Impact of Eye Cosmetics on the Eye, Adnexa, and Ocular Surface

Abstract

Despite the fact that cosmetic products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for human use, some users report mild discomfort following their application. The cutaneous changes, such as allergic dermatitis, are well reported, but the ocular changes associated with eye cosmetic use are less so. Some pigmented cosmetic products may accumulate within the lacrimal system and conjunctivae over many years of use, but immediate reports of eye discomfort after application are most common. Changes to the tear film and its stability may occur shortly after application, and contact lens wearers can also be affected by lens spoliation from cosmetic products. Additionally, creams used in the prevention of skin aging are often applied around the eyes, and retinoids present in these formulations can have negative effects on meibomian gland function and may be a contributing factor to dry eye disease. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the impact of cosmetic products on the eye, ocular surface, and tear film.

Investigating the effect of eye cosmetics on the tear film: current insights

“…The migration of externally applied eye cosmetics onto the ocular surface has been consistently reported 6,7,11,12,14. There have been numerous anecdotal accounts of tear film contamination with eye cosmetic products during routine slit lamp examination 6,12.…”

“…There have been numerous anecdotal accounts of tear film contamination with eye cosmetic products during routine slit lamp examination 6,12. Prospective studies have confirmed that tear film contamination can result from passive and inadvertent migration of periocular cosmetic products across the eyelid margin, in addition to poor application techniques, direct accidental ocular instillation, and eye rubbing 6,11.…”

“…There have been numerous anecdotal accounts of tear film contamination with eye cosmetic products during routine slit lamp examination 6,12. Prospective studies have confirmed that tear film contamination can result from passive and inadvertent migration of periocular cosmetic products across the eyelid margin, in addition to poor application techniques, direct accidental ocular instillation, and eye rubbing 6,11. Furthermore, this phenomenon is also thought to contribute toward some of the reported adverse effects associated with eye cosmetic wear, including posterior blepharitis, ocular surface irritation, tear film instability, conjunctival pigmentation, corneal epithelium inflammation, and keratitis 2,7,16–19…”

“…In addition to religious, cultural, and medicinal purposes,1,2 eye cosmetics are also commonly used to enhance perceived attractiveness and beauty 3–5. This is associated with profound psychosocial impacts, and many women report using cosmetic products to improve self-confidence 4,6. Market research from the United States and United Kingdom suggests that a large proportion of women use facial and eye cosmetics,4,6 with mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow being among the most commonly applied products 4,6,7…”

“…In contrast, there has been little published literature on the long-term ocular effects of Western eye cosmetic formulations until recent decades,4 although the cosmetic industry is subjected to stringent regulation and rigorous safety assessments 4,6,7. Nevertheless, recent clinical evidence has demonstrated the migration of externally applied cosmetic material across the eyelid margin,11,12 and this is thought to predispose eye cosmetic wearers toward tear film instability and dry eye development 6,7,13–15…”