Can make-up harm your eyes? An interview with an optometrist
27.1.2026
Translation: Elicia Payne
I’ve been passionately applying make-up since I was 15. But how does it affect my eye health? I’ve been burying this question until now. What I don’t know won’t hurt me. Right?
A year ago, I got a notification about a Facebook appeal. They were looking for people interested in a general eye check-up. This was a free examination carried out for learning purposes by students at the Institute of Optometry at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) in Olten. They’d be under the supervision from their lecturers, of course. Perfect – I thought to myself! As a specs wearer, I need regular check-ups, so I made an appointment straight away.
I met Melina Andrea on site. At the time, she was a qualified optician and was completing her final year of training as an optometrist at the FHNW. During the hour and a half I sat in her examination chair, more and more questions arose. In particular, questions surrounding my make-up and what consequences this could have for my eye health. Melina has now successfully completed her studies and works at the Emmen Eye Center. Here are the answers she provided in my interview.
Melina, you’re the first person to tell me I should clean the edges of my eyelids regularly. Why is this important?
Melina Andrea, optician and optometrist B.Sc.: Deposits, especially sebum, form on our eyelids. Dust or dirt can cling to them, too. These clog the gland ducts between eyelashes and can lead to gland dysfunction or marginal blepharitis over time. You can avoid this by cleaning them regularly. In doing so, you support the health of your meibomian glands and tear film into old age.
The meibomian glands?
The meibomian glands produce the oily part of our tears. This lipid layer keeps our eyes moist and supple and ensures our tears don’t evaporate straightaway.
Is eyelid margin cleaning complicated?
No, but it takes time. It’s best to clean your eyelashes first with a skin-friendly make-up remover wipe. Then grab two cotton pads and moisten them with warm water (approx. 40 °C). Place them on your closed eyes. Leave the heat on for five minutes. Dry heat packs or warming gel masks store heat and can provide additional support in this step. Then remove the pads or masks and use your fingers to massage the lower eyelid upwards and the upper eyelid downwards. The sebum on your eye glands is liquefied by the heat treatment and can be removed and come away. Finally, apply some eye make-up remover to a cotton bud and run it along the upper and lower eyelid at the base of the lashes before rinsing your eyes with cool water.
How often should I use the cotton buds and pads?
Without acute symptoms, once or twice a week. This’ll prevent your meibomian glands from becoming blocked.
Is this something that happens quite often?
Very often, in fact. There’s a whole range of possible causes for this. For example, the build-up of dandruff, make-up residue and bacteria or limping eye tissue. An overproduction of the lipid layer may also be to blame. The oil produced by the glands thickens and can no longer leak out. As a result, tears are much thinner and the eyes dry out more quickly. Genetics, lifestyle and general health also play a role here. However, mild congestion can often be relieved by a warm shower in combination with an eyelid massage. I recommend hydrating drops as an immediate measure against dry eyes.
I like to wear make-up. What impact does this have on my lid health?
I can say from experience that the eyelid margins are often healthier in women than in men. That’s because they specifically clean the spaces between eyelashes when removing make-up in the evening. This way, no deposits can build over several days (provided the make-up is removed thoroughly).
I prefer to apply my kajal eyeliner in my waterline. Is it best to stop this?
Ideally yes. On your waterline (the narrow, moist edge of the eyelid directly between the eyelashes and the actual eyeball) you have glandular outlets. Eyeliner can block these and contaminate tears, which can lead to eye irritation. That’s why I recommend applying the product only outside the waterline.
What about mascara? It often crumbles…
Mascara can be problematic for various reasons. If residues get into the eye, they can cause irritation or minor mechanical damage. As a rule, these small scratches on the uppermost cell layer heal quickly. The advantage of waterproof mascara is that it stays on the eyelashes better and its ingredients are less likely to get into the eye. If you have sensitive eyes, I recommend using a tubing mascara. It coats each individual lash, lasts without smudging or crumbling, and can be easily removed with warm water.
Are there any other potentially negative consequences for my eye health?
If you remove your make-up half-heartedly over the long term, you run the risk of colour pigments being deposited in your eye membrane, where they can’t really be removed. Your eye dries out, scratches, is irritated and wearing contact lenses becomes more difficult. However, anything that ends up in the eye for a short time is rinsed out again by tears. It’s impossible for something to «slip behind the eye», as is often claimed. When it comes to make-up, however, I see another danger for our eyes.
That is?
Using products long past their expiration date. Expired mascara in particular can cause microbial infections. Many people are unaware of the risks of an eye infection. When this happens, the eye can’t protect itself enough against bacteria.
Source: Karolina Grabowska via Pexels
How come?
Antibodies are transported in the blood. However, our eye has no central blood vessels. Once the cornea is infected, in severe cases, you could be hospitalised for several days.
What should I look out for when choosing my eye make-up remover?
Use gentle products especially for sensitive skin. Avoid surfactants. They can destabilise the tear film and dry out skin. Oil-based removers dissolve waterproof products reliably, but should themselves be thoroughly removed from the eye afterwards to avoid residues. If you prefer something natural, I can recommend coconut oil. However, use it sparingly so you don’t get any residue in your eye and clog the glands.
How do you feel about false lashes or semi-permanent lash extensions?
False eyelashes only look beautiful until you look at them under a magnifying glass. The adhesive in extensions is very stubborn and can stick to the roots of your lashes for weeks, even after they’ve supposedly been removed. It can also cause allergies or irritation. You shouldn’t underestimate the physical aspect either. Constantly taking them off can damage natural eyelashes and lead to eyelid inflammation. There’s also a risk of infection if you have poor hygiene during application.
I have one last beauty question for you. Some ophthalmologists warn against the use of skin care products containing retinol around the eye. Why is that?
Retinol is often used in anti-ageing cosmetics and promotes skin renewal, which can make skin thinner and more sensitive. In some people, the skin around the eye may appear sunken. According to a 2012 study by Ding & Sullivan, retinoids – a more potent form of retinol – are also thought to increase the possibility of dry eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction. But there’s generally still little research on the specific effects of retinol on the meibomian glands.
Header image: Cottonbro Studio via Pexels
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Health
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Background information
Interesting facts about products, behind-the-scenes looks at manufacturers and deep-dives on interesting people.
Show allThese articles might also interest you
2 comments
later