The practice of sharing mascara, while seemingly harmless, carries a substantial health risk. The wand comes into contact with the tear film, eyelashes, and eyelid margin, which are naturally host to bacteria and other pathogens. When the mascara is then shared, the user is directly exposing their eyes to the microbial flora of another person. This cross-contamination can introduce bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to infections that range from irritating to potentially sight-threatening. The liquid environment inside the mascara tube is an ideal breeding ground for these introduced microbes, making the risk of infection high.
How Mascara Tubes Become Contamination Vectors
Mascara tubes are uniquely designed to become reservoirs for microbial growth due to the application process and the product’s formulation. The mascara wand is repeatedly drawn over the eyelashes, which are naturally colonized by microorganisms. These microbes, along with any present on the skin or tear film, are scraped off the wand and deposited into the dark, moist interior of the tube.
The mascara formula itself, rich in water, organic materials, and nutrients, provides a favorable environment for these pathogens to multiply. While manufacturers include preservatives to inhibit growth, the effectiveness of these agents can decrease over time and with repeated introduction of organic matter. Every time the brush is reinserted, it inoculates the product, exacerbating the contamination, leading to microbial growth in a significant percentage of mascara tubes after just a few months of use.
Specific Eye Infections Transmitted
The most direct consequence of using contaminated or shared mascara is the risk of developing an ocular infection. Sharing mascara is a known route for transmitting bacterial infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye), which causes redness, irritation, and discharge. The transfer of staphylococcal bacteria is common, and this can lead to painful conditions such as styes or blepharitis, which is an inflammation of the eyelid margin.
More severe bacterial infections like keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, are also a risk, especially if the eye’s surface is scratched by the wand. Certain pathogens can cause aggressive keratitis that can threaten the integrity of the eye and damage visual acuity. Furthermore, viral infections, most notably viral conjunctivitis, are easily spread through shared eye makeup, including the risk of transmitting the herpes simplex virus. Sharing mascara can also transfer microscopic organisms, such as Demodex eyelash mites, which can cause or worsen blepharitis symptoms like itching and scaly patches around the eyes.
Essential Eye Makeup Hygiene Rules
The most important rule of eye makeup hygiene is to never share mascara, eyeliner, or any other product that comes into direct contact with the eye or its mucous membranes. This prevents the introduction of foreign microorganisms. To minimize the risk of contamination in your own product, it is recommended to replace mascara every three months, as microbial load significantly increases after this period.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying makeup to avoid transferring skin bacteria into the product. Avoid adding water or saliva to a drying mascara tube to thin the product, as this introduces new bacteria and moisture, compromising the preservative system. Pumping the wand in and out of the tube should also be avoided, as this action pushes air into the tube, which can introduce contaminants and dry out the product prematurely.