Recently, beauty products infused with probiotics have flooded the shelves of natural health stores, sparking interest in our skin’s microbiome. While the presence of beneficial skin bacteria is certainly significant, we must also consider the harmful microbes that might be hiding in our beauty essentials.
The Prevalence of Cosmetic Contamination
A recent study conducted by Aston University in the UK revealed that between 79 to 90 percent of used cosmetics—such as lipsticks, lip glosses, eyeliners, mascaras, and beauty blenders—were tainted with a range of potentially harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter freundii, among others that can pose significant health threats.
Although many of these microorganisms typically reside on our skin without causing issues, they can become dangerous when they enter the body through skin injuries such as cuts or abrasions. Using contaminated cosmetics on breaks in the skin or areas affected by eczema, athlete’s foot, or burns raises the risk further.
Particular Risks with Eye and Lip Products
Concerns Regarding Eye Products
The United States Food and Drug Administration reports that a significant number of women experience eye infections due to their cosmetics each year, with rare instances leading to temporary or permanent blindness. Insufficient cleaning and infrequent replacement of tools like eyeshadow brushes, mascara wands, and eyeliners can result in accumulations of bacteria, heightening the risk of infection with each application.
Risks Associated with Lip Products
Products like lip glosses and lipsticks carry the additional risk of being ingested, and due to the vulnerability of the mouth area to cracks and sores, there exists a risk of bacteria penetrating deeper into the skin. Thus, avoiding any skin injuries and regularly disposing of older products is crucial in lip care.
Microbial Presence in Makeup Tools
Repeated use of makeup brushes and sponges means they make contact with our skin’s microflora every time they are applied. Beauty sponges, in particular, see significant exposure to both our hands and skin, making regular handwashing and sponge cleaning necessary.
According to the Aston University research, beauty blending sponges—often used for foundation application—exhibited the highest levels of more dangerous bacteria. Alarmingly, 93 percent of these sponges had never been cleaned, and 64 percent had been dropped on the floor yet were still in use.
The Importance of Cleaning
Regularly cleaning beauty tools is vital for skin health. Makeup brushes should be washed weekly with a gentle shampoo, rinsing until the water runs clear, followed by a soak in a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water—vinegar serves as a natural antibacterial agent.
Sponges should be rinsed after each use and replaced every three months. After cleaning, ensure they are thoroughly dried, as lingering moisture can promote microbial growth.
Refresh as Needed
Over time, the efficacy of preservatives in cosmetics declines, allowing for bacterial and fungal growth. Using outdated products can significantly increase the risk of infections. Alarmingly, a recent survey revealed that nearly 98 percent of respondents admitted to using makeup beyond its expiration date, particularly mascara.
Unlike the European Union, Canada does not mandate cosmetic manufacturers to display expiry dates; thus, it is suggested that products be discarded after three to four months post-opening.
This article was originally published in the May 2020 issue of Intomodel Canada
