Beauty Products and Chemicals to avoid if you have Dry Eyes

The beauty and cosmetic industries are constantly evolving and with that comes new revolutionising active ingredients to help preserve and protect our youthful skin and appearance. But did you know some of these trending ingredients and products can aggravate your dry eye symptoms? 

Here is a list of common beauty ingredients that have been found to worsen your dry eyes. 

Retinol and Retinoid derivatives 

Retinoids are a group of chemical compounds derived from Vitamin A. These compounds boost the production of collagen which help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They also help with suppressing glands that produce oils which is beneficial to acne prone skin. These benefits make retinol a very popular ingredient in a lot of beauty products. 

Retinoids have a similar effect on the meibomian glands inside our eyelids, decreasing oil production and leading to chronic dry eye symptoms. Research has found that excess concentration and long-term use of retinoic acids can result in cell death, atrophy of acini, reduced oil secretion and altered gene expression. resulting in dry eye symptoms. 

It is therefore recommended that patients already suffering from dry eyes avoid using retinol products or avoid applying them around the eye area. 

BAK - Benzalkonium Chloride 

BAK is a preservative that is commonly used in a lot of products including eye drops, makeup removers and mascara. They are added into products to maintain sterility and prevent ocular infections from potential contamination. However, research has shown that BAK has cytotoxic effect on the ocular surface. They inhibit the function of the mitochondria of human corneal epithelial cells, thus damaging the corneal surface and leading to dry eye symptoms. 

It is recommended that patients avoid lubricating drops with preservatives and opt for preservative free drops where possible. 

Formaldehyde (Quaternium 15/ DMDM Hydantoin)

Formaldehyde is often used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth and can be found in makeup, body washes, sunscreens and other cosmetic products. Formaldehyde is a well-documented carcinogen and contact allergen. They are carcinogenic to humans especially through inhalation as well as a mucous membrane irritant. Like BAK and Retinoids, they have been found to be toxic to the meibomian glands and continued exposure lead to cell death thereby worsening dry eye symptoms.

Although banned by the European Union in 2009, Formaldehyde derived preservatives can still be found in a lot of common beauty and household products in low concentrations.

It is important patients stay vigilant and always check the ingredient labels on the products we use and avoid products that can damage the ocular surface and aggravate our dry eye symptoms.