02/08/2023
Especially if you have dry eyes, these are four makeup ingredients you want to avoid as much as possible!
1. BAK (Benzalkonium chloride)
This preservative is commonly found, but it’s toxic to the ocular surface because it destabilizes the lipid layer of our tear film (the part that keeps our tears from evaporating too quickly) and damages the epithelial and goblet cells of the eye.
2. Formaldehyde (quaternium-15)
Formaldehyde is a preservative often used in beauty and skincare products. Still, it is known to kill the meibomian gland and epithelial cells, which promotes meibomian gland dysfunction, a leading cause of dry eyes. There is a high risk of contact dermatitis and other allergic reactions to this chemical, so avoid using it on your or around your eyes at all costs.
3. Parabens
These are often found in cosmetics, lotions and deodorants and have been associated with abnormal hormone function and breast cancer.
4. Phenoxyethanol
Even just a 1% concentration of this chemical can cause urticaria (skin rash), eczema, and other allergic reactions on the skin. Still, it can also cause ocular irritation, stinging and burning of the eyes.
Call or text us today at (208) 322-8439 to see one of our doctors if you are experiencing any itchy, watery, burning, gritty/sandy, red or irritated eyes or the skin around your eyes.