By Dr. Liia, PharmD — Pharmacist & Founder, EpiLynx by Dr. Liia | 5 min read
I get a lot of questions about whether the makeup you are using is safe. The FDA publishes clear guidance on this, and because it is US government work it is free for anyone to reproduce — so here it is, with my notes at the end.
General tips
- Read the label. Follow all directions and heed all warnings.
- Wash your hands before using the product.
- Do not share makeup.
- Keep containers clean and tightly closed when not in use, and protect them from temperature extremes.
- Throw away cosmetics if there are changes in colour or smell.
- Use aerosols in well-ventilated areas, never while smoking or near an open flame.
Eye makeup
- Do not use cosmetics near your eyes unless they are meant for the eyes — lip liner is not eyeliner.
- Never add saliva or water to mascara. You are adding bacteria.
- Throw eye makeup away if you get an eye infection; it may be contaminated.
- Do not dye or tint eyelashes. The FDA has approved no product for permanently dyeing or tinting lashes or brows.
Eye products are also where reactions concentrate, because the skin there is the thinnest on the body. If yours have been stinging, the Gluten-Free Vegan Waterproof Eyeliner was formulated specifically for reactive eyes — it is our best-selling product for exactly that reason.
Understanding cosmetic labels
- Hypoallergenic: do not assume the product will not cause a reaction. The FDA does not define the term at all.
- Organic or natural: the source of an ingredient does not determine its safety. The USDA defines “organic”; there is no formal USDA or FDA definition of “natural”.
- Expiration dates: not legally required on cosmetics. Marking the container with the date you opened it is a good habit.
Reporting a problem
Cosmetics do not require FDA approval before sale, but the FDA does monitor adverse event reports. If you experience a rash, redness, burn or other unexpected reaction — or notice a bad smell, colour change or foreign material in a product — stop using it, contact your healthcare provider, and report it to MedWatch on 1-800-FDA-1088 or via the FDA's online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the FDA approve cosmetics before they go on sale?
No. With the exception of colour additives, cosmetics do not require FDA approval before marketing. The FDA monitors adverse event reports and can act after the fact, but nobody checks a product before it reaches the shelf.
What does “hypoallergenic” actually mean?
Legally, nothing. The FDA states plainly that it does not define the term, and there is no testing standard a product must meet to use it. A product labelled hypoallergenic can contain fragrance, lanolin or nut oils.
How long do cosmetics last once opened?
Expiration dates are not legally required on cosmetics in the US. As a rule of thumb, replace mascara and liquid eyeliner every three months because of bacterial contamination risk, and discard anything whose colour, texture or smell has changed.
How do I report a reaction to a cosmetic?
Stop using the product, speak to your healthcare provider, then report it to the FDA's MedWatch programme on 1-800-FDA-1088 or through their online form. Reports are what allow the FDA to spot patterns across a product.
My addition to the FDA's list. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer and ask about ingredients, sourcing and allergen controls. A brand that will not answer in writing has told you something useful. And note the FDA's own warning about “hypoallergenic” — it is exactly why we describe our products by what is absent from them rather than using a word that means nothing.
- Gluten-Free Vegan Waterproof Eyeliner — made for sensitive eyes
- Gluten-Free Vegan Makeup Kit — mascara, eyeliner and lip colour in one box
Gluten-free, nut-free and vegan. Free US shipping on orders over $39.
Keep reading: How to Read Skincare Ingredient Labels · Nut-Free Makeup: A Complete Guide
