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

Eye Contact Lens. 2016 Jul;42(4):211-20. doi: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000000181.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / adverse effects
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / adverse effects
  • Bimatoprost / adverse effects
  • Blepharitis / etiology
  • Blepharitis / pathology
  • Blepharitis / physiopathology
  • Conjunctiva / microbiology
  • Conjunctiva / pathology
  • Conjunctiva / physiopathology
  • Conjunctival Diseases / etiology
  • Contact Lenses
  • Contraindications
  • Cosmetics / adverse effects*
  • Cosmetics / pharmacology
  • Cosmetics / toxicity
  • Dry Eye Syndromes / etiology
  • Dry Eye Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Eye / drug effects*
  • Eye / microbiology*
  • Eye / pathology*
  • Eye / physiopathology*
  • Eye Infections / etiology
  • Eye Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Lacrimal Apparatus / pathology
  • Lacrimal Apparatus / physiopathology
  • Meibomian Glands / drug effects
  • Meibomian Glands / physiopathology
  • Mites / microbiology
  • Retinoids / adverse effects
  • Skin / microbiology
  • Skin / physiopathology
  • Surface-Active Agents / adverse effects
  • Tears / physiology

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antioxidants
  • Cosmetics
  • Retinoids
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Bimatoprost