Hypoallergenic Safety

Hypoallergenic is just a Buzzword. It’s a misleading label that does not confer any additional safety for use around the eyes.

Recognised international experts, the Dry Eye Divas, educate doctors and consumers about cosmetics safety and eye health. The term “hypoallergenic” requires minimal testing and has no FDA backing. It is used as marketing tactic to attract consumers. Additionally, the FDA does not require all ingredients to be listed on a product if they are present at a level of 1% or less so potential allergens may not be listed. Our patients still have problems with products with the hypoallergenic label.

Consumers and the patients we serve need to understand that there is no guarantee that a cosmetic will not cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, the long list of other cosmetics wear complications is not relayed to the consumer. Dermatologists agree that the label hypoallergenic has very little value.

Be aware that when buying products, such as ‘gentle mascaras’ that promise to give you longer, thicker lashes without any redness, stinging, or itching – Read the ingredients. When reviewing the chemicals used in the formulations, look for hormone disruptors, formaldehyde donors and neurotoxins. Furthermore, recent Harvard research shows that cosmetic preservatives such as formaldehyde are toxic to the human ocular surface. Individuals are causing damage to their eye health with each application of these products.

Dry Eye Diva Eye Makeup Ingredient Don’ts:

- Parabens

- Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde donors (like UREA, DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium, hydroxymethylglycinate)

- EDTA

- Neurotoxins (Argirilene, acetyl hexapeptide)

- Phenoxyethanol

- Chlorphenesin

- Retin A

- Prostaglandins (Isopropyl cloprostenate, NMD)

We are three eye-makeup-using women dedicated to educating our patients and colleagues about cosmetics dangers. There are well-known complications for the eyes associated with beauty ingredients and cosmetics practices. Beauty is much more than skin deep, and good health requires diligence and the devil is in the details of the ingredients list.