I first want to thank the three amazing #DRYEYEDIVAS, Leslie E. O’Dell, OD; Amy Gallant Sullivan, MS; and Laura M. Periman, MD, for putting together one of the most comprehensive series on cosmetics and ocular surface dryness. Their amazing work allows male doctors like myself to familiarize ourselves on a topic that we have very limited knowledge on.

Below I have created a quick and easy list on beauty No-No’s that should be followed by all patients using or thinking about using any of the following products.

Here we go….

1. Avoid waterproof makeup, as the same ingredients that make these cosmetics waterproof not only have the potential to block the terminal openings of the oil glands, found in our eyelids, but also make the product very difficult to remove without harsh makeup removal products.
2. Avoid eye-area products containing retinol. Antiaging products such as cis-retinoic acid in cosmetics raise concern due to their demonstrated toxicity to our oil glands.
3. Avoid products containing benzalkonium chloride, a very common preservative found in makeup. This preservative ingredient can cause damage to the eyes surface.
4. Avoid use of Botox Cosmetic for crow’s feet. This application weakens the eye muscle in charge of blinking, leading to incomplete blink, and increased symptoms of dry eye disease.
5. Avoid the so-called Botox-in-a-jar ingredients found in OTC cosmetics: acetyl hexapeptide-8 or acetyl hexapeptide-8.
6. Avoid neurotoxic ingredients in makeup such as phenoxyethanol and acrylamides.
7. Avoid use of Preparation H near the eyes. If your concerned with persistent bags under the eyes, also known as “festoons”, seeing an oculoplastic surgeon, or waiting for FDA approval of a new medicine that addresses these bags is your safest option.

Ladies….Do not sacrifice your eye health for the sake of vanity!

O’Dell L, Periman L, Sullivan, A, et al. An Evaluation of Cosmetic Wear Habits Correlated to Ocular Surface Disease Symptoms. ARVO poster submission 2017.