Is mascara dangerous?

When applying mascara to the eyelashes, due to a phenomenon of " migration ", it takes 5 to 10 minutes before it penetrates into the eye, due to sweating and eyelid blinking.

The consequences are correlated with the ingredients present in the formulas.If some are recognized ocular irritants, repeated infiltration of your mascara into the eyes can cause burning sensations, irritations, or redness of the conjunctivitis or blepharitis type.

The European regulation regarding cosmetic products requires that any treatment intended for the eyes or their surrounding areas be pre-tested on these sensitive zones, in order to minimize the risks of ocular irritation as much as possible.

To avoid any discomfort, certain compounds should be avoided when choosing a mascara.

• Synthetic polymers are frequently incorporated into mascara formulas due to their film-forming properties. However, some of them, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), are suspected carcinogens.

• To prevent the growth and colonization of bacteria, synthetic preservatives are often added to mascara formulas. For instance, one might find phenoxyethanol. This compound cancause skin allergies, neurological disorders, as well as effects on reproduction. Moreover, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products attributes side effects such as amoderate to severe eye irritationto this preservative. Given these factors, it is advisable not to opt for a mascara that contains phenoxyethanol. Furthermore, some mascaras contain parabens, which are recognized as endocrine disruptors (= substances that disturb hormonal balance). Therefore, avoid choosing a mascara that lists Butylparaben or Propylparaben in its INCI list.

• The BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and the BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) can be found in mascaras for their antioxidant properties. Indeed, these substances help prevent oxidation and rancidity. However, these two substances are suspected to be endocrine disruptors. In simple terms, endocrine disruptors are molecules capable of deregulating the hormonal system. Moreover, the A.R.T.A.C. (French Association for Anti-Cancer Therapeutic Research) classifies them among the potentially carcinogenic substances. Lastly, these two molecules are also known to be sensitizing, thus being a source of allergies.

• Silicones are sometimes present in mascaras. While not all silicones have harmful effects on health and some are completely safe to use, cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and cyclopentasiloxane (D5) are bothsuspected to be endocrine disruptors

• Some mascaras contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium lauryl sulfate (LSS) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), which serves as a surfactant. However, this compound damages the proteins of the membranes of skin and eye cells, leading to irritations and redness. SLS is also identified as a pollutant to the environment, animals, aquatic environments, and plants. REACH (European Regulation to ensure the safe manufacture and use of chemical substances) classifies this substance as ecotoxic.