupt the tear film, making eyes feel dry and irritated
  • Block the meibomian glands, reducing oil production and exacerbating dry eye symptoms
  • Introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infections
  • Trigger inflammation of the corneal nerves, leading to eye discomfort

Treatments like eyelash extensions, lash lifts, and semi-permanent makeup applications can also impact eye health. If you frequently experience red, itchy, or watery eyes after applying cosmetics, your beauty products may be to blame.

 

Ingredients to Avoid for Eye Safety

Some of the most common irritants in skincare and cosmetic products include:

  • Alcohol – Can dry out the skin and worsen eye discomfort.
  • Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK) – A preservative linked to ocular toxicity.
  • Parabens – Potential hormone disruptors that may irritate sensitive eyes but also can inhibit meibomian gland cells (think oil production)
  • Phenoxyethanol – A common preservative that can cause mild to severe irritation.
  • Retinol (Vitamin A derivatives) – Often found in anti-aging products, it can make the skin around the eyes more sensitive and dry.
  • Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Donors – Used as preservatives, they can cause irritation and long-term eye damage.
  • Isopropyl Cloprostenate – Found in some lash growth serums, it mimics prostaglandins and may cause redness, eyelid discoloration, irritation, and fat loss around the eyes.
  • Sodium Laureth Sulfates - can strip meibum (the oil that helps stabilise your tears), causing drier eyes.
  • Wax and Pine Tar Derivatives - found in some mascaras and eyeliners, but can block glands in the eyelids causing blepharitis and making the eyes feel drier.

 

Best Practices for Safe Makeup Use

  • Remove Makeup & Cleanse Your Eyelids Daily: Makeup debris and oil buildup can clog the meibomian glands, leading to irritation and worsening dry eye symptoms.
  • Avoid Applying Eyeliner on the Waterline: This can block oil glands and disrupt your tear film, increasing the risk of dry eye disease.
  • Replace Eye Makeup Every 1-3 Months: Old makeup harbors bacteria, increasing the risk of infections and inflammation.
  • Consider Daily Disposable Contact Lenses: If you wear contacts and use makeup frequently, daily lenses can reduce irritation and bacterial exposure.
  • Use a Heated Eye Compress Regularly: Studies show that warm compresses can improve meibomian gland function and increase comfortable wear time for contact lens users by up to three hours.

 

Final Thoughts

These links between cosmetics and eye health are one of the founding principles of why we started sourcing better products. Your eyes deserve just as much care as the rest of your skin. By choosing safer products, practising good hygiene, and being mindful of ingredients, you can enjoy your beauty routine without compromising your eye health.

If you experience frequent eye irritation, discomfort, or dryness, consider making small changes to your beauty regimen—and consult an eye care professional for personalized advice.

Back to blog