These Eye Makeup Products Can Cause Lead Poisoning, FDA Warns

You undoubtedly use a variety of different makeup products all over your eyes nearly every day, ranging from concealers to mascaras.

However, there is always a risk when introducing anything near such a sensitive place, so you should take particular caution when choosing the products that you use. 

In light of this, it is critical to be aware of a recent Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) advisory warning that some eye makeup may cause lead poisoning, which is addressed to everyone who uses cosmetics. 

Discover what the organization advises you to do to protect yourself by reading on.

1. Review the Ingredients in the Eye Cosmetics

If you do not examine your cosmetics thoroughly, you might put yourself in serious danger. Trying to ensure you are not using any products that include unauthorized color additives is among the most crucial steps in reducing the threat of infection or harm from eye-area cosmetics, according to the FDA.  

The incorporation of color additives is carefully controlled in the United States. The use of those that are typically acceptable for cosmetic use is prohibited near the eyes.

Cosmetics, particularly those used in the eye area, that are supplied to customers on a commercial basis must list their ingredients on the label. Watch out for one specific element that could result in lead poisoning when you do read the label.

2. Lead Poisoning Was Associated with One Additive Color

The FDA has permitted the use of numerous color additives, but kohl is not one of them. Kohl is used on the eyes in many parts of the world to accentuate their attractiveness.

The FDA claims that because kohl has been connected to lead poisoning, it is no longer permitted to be used in any cosmetic products in the United States, especially the kohl eyeliner. 

If the term “kohl” appears on the label of your product but is not listed in the ingredients, do not panic. Some cosmetics for the eye area may bear the word “kohl” on the label merely to describe the hue and not because actual kohl is there.

3. Lead Levels in Eye Kohl Are Frequently High

In the past, the FDA has issued cautions on the kohl cosmetic ingredient’s potential risks. According to the FDA, using conventional eye makeup, often known as “kohl,” increases your risk of contracting lead poisoning.

The FDA also stated in an earlier 2022 advisory that many consumers are probably not aware of the dangers of lead poisoning from kohl.

This latter frequently contains large concentrations of salts containing dangerous metals like lead. For instance, lead can occasionally make up more than 50% of the weight of kohl products.

Nevertheless, these goods occasionally find their way into niche markets. Import auditors are urged to keep an eye out for deliveries of these products by the FDA, according to an import warning.

4. Lead Poisoning Can Be Life-Threatening

The FDA warns that lead poisoning puts both the lives of grownups and children in jeopardy, but it is extremely dangerous for children in particular.

High concentrations of lead can bring about multiple fatal dangers, notably kidney diseases, anemia, and neurological harm, that might result in coma, death, or even convulsions.

The U.S. reported several lead poisoning cases in youngsters, according to the FDA. Children who are exposed to kohl and similar products have higher lead levels in their blood, according to a number of studies.   

Lead from kohl can be ingested by youngsters in a number of ways. For instance, in some cultures, parents apply kohl-based treatments to their children’s and babies’ eyes, and other individuals put kohl dust onto their infant’s umbilical cord.

Do you like Kohl’s products? Have you previously applied any to your eyes or your kids’ eyes?