Red eye shadow is having a moment, but red-rimmed, irritated eyes are never a good look. If you’ve ever had a reaction to a mascara or eye product, you might be wondering what makes cosmetics hypoallergenic and how you can avoid adverse reactions in the future.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

 The term hypoallergenic does not guarantee that a product will never cause a reaction. It just means that it has been tested for allergies and is less likely to produce an allergic reaction. If you have allergies, hypoallergenic eye makeup is a no-brainer. But even if you don’t, wearing cosmetics with fewer known allergens means you’re less likely to react to something you didn’t know you were allergic to!

Why Hypoallergenic Cosmetics Could Be Right For You

If you have a known allergy to a cosmetic ingredient, or you have had a reaction to eye makeup in the past, hypoallergenic cosmetics make a lot of sense. There are some other reasons that hypoallergenic eye products could be best for you, though. Here are a few:

  • Seasonal allergies or asthma: Both asthma and allergies to pollen can cause itchy, watery eyes. These conditions can make your eyes more sensitive to cosmetics, makeup removers and face cleansers.
  • Dry eyes: If you take allergy medication, or have a medical condition which causes dryness, your eyes are less effective at flushing out allergens or irritants. This makes your eyes more susceptible to sensitivity.
  • Sensitive eyes: Maybe you don’t have an allergy, but your eyes are sensitive and easily irritated.
  • Contacts: You don’t want irritants in cosmetics to enter your eyes and get trapped under or interfere with your contacts.
  • Eyelash extensions or strip lashes: Having a reaction to a cosmetic ingredient can mess with your false lashes.

Ingredients to Avoid In Your Makeup & Makeup Remover

Some cosmetic ingredients have a history of being harmful or irritating, and good hypoallergenic brands will formulate their products to avoid them. In general, preservatives, dyes, fragrances and artificial colors are the most common skin and eye irritants that you’ll find in cosmetics.

Three Types of Harmful Preservatives:

  • Formaldehyde: Considered a carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent, by the National Toxicology Program.

  • Parabens: Classified as xenoestrogens, otherwise known as endocrine disruptors. They can disrupt the immune, reproductive, and neurological systems of the body.

  • Phthalates: Linked to a number of health disorders and neurodevelopmental issues, such as type II diabetes and ADHD.

BeautyGARDE Lash & Brow Shampoo

To avoid irritating your eyes, there are a couple more things you can do. First, replace your mascara and other eye makeup every three months. Over time, bacteria can migrate from your eyes to your makeup. You risk irritation or infection if you use it for too long. Second, never go to bed with your makeup on! (See our article on eye mites if you want to learn more about sleeping in your makeup.)

Want to know the best way to remove your eye makeup? Use BeautyGARDE lash & brow shampoo. Whether you wear faux lashes or not, this cleanser is completely oil-free, hypoallergenic and safe to use on natural lashes and falsies. With an antimicrobial charcoal brush head, BeautyGARDE hypoallergenic eye makeup remover gently removes mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow and eyebrow makeups. It even removes waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Thoroughly cleaning your lash and brow area every night is the best way to protect your eyelash extensions or good-quality strip lashes.