Can old makeup cause eye problems?

Author: Prof. Kirsten Rippin IV  |  Last update: Thursday, September 25, 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 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.

Is it safe to use 10 year old makeup?

Yes, you should throw away makeup when it expires. Cosmetics can become contaminated with bacteria over time, which can cause skin infections and eye infections. Check the expiration date on the packaging, or use the ``6M'' or ``12M'' symbols, which indicate the number of months the product is good for after opening.

Can makeup damage your eyes?

Remove makeup before sleeping

Sleeping with your makeup on can cause severe damage to your eyes. It can clog your pores, lead to breakouts, and irritate your eyes. Always remove your eye makeup before sleeping to prevent eye infections and other eye-related problems.

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.

When Should You Throw Away Eye Makeup? Eye Doctor Explains

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.

What eye makeup remover do ophthalmologists recommend?

Vaseline is a very effective makeup remover. It's lubricating, soothing to skin and helps makeup slide off without unnecessary tugging and pulling. Baby shampoo is an inexpensive and ophthalmologist-recommended product for washing eyelids and the area around the eyes.

Can old eye makeup cause blepharitis?

Your out-of-date mascara could be home to all sorts of bacteria that could cause an infection such as blepharitis or even something more serious that could threaten your sight.

How to know if an eye is infected?

Signs of an eye infection may include:
  1. Pain in the eye.
  2. A feeling that something is in the eye (foreign body sensation).
  3. Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
  4. Yellow, green, bloody, or watery discharge from the eye.
  5. Increasing redness of the eye or eyelids.

How to get rid of eye irritation from makeup?

Rinse your eyes thoroughly if makeup gets into them: Rinse them thoroughly with clean tap water or eye-wash solution. Remove out all makeup flakes from your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before rinsing your eyes.

Should I throw away old makeup?

In general, to maintain a clear and attractive complexion you should discard old makeup. It can harbor germs, degrade, and become rancid. Only the most powerful preservatives might inhibit microbes.

Can I use 3 year old mascara?

Mascara and liquid eyeliner typically are considered safe to use for three months. Liquid products used near the eye have an increased risk of spreading bacteria.

When is makeup too old?

Toss it if you notice a change in consistency (usually after two to three years). That means the solvents in which the pigments are suspended have evaporated, causing color to collect at the bottom. Once separation occurs, getting a smooth, even coat will be difficult.

Can old makeup make your eyes swell?

Eye infections: Bacteria from expired makeup or unclean eye makeup brushes can get in the eyes, causing infections. Contact dermatitis: Changes in the chemical composition of expired makeup can result in contact dermatitis, producing red, itchy, scaly or swollen patches on the skin.

When should you throw out eye makeup?

When to Throw Away Makeup
  1. Mascara. Average life span: four to six months. ...
  2. Eyeliner. Average life span: one year. ...
  3. Foundation. Average life span: one year. ...
  4. Concealer. Average life span: one year. ...
  5. Blush and Eye Shadow. Average life span: one to two years. ...
  6. Lipstick. Average life span: eight months. ...
  7. Makeup Brushes. ...
  8. Fragrances.

Can old mascara damage your eyes?

Bacteria thrives in the dark, moist environment of your mascara tube. Although many cosmetics contain preservatives that slow bacterial growth, over time bacteria will accumulate. This can lead to bacterial infections like styes or pinkeye. You also risk fungal infections and general irritation.

How do you flush an eye infection?

Saline or salt water is the time tested natural remedies to treat eye infections. Saltwater facilitates to clear away pus, dirt or discharge, it functions like teardrops which are eye's natural way of cleansing.

What are the symptoms of eye inflammation?

They include eye redness, pain and blurred vision. The condition can affect one or both eyes, and it can affect people of all ages, even children. Possible causes of uveitis are infection, injury, or an autoimmune or inflammatory disease. Many times a cause can't be identified.

What are the symptoms of sepsis in the eye?

A red/sore eye in a patient with a known septic focus needs urgent attention as EE can be a major cause of visual loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are associated with better visual outcome.

Can old makeup irritate your eyes?

Using expired products can cause several health issues with your eyes. From nasty eye infections, pink eye, and allergic reactions, discover all the medical reasons why you should avoid using old makeup.

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.

What do eye doctors recommend to remove eye makeup?

So what products do I recommend?
  • Cetaphil gentle makeup remover ⠀
  • Clinique naturally gentle eye makeup remover ⠀
  • Beautycounter instant eye makeup remover. Questions? Call today to learn more. ⠀

What is the most gentle eye make up remover?

Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover

If you have sensitive skin like me, this remover is perfect—it's a gentle, oil-free formula that's lightweight and doesn't include any irritating ingredients. It is also ophthalmologist-tested, so it shouldn't irritate your eyes, and it's safe for contact lens wearers, too.

Can you wear eye make up if you have blepharitis?

For some types of blepharitis, self-care at home may help soothe the symptoms. If you believe you have blepharitis, try these tips: Avoid eye makeup: To lessen irritation, you may want to avoid eye makeup until the inflammation is managed. Use warm compresses: Take a clean washcloth and wet it with very warm water.

What eye cream do ophthalmologists recommend?

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream is ophthalmologist-tested and features a non-greasy, fast-absorbing, fragrance-free formula that works to minimize the appearance of dark circles and eye puffiness. Hyaluronic acid improves hydration of the epidermis by binding to water and giving the skin a plump, hydrated appearance.

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