Every once in a while local or national TV posts a piece on Makeup contamination. So it is with the today show the other day. This author (a man and a doctor) was sickened by what he saw and heard. I point out that I’m a man and completely ignorant (as most men are) of one of the largest industry in the world with absolutely incredible profits. When related to the women in my life, the assured me I was behind the times and that everyone know that makeup counters were hotbeds of nasty bacteria and infectious diseases. I naively assumed that makeup must surely have some kind of anti-contaminants in them to prevent spread of disease. After all, one would not drink from a water bottle others had shared, right?

Not so! The Today show went to three major stores selling makeup and swabbed several samplers of lipstick and powders. The results were incredibly stomach wrenching. Many kinds of bacteria that can cause all kinds of nasty infections, lesions, and breakouts on face and lips were found. One such bacteria that should only be found in the bowel, e-coli, was present; which means someone with e-coli contaminated hands or lips touched the makeup!

One esthetician reported that she won a bag of beauty products form a spa and when she used the eye-cream her eyes “leathered up” for 5 days.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regularly reports on contamination and warns consumers not to use any product that has been opened or used previously. Unbelievable, the FDA does not have any specific regulations for contamination safety in cosmetics, although they are currently developing new guidelines, after new public meeting scheduled soon.

The FDA offers the following tips for the proper use of eye cosmetics:

• Immediately stop using eye products that cause irritation. If irritation persists, see a healthcare provider.
• Wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics. If you don’t, the bacteria on your hands could cause an infection.
• Make sure that any cosmetic tool you place near the eye is clean.
• Don’t allow cosmetics to become covered with dust or infected with dirt or soil. Wipe off the container with a damp cloth if you can see dust or dirt.
• Don’t use old containers of eye cosmetics. If you haven’t used the product for several months, it’s better to throw it out and buy a new one.
• Don’t spit into eye cosmetics. The bacteria in your mouth may grow in the cosmetic and later use may cause an eye infection.
• Don’t share your cosmetics. Another person’s bacteria in your cosmetic can be harmful to you.
• Don’t store cosmetics at temperatures above 85°F (29°C). Cosmetics held for long periods in hot cars, for example, are more at risk of weakening the preservative.
• Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection or the skin around the eye is red. Wait until the area is healed.
• Take extra care in using eye cosmetics if you have any allergies.
• When applying or removing eye cosmetics, be careful not to scratch the eyeball or some other sensitive area of the eye.

Contaminated cosmetics or lotions can lead to serious issues. Many reports and complaints to cosmetic companies and the FDA report issues from rashes, eye infections, swelling, and even breathing problems. However, FDA’s Stephanie Yao calls the upcoming meeting a “start to the conversation about microbiological safety issues in cosmetics rather than a response to a problem.” They will also explore how to test for contamination, preservatives and whether packaging may contribute to bacterial contamination.

The FDA’s authority in cosmetics is different from some of the other products they regulate such as, medical devices or pharmaceuticals. Currently testing is self-regulated, i.e. left up to the manufactures of cosmetics. The FDA only finds out after a complaint is made, from inspectors, and health care professionals.

Recently John Frieda’s conditioner was recalled due to microbial contamination. In late October, Purity Cosmetics’ Cocoa Plum Eye Shadow was recalled after Pseudomonas Luteola bacteria was found within it; this bacterium can cause bacteremia, cellulitis, and/or peritonitis. Mostly the contamination is in the form of bacteria, yeast, mold or viruses. Some them can stay alive on the product for weeks.

While the industry claim contamination levels are not a problem, and have been safe for decades, it would seem that more could be done. Claims that bathrooms (a hot and humid place can promote bacteria growth. Keeping products for too long can also increase contamination. It’s recommended one dispose of liquids and creams past 90 days us a very good practice, especially anything that has to do with eyes. If the product is contained in a container with a pump it remains cleaner longer.