If you’re one of the many Australians who swear by waterproof mascara or other long-lasting eye makeup, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s going near your peepers.
While we all love a beauty product that can withstand a swim, a sweaty day, or a good cry at the movies, eye health experts are sounding the alarm as this item could be doing more harm than good.
Dr Jacqueline Beltz, a respected Australian ophthalmologist, has taken to social media to warn about the risks of waterproof makeup, especially mascara.
In a video that has received more than half a million views, Dr. Beltz explained that the very ingredients that make waterproof mascara so resilient are also the ones that can dry out your eyes.
‘They have a lot of drying qualities because you need the mascara to dry out and stay on your lashes, but it can also dry out your tear film,’ Dr Beltz said.
The tear film is a delicate, thin layer of fluid that coats the surface of your eye, keeping it moist and protected from dust, bacteria, and other nasties.
When this layer dries out, you’re left with burning, stinging, redness, and even blurred vision—a condition known as dry eye.
Waterproof mascara can tip the balance from mild discomfort to outright agony for those with sensitive eyes or who already struggle with dryness. ‘A lot of people with sensitive eyes have dry tear film already, so they don’t need that extra dryness,’ Dr Beltz adds.
It’s not just the wear that’s the issue—removing waterproof makeup can be a battle in itself. ‘Not only do you need stronger chemicals, but more rubbing, which can be irritating if you have sensitive eyes,’ Dr Beltz warned.
Anyone who’s ever spent ages scrubbing at stubborn mascara knows the struggle, but few realise the potential damage this can do to the delicate skin and glands around the eyes.
‘So that’s why my eyes get itchy when I wear waterproof mascara,’ one user commented.
Another said, ‘I wear waterproof mascara and have had dry eyes since 2016, and no one has told me about this! I’m going to change my mascara ASAP.’
It’s a common theme—many people have suffered for years without realising their makeup could be the culprit, and some even say their eye specialists never mentioned the link.
Expert consensus: Is waterproof worth the risk?
Dr Beltz isn’t alone in her concerns. Canadian optometrist Dr Julian Prosia has also spoken out, saying,
‘While makeup in general can lead to more dry eye issues and even irritation on the eye, the waterproof makeup type is the worst thing you can do when it comes to meibomian gland dysfunction.’
Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common condition in which the glands that help maintain your tear film become blocked or damaged, leading to—you guessed it—dry, irritated eyes.
Dr Prosia recommends switching to water-soluble makeup or brands that eye-health specialists recommend.
It’s not just waterproof formulas you need to be wary of. Dr Huda Minhas, from the University of Puerto Rico, has compiled a list of common cosmetic ingredients that can spell trouble for your eyes:
- Butylated hydroxyanisole. Found in some waterproof mascaras, this chemical is a possible human carcinogen.
- Benzalkonium chloride: Can kill the meibomian glands within 15 minutes, even at low levels.
- Formaldehyde: Linked to dermatitis, skin and eye irritation, and even cancers.
- Parabens: These preservatives can disrupt natural hormone function and prevent the meibomian glands from working correctly.
- Phenoxyethanol: Another preservative known to cause eye irritation and painful skin problems.
It’s not just your eyes at risk. Earlier this year, Breast Cancer United Kingdom warned that the average woman is exposed to over 150 potentially harmful chemicals every day through beauty and hygiene products.
While each ingredient might be considered safe on its own, together they can create a ‘chemical cocktail’ that disrupts hormones and may increase the risk of breast cancer.
Have you experienced dry, irritated eyes and wondered if your makeup was the cause? Have you switched products and noticed a difference? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below.
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