Q. Are cosmetics safe?

Cosmetics include makeup, hair dye, perfume, skin creams, lotions, nail polish, toothpaste and deodorants.

Unlike drugs, which are used to treat or prevent disease, cosmetics do not affect the body’s structure or functions.

In 1938, Congress passed the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to protect consumers.

Under the law, cosmetics must be made and packaged in clean factories; cannot contain poison, rotten or harmful ingredients; may only use color additives that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and must have a clear, truthful label.

The FDA does not test cosmetics before they are sold in stores. The FDA can take action against companies who break the law.

Some products are cosmetics and drugs. For example, an antidandruff shampoo is a cosmetic because it cleans hair, but it is also a drug because it treats dandruff. These products must meet the standards for cosmetics and drugs.

Some cosmetic-makers use the term “cosmeceutical” to refer to products that have drug-like benefits. The term has no meaning under the law.

You can tell if you’re buying a cosmeceutical by checking the container to see if the first ingredient listed is an “active ingredient.”

The active ingredient is the chemical that makes the product effective, and the manufacturer must have proof that it’s safe for its intended use.

Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim cause fewer allergic reactions than other products. There are no federal standards for using the term hypoallergenic; it can mean whatever a company wants it to mean. Cosmetic-makers do not have to prove their claims to the FDA.

Some products that have “natural” ingredients can cause allergic reactions. If you have an allergy to certain plants or animals, you could have an allergic reaction to cosmetics with those items in them.

Some cosmetics can cause acne. Choose “non-comedogenic” make-up and hair-care products. This means they don’t close the pores in your skin.

Serious problems from cosmetics are rare.

The most common injury from cosmetics is from scratching the eye with a mascara wand. Never apply mascara while in a moving vehicle.

Sharing make-up is a no-no. Cosmetic brushes and sponges pick up bacteria from the skin. If you moisten brushes with saliva, the problem can be worse.

If mascara flakes into your eyes while you sleep, you might wake up with itching, bloodshot eyes, infections or eye scratches. Remove all make-up before going to bed.

It is dangerous to use aerosol hairspray near heat. Until hairspray is fully dry, it is flammable. Aerosol sprays or powders also can cause lung damage if they are inhaled deeply into the lungs.

Here are some more tips for the use of cosmetics:

* Keep makeup containers clean and closed tight when not in use.

* Wash your hands before you put on makeup.

* Do not add saliva or water to makeup.

* Throw away makeup if the color or smell changes.

* Don’t store your make-up above 85 degrees Fahrenheit

* Stop using a product if you get a rash, itching, redness, sneezing or wheezing.

* Do not keep mascara too long. Some companies say three months is long enough.

* Do not use eye makeup if you have an eye infection. Throw away eye makeup you were using.

* Do not use cosmetics near your eyes unless they are meant for your eyes. For example, don’t use a lip liner as an eyeliner. You may spread germs from your mouth to your eyes.

* Kohl, also known as al-kahl, kajal or surma, is used in some parts of the world for enhancing eyes. Kohl is unapproved in the United States. Kohl has been linked to lead poisoning in children.

* Don’t dye eyelashes and eyebrows. No color additives are approved by FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows. Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries.

Have a question? Email: fred@healthygeezer.com. Order “How To Be A Healthy Geezer,” 218-page compilation of columns: healthygeezer.com

All Rights Reserved © 2024 Fred Cicetti

The Times News, Inc. and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.