Can you get an eye infection from using other people's mascara?

Author: Eloise Graham DDS  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

Tips to avoid eye infection from makeup Don't share cosmetics. Cross contamination of bacteria can occur when two different people share makeup or brushes and applicators. Don't use eye makeup that causes irritation. If irritation continues after you stop using a product, see your doctor.

Can using someone else's mascara give you an eye infection?

When it comes to mascara, never share yours or use someone else's. Even one use can transfer bacteria to the applicator, putting your eyes at risk. Also always be cautious to avoid accidentally poking your eye with the wand, which could result in a scratched cornea.

What happens if you use the same mascara as someone else?

It is not recommended to share mascara with others . Mascara wands can easily transfer bacteria and germs , which can lead to eye infections . Additionally , sharing mascara can also lead to the spread of viruses , such as conjunctivitis or pink eye .

Can you catch anything from sharing mascara?

It is generally not recommended to use someone else 's mascara , even if they have only used it once . This is because mascara can easily transfer bacteria and other germs , which can lead to eye infections or irritation .

Can you catch an eye infection from someone else?

Conjunctivitis that produces sticky pus is contagious. If eyes are red and feel gritty, the conjunctivitis is also usually contagious.

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How do you catch an eye infection?

Pink eye caused by viruses and bacteria can easily spread from person to person in different ways. You can get pink eye from: Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands. Contact with droplets from the air after an infected coughs or sneezes.

How to treat eye infection from makeup?

If you are experiencing symptoms of an eye infection, see an eye doctor. They will examine your eyes and may take a sample of any discharge to help determine the cause of the infection. Depending on what your eye doctor finds, treatment may consist of prescription eye drops, steroid drops and/or oral antibiotics.

Can bacteria live in mascara?

“Bacterial buildup over time is common in mascara products,” explains Dr. Rosen. “Replacing your mascara every three months reduces bacterial growth and can help with dryness, allergic responses, redness, and irritation."

Can sharing mascara cause styes?

Unlike conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes cannot spread from person to person through normal contact. However, the bacteria responsible for styes can spread from one eye to the other or be transferred through infected makeup if you don't follow proper hygiene practices.

Is it OK if mascara gets in your eye?

Most eye irritation and general discomfort caused by makeup are temporary and not critical. However, it is possible to get a bacterial infection such as pink eye or styes, even a fungal infection from infected eye makeup.

Can you get eyelash mites from sharing mascara?

Throw away any eye makeup you may have used during the infestation. And, since they can spread from person to person, it's important to never share eye makeup, particularly mascara. Infestations of eyelash mites can recur, so remain vigilant about eye hygiene in the future.

Is sharing mascara good?

Eye infections and irritations

When you share eye makeup such as mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow, you risk exposure yourself to potential contamination from pathogens on someone else's skin or eyes.

What happens if you use used mascara?

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.

Should I throw away mascara after eye infection?

Throw away and replace any eye or face makeup you used while infected. Replace contact lens solutions that you used while your eyes were infected. Throw away disposable contact lenses and cases that were used while your eyes were infected. Clean extended wear lenses as directed.

What makeup is safe to share?

Levy was quick to point to mascara and lip gloss as especially risky items to share. However, “any type of face powder” including powder foundation or blush, are among the least likely to transmit harmful bacteria according to Levy.

How long is bacterial conjunctivitis contagious?

Is Pinkeye Contagious? Yes, if it's caused by bacteria or a virus. Pinkeye that's caused by bacteria can spread to others as soon as symptoms appear and for as long as there's discharge from the eye — or until 24 hours after antibiotics are started.

Can you get an infection from using someone else's mascara?

Infections like pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, are highly contagious. Often, people don't realize they're developing it and can even spread it by sharing eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, or concealer wand. Eye cosmetics can also transfer infections such as warts, styes, and eyelash lice.

What are the stages of an eye stye?

Usually, only a small area of the eyelid is swollen, but sometimes the entire eyelid swells. Often a tiny, yellowish spot develops at the center of the swollen area, usually at the edge of the eyelid. The stye tends to rupture after 2 to 4 days, releasing a small amount of material (often pus) and ending the problem.

What is blepharitis in the eyes?

Overview. Blepharitis (blef-uh-RYE-tis) is inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis usually affects both eyes along the edges of the eyelids. Blepharitis commonly occurs when tiny oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, causing irritation and redness.

How do you disinfect used mascara?

Many people are surprised that it's possible to sanitize makeup with alcohol and not damage the makeup. A fingertip spray bottle with rubbing alcohol is often the easiest and most effective solution. Create your own makeup sanitation spray by mixing 70% isopropyl alcohol with 30% distilled water.

What happens if you don't wash off mascara?

Leaving your eye makeup on overnight can lead to eye infection and irritation. Just as bad, a stye can form from mascara clogging glands connected to your eyelashes. Your eyelids are extremely thin and sensitive, so make sure to treat them with care. The bottom line is removing your makeup is very important.

Can you get a bacterial infection from makeup?

Can makeup make you sick? You wash your hands after using the restroom and before you eat, but if you're using four-year-old eye shadow, your hygiene habits may not be enough. Contaminated or old cosmetics can contain germs that lead to acne, rashes, pink eye, staph infections and even herpes.

What clears an eye infection?

How is an eye infection treated? Treatment for eye infections depends on what's causing your eye infection. It might include anti-infective medication in various forms, such as eye drops, ointments or tablets. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for antibacterial medications to work.

How do you disinfect eye makeup?

However, simply spray 70% isopropyl alcohol over every single one of your powder products (e.g. eyeshadow palettes, face powders, blushers, bronzers, etc) and ensure you thoroughly saturate. Finally, leave to evaporate and dry! We promise, they'll be OK! But this will get rid of any nasties!

Can old mascara cause eye problems?

Over time, bacteria, fungi, and other germs may colonize old eye makeup. Once it turns into a breeding ground for microorganisms, you can get severe eye infection from old makeup. In other words, when you apply contaminated products, there's a higher risk for these pathogens to enter your eyes.

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