Contamination at the cosmetics counter: how to sample makeup safe

By Jenilee Matz, MPH, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

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There is an ugly side of beauty products. If you make up before you try buying, you could endanger your health. studies show that makeup samples to cosmetic counters can be infected with staph, strep and e. coli bacteria.

Lurking germs

The bacteria in the samples may lead to such diseases as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and skin infections.

It's easy for these germs to get into the makeup. when a customer dirty hands and samples makeup, let them bacteria behind in the cosmetics. An unsuspecting customers who make up a few minutes later test can apply contaminated makeup on her face.

The lowdown on preservatives

When a container of makeup is opened, can germs from the air. That's why makeup contains preservatives, kill and the growth of harmful bacteria.

When you make up your home, you usually only use once a day.This gives the preservatives a whole day to kill bacteria that entered. But at the shop-especially during the busy hours-can there be a difference of only minutes between each use. This gives no preservatives enough time to work, so that makeup faster can get infected.

Avoiding infection at the desk of cosmetics

The u.s. food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly discourages make-up sharing with others. so use makeup samples at your own risk.

However, your safety is a priority for most makeup companies.Cosmetic counter staff are trained to take special care to maintain safe make-up.Some companies:

Leading samples must be cleaned and disinfected often

• Only allow mascara to be sampled with disposable applicators

Leading staff to wipe samples and containers with alcohol and dry them before they are offering to customers

• Use disposable cotton balls, antibacterial brushes and cotton swabs to apply makeup

• Throw samples away when they see people apply them directly on skin or lips

Sampling safety

If you are testing to makeup before you buy, use these tips to make it more secure:

1. first, Always wash your hands to prevent exposing of makeup for bacteria.

2. Use testers during the weekdays. makeup items are busiest weekends and holidays. This gives not enough time for preservatives to work because of the constant exposure.

3. use makeup items where monsters and containers are wiped with alcohol is offered to customers. alcohol may help some kill bacteria.

4. Test makeup on your wrist or the back of your hand instead of applying directly on your face.

5. ask for a new, unused applicator for the testing of a product. makeup can be contaminated with bacteria that the brush or applicator from skin picks.

6. Wash your skin immediately after trying on makeup.

7. try not to "natural" or "free from preservatives" makeup. Bacteria can easily grow in these products.

SOURCES:

Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA). cosmetic counter security.Open: 03/02/2010 u.s. food and Drug Administration. Eye cosmetics safety.Accessible: 03/02/2010 prevent blindness America. safe use of eye cosmetics.Accessible: 03/02/2010 National women's health Information Center. cosmetics and your health.Accessible: 03/02/2010

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