Is ok to share makeup? Dermatologists respond.
If you’re ever in a pinch for makeup when you are missing a few essentials, you might not hesitate to borrow a trusted friend’s mascara, lip gloss or eyeliner. However, can doing so affect your skin or worsen skin issues? Baylor College of Medicine dermatologists share their expertise.
Question: What skin issues can occur from sharing makeup?
Answer: I’ve never heard of a case of infection or acne being attributed to makeup. Theoretically, sure! If there were a contagious virus or bacteria in the makeup product, it could be transmitted.
Q: Can sharing makeup worsen conditions like acne?
A: Sharing makeup specifically doesn’t contribute to acne.
Q: Which makeup products are the riskiest to share?
A: Makeup products are not inherently dangerous, but if someone had active bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, then sharing eye makeup would be risky. If someone had an active herpes sore on the lip, then sharing lipstick would be risky as well.
Cream-based makeup products (liquid foundation, concealer, cream blush, cream eyeshadow, etc.) are more likely to harbor microorganisms than powder products because they retain moisture, making it an ideal environment for organisms to grow. This is the same for damp beauty blenders or makeup sponges that are not fully dried between uses.
Q: Is it safe to use makeup testers at stores?
A: It’s best to avoid using makeup testers in stores, especially lip or eye products like mascara or eyeliner, because they are difficult to sanitize. Viruses like herpes can be shed even in asymptomatic people.
Q: If you do share products, how can you best clean them before applying them to your skin?
A: If you must use a tester or makeup product from someone, remove the top layer when possible or clean with alcohol and apply the product onto a clean hand or palette (not directly on face), then use a clean finger or single-use applicator. If possible, try to use an alcohol swab for lipsticks.
Responses provided by Dr. Audrey Chan, assistant professor of dermatology and Dr. Dana Khoury, former dermatology fellow.
By Taylor Barnes
