90% of cosmetics are infected with deadly bacteria, experts show how to clean

A study of 467 makeup products carried out by experts from Aston University, UK, found that 90% of them contained potentially deadly bacteria. Experts also share simple ways to clean these products.

We recently studied 467 makeup products, donated by people in the UK for our research into the potential for bacterial and fungal infections. Research shows that up to 90% of them contain potentially deadly bacteria. These products, including lipstick, mascara, makeup sponges, etc. can pose serious health risks.

We found E. coli and Staphylococci (staphylococci) in used eyeliner and mascara. These bacteria can cause irritation and inflammation of the conjunctiva (pink eye). Symptoms of conjunctivitis are usually mild, itchy, watery eyes, and in severe cases, it can lead to blindness. The bacteria that cause conjunctivitis can also spread to other parts of the body, causing a more serious secondary infection.

Lipstick and lip gloss in the samples contained staphylococcus and a variety of stool-associated bacteria. These bacteria cause redness and inflammation of the lips, which can be treated with antibiotics or antibacterial creams. But an infection can be life-threatening if the bacteria spreads into the bloodstream or tissues deep in the body.

In addition, some strains of staphylococcus, such as Staphylococcus aureus, are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus is very contagious and can cause skin infections, including impetigo.

The cosmetics we tested (lipstick, lip gloss, eyeliner, mascara and makeup sponge) contained between 100 and 1,000 bacteria, with the average beauty blenders having about 1 million bacteria. Some bacteria with only about 100 cells can also cause infections.

How to clean makeup sponge, lipstick and mascara

Previous research has examined microbial contamination in cosmetics in other countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. They report a large number of pathogenic bacteria, including E.coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella and Citrobacter, but very few studies have been done in the United Kingdom, where the situation is similar to countries such as the United States.

Our study is the first to focus on beauty blenders, a popular foundation and contouring sponge.

Beauty blenders makeup sponge.

We've found that these products are extremely susceptible to contamination because they often become damp after use, which creates an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The majority (93%) of the makeup sponges we tested had never been cleaned, although two-thirds (64%) of respondents admitted they dropped it on the ground.

Actually, it is very easy to clean bacteria from cosmetics. Makeup sponges can be washed off with warm soapy water. For lipstick, you just need to gently rotate the lipstick tube upwards, wipe the top layer of lipstick with a tissue, then pour some rubbing alcohol and dip the exposed lipstick in alcohol for 30 seconds. Gently wipe off the alcohol after removing and drying. This will not affect the lipstick but will keep it clean.

Tubes of mascara can harbor bacteria but cannot wash them off, so it's best to change your mascara monthly or use a disposable one.

Check the expiry date of cosmetics

Each type of cosmetic product has a shelf life, which is calculated based on how long the preservative in the product can control contamination.

All cosmetic products are manufactured under strict conditions to control the growth and accumulation of bacteria during use. The use of preservatives can prevent bacterial growth, but they have a limited shelf life. All cosmetic products have a shelf life, which is calculated based on how long the preservative in the product can control contamination.

The expiry date printed on the packaging, like 3M, 6M, 12M, 18M, 24M or 36M in the middle, corresponds to the number of months the product can be used. Most products have a shelf life of 3 to 12 months, as long as the user doesn't have a bacterial infection like conjunctivitis. However, our latest research shows that people are using products that are out of date and are accumulating microbial contamination.

To avoid contamination, discard expired makeup, don't use makeup if it's contaminated or your skin is scratched, never share cosmetics with friends, and definitely avoid using makeup products. makeup samples in the store.

About the author: Ms. Amreen Bashir is a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Aston University, UK, and Mr. Peter Lambert is a Professor of Microbial Chemistry at Aston University.