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Neon eyemakeupis back in a big way, and tons of brands are offering their own take onthe trend.
Getty Images/Luxy Images
Im sorry, what?
These sure look likeeyeshadow palettes, so what gives?
How can a product like that be anything but eye-safe?
And on that note, how can you double-check that youre using safe eye makeup?
We talked to experts to figure this out.
Heres how to know if your eye makeup contains non-eye-safe ingredients.
Really any color cosmetic product could contain an ingredient that isnt approved for use around the eyes.
So why are you just now hearing about this?
The issue of safe eye makeup made headlines earlier this year when neon shades showed up onrunways.
So how can you know for sure if your bright new palette is safe for use around your eyes?
Dont use it, theFDA says.
If it doesnt, keep it away from your eyes.
The FDA actually has pretty strict regulation on color additives, she says.
Why are those pigments more likely to get the not for eyes disclaimers?
What does it mean if an ingredient isnt eye-safe?
Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, the general public doesnt knowwhythat happenedjust that it did.
Sometimes, the reason is something relatively superficial, like a temporary staining of the skin.
But more commonly its because the ingredient is associated with skin irritation.
But heres the thing: Basically any ingredient can cause a bad reaction.
Should you avoid using anything that isnt approved to be used around the eyes?
Honestly, its your call.
The vast majority of people wont have any issues with eye makeup of any kind.
But allergies and sensitivities are so individualized that basically anythingincluding eye-safe ingredientscan cause a problem.
A one-off allergic or irritant reaction may be extremely unpleasant, but it isnt usually dangerous in the long-term.
That may come with symptoms like redness, swelling, itching, dryness, crusting, or peeling.
[We] venture to find the compound that youre allergic to and eliminate it, Dr. Zampella says.
[But] its not going to kill you.
On the other hand, repeated, persistent exposure to irritants or allergens can be a bigger issue.
The reality is that your risk of a reaction comes down to your skin and the products you use.
Disclaimers aside, most people can use even the brightest neon eyeshadows with no problem.
