A senior biological sciences academic from the Faculty of Humanities has conducted research into the dangers of using expired cosmetics. In a laboratory study, she analyzed over 70 expired makeup items, including eyeliners, mascaras, lip glosses, lipsticks, and foundations, to detect the presence of microbial contamination.
The results revealed that eyeliners were the most contaminated products. This may be due to the way eyeliners come into contact with skin and are easily exposed to bacteria. Such bacteria can cause a range of health issues, from minor irritation to serious infections and even open wounds.
Why does the expiration date of cosmetics matter?
The expiration date indicates how long the product’s preservatives can effectively prevent microbial growth. Once a cosmetic expires, it may harbor high levels of bacteria and fungi.
If you’re still holding on to unused expired makeup, we strongly recommend not using it. Doing so can negatively affect your skin health in the following ways:
- Skin irritation
- Infections
- Inflammatory acne and clogged pores
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