When it comes to buying skincare or cosmetic products, we always check the ingredients list. We want to know what we're putting on our skin, and we want to make sure that it's safe and effective. Ingredients mean everything when it comes to the high maintenance needs of the eyes.
The most common ingredients that people are sensitive to in makeup cleansers include:
Fragrances:
Preservatives:
Dyes:
Alcohol:
<aside> š” If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions to cosmetics, it's important to read the label carefully and choose a cleanser that is free from common irritants or allergens. It may also be helpful to test a small area of skin before using a new product on your face.
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| Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 or Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) | Negative reaction with the meibomian glands. Aggravates/causes dry eye symptoms. |
|---|---|
| Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK) | Preservative, toxic to epithelial and goblet cells, disrupts tear film. Can cause ocular surface irritation and damage. |
| Benzyl Alcohol | |
| Carbon Black | A poorly soluble particle that is toxic and thought to cause cancer. |
| Chlorphenesin | Toxic to meibomian glands and cornea/conjunctival cells. |
| Cinnamates | Fragrance, pro-inflammatory, activates TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors on dendritic cells and corneal nerves |
| DMDM Hydantoin | Formaldehyde donating preservative |
| EDTA | Preservative, prevents divalent cations Ca2+, Mg2+, disrupts tear film stability |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | Preservatives thatĀ can cause eye irritation, contact dermatitis, and sensitization. |
| Formaldehyde | Preservative, irritant to corneal nerves, causes burning, itching, redness, tearing, dose dependent meibomian and epithelial cell death |
| Artificial Fragrance | Fragrance, irritant, can cause allergic reaction, contact dermatitis |
| Hydroxymethylglycinate | Formaldehyde donating preservative |
| Isopropyl or denatured Alcohol | |
| Methylisothiazolinone | Preservatives thatĀ can cause eye irritation, contact dermatitis, and sensitization. |
| Nylon fibers | Lengthening agent in mascara, foreign body induced conjunctivitis |
| Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl-) | Preservative, toxic to meibomian cells, xenoestrogens can potentially disrupt hormone function |
| Phenoxyethanol | Non formaldehyde donating preservative (often marketed as āparaben-freeā, meibomian cell death even at low concentrations |
| Phthalates | Plasticizer and solvent, decreased cell proliferation of corneal endothelial cells, pro-inflammatory |
| Prostaglandins (anything with -prost) | Lash growth, aerodynamic compromise, hyperpigmentation, periorbital fat changes |
| Prostaglandin Analogues (e.g., Isopropyl Cloprostenate) | |
| Quaternium 15 | Formaldehyde donating preservative |
| Retinoids | Damage meibomian glands in high concentrations. |
| Vitamin A metabolites | Anti-aging skin products, in high concentrations can alter meibomian glands |
| Salicylic Acid | |
| Sodium laureth sulfates | Surfactant in many makeup removers, detergent that strips natural oils |
| Thimerosal | Preservatives thatĀ has been identified as an allergen and a neurotoxin. |
| Toluene | Solvent, pro-inflammatory, aberrant activation of TRP receptors |
| Triclosan and Triclocarban | Preservative and stabilizer, pro-inflammatory, activation of TRPA1 receptors |
| Urea (anything with urea in the name) | Formaldehyde donating preservative |
| Loose Mica | |
| Metallic Colours and Glitter | |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) | |
| Retinol - Isotretinoin (Accutane) | Shown to damage the meibomian gland epithelium which impairs oil and tear function |
| Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1 3 Diol | |
| Petroleum/Parraffin |