Can old mascara affect your eyes?

Author: Madie Zulauf  |  Last update: Sunday, September 21, 2025

It's difficult to know just by looking at a product when it expires, so here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind: 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.

What does old mascara do to your eyes?

Over time, this buildup of harmful bacteria can lead to your lashes breaking off or falling out, along with burning, redness and irritation. Continuing to use mascara that's past its prime can also cause inflammatory eye infections such as conjunctivitis, or pink eye.

Can expired mascara irritate eyes?

Despite the temptation to hold onto your favorite eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascaras, please don't. 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 are the symptoms of expired mascara?

Generally, mascara only has a 3 month shelf life once it has been exposed to air. Of course this is an estimation but telltale signs are: If the mascara is dry, crumbly or doesn't coat your lashes easily in one swipe, it's no longer at it's best and should be replaced.

What happens if you use a year old mascara?

It's not safe to use expired mascara on your eyelashes because it can cause irritation and even serious infections. Mascara has a high potential for bacteria growth, so using an expired product can lead to eye infections that may require treatment with antibiotics.

Is Your Mascara Toxic? Eye Doctor Explains

Can I use 4 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. Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for up to a year.

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Your out-of-date mascara could be home to all sorts of bacteria that could cause an infection such as blepharitis or even something more serious that could threaten your sight.

Can old mascara cause itchy eyes?

In some cases, individuals may also be allergic to the mold that can grow in mascara tubes, especially if the mascara is kept for a longer period of time than recommended. In addition, the mechanical action of applying mascara can irritate the eye, potentially leading to allergic conjunctivitis.

Can wearing mascara everyday be bad?

Extended use of mascara can lead to natural lash stiffness, which doesn't just contribute to more lash fall out but it can also increase risk of scratching the corneas. Better lashes are also not worth worse skin around the delicate eye area. However this is a real issue with frequent mascara wears.

When should you throw away old mascara?

When to throw away mascara. You're not going to want to hear this, either, but mascara is a hotbed for bacteria and should be replaced every three to six months.

Can mascara cause eye issues?

Eye makeup, especially mascara, provides a moist environment that can act as the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This puts you at risk for conjunctivitis, or pink eye. For this reason, it's a good idea to dispose of any liquid or creamy eye makeup, including mascara and eyeliner, after three months.

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.

How do you know if you have an eye infection from mascara?

Symptoms of Eye Infections from Makeup
  1. Eye redness.
  2. Eyelid swelling.
  3. Itching.
  4. Burning.
  5. Uncomfortable eye sensations.
  6. Watery or pus-like discharge.
  7. Sensitivity around the eye area.
  8. Temporary blurry vision.

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.

Is it bad to leave mascara on your eyes overnight?

Yes, sleeping in eye makeup can be particularly harmful. It can irritate your eyes, potentially leading to infections or styes. Mascara and eyeliner can clog the tiny hair follicles and oil glands on your eyelids.

What is the healthiest mascara?

  • ILIA. 1% for the planet. Cruelty free. Woman owned. Best For | Non-smudging mascara. ...
  • Erin's Faces. Cruelty free. Gluten free. Plant trees. Soy free. ...
  • Well People. Budget friendly. Cruelty free. FSC. Fair trade. ...
  • Juice Beauty. Cruelty free. Vegan. Woman owned. Best For | Plant dyes.

Is vaseline good for eyelashes?

Vaseline can help moisturize eyelashes and the skin around the eye. It won't help eyelashes grow. Vaseline is generally safe when used in small amounts. But risks of using Vaseline on eyelashes include infection and blurry vision.

What happens if I don't take my mascara off?

We understand it's tempting to leave your mascara on, but you should know that leaving your mascara on your lashes isn't healthy for your eyes or lashes. Eye Irritation. Leaving mascara on your eyes overnight can cause it to flake off and end up inside your eyes, causing irritation.

Can expired mascara hurt your eyes?

Even though it is a pity to throw away a half-used mascara– you should. Using mascara that is over three months old can increase the risk of pink eye and other inflammatory conditions. We already know that our eyes are the most susceptible area to infections.

Can mascara cause eye mites?

Mascara Applicators Can Transfer Mites

Regardless of how innocuous the mites may be to the average person, it is not a good idea to slather mite-filled mascara onto your lashes. Instead, you should throw away that tube. The only way to know for sure if your mascara is full of mites is to look under a microscope.

What is the best eye makeup remover?

  • Best Budget. e.l.f Cosmetics Cleansing Balm. PHOTO: Amazon. $11 at Amazon $19 at Ulta $11 at Target. ...
  • Best for Mascara. Lancôme Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover. PHOTO: Nordstrom. ...
  • Best for Eyeshadow. Clinique Makeup Remover. PHOTO: Sephora. ...
  • Best Multitasking. Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser. PHOTO: Sephora.

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.

Why am I suddenly getting blepharitis?

Most of the time, blepharitis happens because you have too much bacteria on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes. Having bacteria on your skin is normal, but too much bacteria can cause problems. You can also get blepharitis if the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged or irritated.

Does vaseline clog meibomian glands?

It is safe to use small amounts of Vaseline on your lashes. Of course, take care when applying it, as a bit can get into your eye and blur your vision. It can also clog your meibomian glands (oil-producing glands at base of eyelashes that help keep your eyes lubricated) if used excessively.

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