Can expired makeup cause eye infections?

Author: Dasia Beer  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Old Makeup Can Cause Serious Eye Infections. That mascara wand can do more than just make your lashes longer. It can also give you an eye infection. Every year, many women end up with eye infections from cosmetics.

Can old makeup cause eye infections?

Expired Products

The preservatives in makeup break down over time, making it easier for bacteria to grow. Once the dermatologically approved formula of makeup changes, that poses serious risks for allergic reactions and severe eye infections from makeup.

What happens if you use expired eye makeup?

Risks are associated with using expired makeup including, clogged pores and bacterial growth. It's important to be mindful of how long your makeup has been in storage so you can avoid these potential health hazards. Your skin may react to product ingredients if they have reached their expiration date.

Why did I randomly get an eye infection?

Bacteria, viruses or fungi that are present elsewhere on the body or picked up from another person who is infected cause eye infections. They can be highly contagious, so it's important to take precautions to avoid catching eye infections.

What does an eye infection from makeup look like?

Symptoms include red and inflamed eyes, swollen eyelids, sensitivity to bright light, and pus inside the eye. In most cases, eye infections can be quickly and effectively treated by your doctor. In very rare cases, eye infections from eye makeup can be severe and even lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.

When Should You Throw Away Eye Makeup? Eye Doctor Explains

What are 4 signs of eye infection?

Signs of an Eye Infection
  • Pain in the eye.
  • A feeling that something is in the eye (foreign body sensation).
  • Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
  • Yellow, green, bloody, or watery discharge from the eye.
  • Increasing redness of the eye or eyelids.
  • A grey or white sore on the coloured part of the eye (iris).

Can old makeup cause blepharitis?

Replace makeup regularly. Old and contaminated mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can lead to blepharitis. It also increases the risk of conjunctivitis.

What is the fastest way to cure an eye infection?

Most eye infections respond well to treatments such as:
  1. Warm compresses.
  2. Prescription eye drops, including antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infections.
  3. Eye ointments.

How do I know if I have a bacterial or eye infection?

Bacterial Conjunctivitis normally causes a yellow or green sticky discharge throughout the day. They will feel itchy, and the eyelids may become swollen. Viral Conjunctivitis normally causes a watery discharge during the day and present with sticky discharge in the morning. The eyelids may become very swollen.

Can old makeup cause a stye?

Using expired makeup increases the likelihood of bacterial contamination. Remove Makeup Thoroughly: Proper makeup removal is crucial for preventing stye formation. Use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover to cleanse your face thoroughly before bedtime.

Can I use 10 year old eyeshadow?

When do eyeshadows expire? Luckily, you can hang on to your eyeshadows for a bit longer. The time from opening to when eyeshadows expire is 12 months but if left unopened, you have a full three years to hang onto them. This is because eyeshadow palettes are generally made with powder formulas.

Can old makeup cause dermatitis?

Whatever it might be, when your makeup begins to take on a form it was not intended to be, it can have an adverse reaction and cause contact dermatitis, or skin inflammation, which may lead to redness, bumps, rashes, blisters and swelling.

Can expired makeup hurt your eyes?

Over time, cosmetics can become breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus, especially if they've been used repeatedly or stored improperly. These microorganisms can lead to eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or stye. This may even cause more severe conditions if the infection spreads.

What do ophthalmologists recommend to remove eye makeup?

Baby shampoo is an inexpensive and ophthalmologist-recommended product for washing eyelids and the area around the eyes.

Which eye drops to use for conjunctivitis?

If people have persistent allergic conjunctivitis, they may need treatment with topical steroid eye drops, such as loteprednol etabonate (Alrex/Lotemax).

How to treat eye infection from makeup?

How is an eye infection treated?
  1. Using damp, warm or cool compresses to make your eyes feel better.
  2. Using lubricating eye drops (artificial tears).
  3. Using over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
  4. Avoiding allergens that caused the reaction in the first place.

Will an eye infection clear up on its own?

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.

What are the best eye drops for eye infection?

Antibiotic eye drops used for bacterial eye infections include Besivance (besifloxacin), Zymaxid (gatifloxacin), Vigamox, Moxeza (moxifloxacin), ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tobramycin, gentamicin, Neosporin, Neo-Polycin, azithromycin, erythromycin, and bacitracin.

What is a natural antibiotic for eye infection?

Salt water: Salt water is a popular natural home remedy used to treat certain eye issues such as eye infections. Turmeric: Turmeric is a multifaceted herb that contains curcumin that may have medicinal properties such as antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

How to tell if an eye infection is viral or bacterial?

It can be hard to tell whether the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. In general, the discharge associated with viral conjunctivitis is watery, whereas it will be thicker and more pus-like when the infection is caused by bacteria.

Can you buy over the counter antibiotic eye drops?

You cannot obtain antibiotic eye drops over the counter. They require a doctor's prescription. However, you can use some over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms of various eye infections, including chalazion and styes.

Can old mascara cause eye infections?

This can lead to bacterial infections like styes or pinkeye. You also risk fungal infections and general irritation. Most problems caused by makeup contamination are minor and temporary. However, these infections can progress into vision-threatening conditions.

What mascara do ophthalmologists recommend?

Best Budget: L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara

Kelley suggests the Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara, which won't set you back more than $8. “This mascara has a dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested formula designed to be gentle on sensitive eyes and safe for individuals who wear contact lenses,” she says.

What does blepharitis look like?

Blepharitis is a common disease of the eyelids characterized by redness, thickening, and flakey or scaly crusting along the eyelids and eyelashes. It is sometimes known as "eye dandruff." Over time, a sticky plaque, or biofilm, forms along the lids, causing lash loss, clogged glands, infections and other complications.

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