90% of Makeup Products Contain Harmful Bacteria: What You Need to Know

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Image: Alexandr Ivanov

A recent study conducted by Amreen Bashir from Aston University has uncovered disturbing findings about makeup hygiene: a staggering 90% of makeup products tested in the UK contained potentially dangerous germs. This includes popular beauty tools like beauty blenders, lipsticks, eyeliners, and mascaras. The research revealed that these products were contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococci, and even fecal matter, all of which pose serious health risks to users.

Harmful Bacteria Found in Makeup Tools

According to Bashir, “We found E. coli and Staphylococci in used eyeliner and mascara. These bacteria can cause skin irritation, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and in extreme cases, permanent vision loss.” Even more concerning is that some strains of Staphylococcus aureus, found in the products, have become resistant to antibiotics, making them harder to treat and more contagious.

Beauty Blenders: A Hotbed for Germs

Beauty blenders were found to have the highest levels of contamination, with an average of 1 million bacteria per sponge. As these tools are often damp after use, they create the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow. Shockingly, 93% of beauty blenders tested had never been cleaned, despite 64% of users admitting they’d dropped them on the floor. This makes them especially prone to carrying harmful germs.

Lipsticks and Lip Gloss: More Than Just Makeup

The study also examined lipsticks and lip gloss, which were found to harbor Staphylococci and other bacteria commonly associated with fecal matter. If left unchecked, these germs can cause redness, inflammation, and swelling on the lips. While minor infections can be treated with antibiotics, more severe cases could lead to life-threatening complications if the infection spreads.

Cleaning Your Makeup Tools: The Key to Healthy Skin

While these findings may sound alarming, the good news is that cleaning your makeup tools regularly can prevent these health risks. To clean beauty blenders, wash them thoroughly with warm soapy water. Lipsticks can be sanitized by wiping the top layer and dipping the exposed part into rubbing alcohol for about 30 seconds. For mascaras, which cannot be cleaned, it’s best to replace them every 3-6 months.

Expired Makeup: A Breeding Ground for Bacteria

The study also highlighted a major issue with expired cosmetics. Even though preservatives are used to control microbial contamination in makeup, they eventually lose their effectiveness. Makeup products are generally safe to use until their expiry date (usually 3-12 months), but after that, they become breeding grounds for bacteria. Always check the expiry date and avoid using makeup that has passed its shelf life.

Conclusion: Best Practices for Makeup Hygiene

Keeping your makeup tools clean is essential for your health and skin. By following these simple hygiene practices, you can avoid bacterial contamination and ensure your makeup routine remains safe.

  • Clean Beauty Blenders Regularly: Wash beauty blenders with warm, soapy water after each use to prevent bacteria buildup.
  • Sanitize Lipsticks: Wipe off the top layer of lipstick and dip the exposed part in rubbing alcohol for 30 seconds to kill germs.
  • Replace Mascara Often: Mascara can’t be cleaned, so replace it every 3-6 months to avoid bacterial contamination.
  • Check Expiry Dates: Always adhere to the expiry dates on cosmetics. Discard products that are past their shelf life to prevent microbial growth.
  • Don’t Share Makeup: Avoid sharing your makeup products to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and infections.
  • Avoid Using Samples: Skip the makeup testers in stores, as they are often contaminated by multiple users.

By adopting these simple habits, you can enjoy a safer, healthier beauty routine!