The Most Dangerous Cosmetic In The World
Alexia asks: I was genetically condemned with the most colorless lashes in the world, which make me look like an alien or a corpse (or maybe an alien corpse?) I was thinking about dying my lashes but I found that it’s illegal in some places because several people went blind! Then, I found a product called Colorsport 30-day Mascara, which is supposed to be a permanent eyelash color. I’m desperate to try it, but I’m also partial to eyesight. Will I go blind if I dye my lashes?
The Right Brain shows her the light:
You’re right, Alexia, in the U.S. eyelash dying products are considered to be illegal and unsafe.
What is eyelash dye?
Eyelash dying products use the same kind of dyes as permanent hair colors. For example, the Colorsport product you mentioned contains 2-Chloro-p-phenylenediamine; 2,6 Diaminopyridine and m-Aminophenol. These chemicals are referred to as “oxidative dyes” because they must be mixed with an oxidizing agent (usually hydrogen peroxide) before they will work. The oxidizing agent causes the dye molecules to polymerize, or link together, to create intense shades.
Why is dying lashes dangerous?
Oxidative dyes are very reactive chemicals and can induce an allergic reaction in some people that causes painful rash or even blistering. That’s why permanent hair colors instruct you to test the product on a small spot of your skin before applying it to your scalp. (Not many people do it, but read the label on your Clairol or L’Oreal dye and you’ll see it.) Since your eyes are even more sensitive than your scalp, an allergic reaction there is much more dangerous. There have been a few cases, dating back to the 1930s, of women being blinded (and even killed!) from allergic reactions to these kinds of dyes.
That’s why the U.S. FDA says these dyes represent “an acute, severe hazard to health with the possibility of permanent injury; i.e.,impaired sight, including blindness.”
“Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries, including blindness. There are no color additives approved by FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows.”
How can Colorsport sell an illegal product?
There are two reasons : First, Colorsport is made in the UK and these products are not illegal there because the jurisdiction of the FDA is limited to the US. For reasons we can’t fathom, the European Union does not seem to be as concerned about this danger and so there are several eyelash dyes available in the UK. The FDA tries to stop these products from being brought into the US but it’s tough to stop people from ordering them online.
Second, there are salons in the US that still offer this service but they’re just that are just ignoring the law (and the danger!) They use the argument that “I’ve been dying eyelashes for years and never had a problem.” But the reality is, every credible source on this topic says that the risk is not worth the reward. So stick with a good mascara and leave the hair dyes off your lashes.
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Alexia Says:
wow, im glad i didn’t buy it… thanks brains
Karen Says:
A “wow” from me, too. I wondered why I was seeing this service at some salons if it was considered dangerous. I thought maybe there were new safer ingredients.
Thanks, Beauty Brains, for helping us not waste our money AND protecting our well being!
Jennifer Says:
Actually, there IS a safe eyelash dye that is absolutely fabulous! The name of it is Swiss O Par. It comes in brown and black.
NO HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND NO TAR. FDA APPROVED. The website has more extensive information on their product. Check out the link here. http://www.eyestodyefor.com/
Happy Eyelash Tinting! :):)
Spangle
Truemors :: Dying Your Eyelashes Can Kill or Blind You. Says:
[...] to the FDA there is a good reason you should use hair dye on your eyelashes. It could make you go blind or even kill you! interesting? spread dump 5:11 pm by Left Brain [...]
Kathy Says:
You have to see this. The power of make-up. click to view:
The Power of Make-up
Virtue Says:
hey just wanted you girls to know that there is a product out there for dying the lashes that does NOT contain the same stuff as hair dyes….it also takes much less time…it takes about 1-2 seconds to work. there is a chemical reaction but its NOT the one that is in hair dyes and its not dangerous, especially since you only leave it on for 2 seconds and thats not a lot of time to “drip” I know for sure that its called “Swiss O’ Par” and I have used it myself. I dont remember what the dying ingredient is but I think it contains silver…or something like that
Left Brain Says:
I looked at the Swiss O Par website and I have to say I’m a bit skeptical. I’m suspicious of any company that makes wild claims and doesn’t even have the guts to put their ingredients on their website. What is the stuff? Why should anyone believe what the company is saying?
If it is ANY chemical reaction I certainly couldn’t recommend that people use it. Until we see more information (like an ingredient list) I say Beauty Brain community, stay away. These are your eyes we’re talking about.
christi mangen Says:
I have been looking into buying the Swiss O Par. The last few times I have dyed my lashes, I got a chemical burn. Here are the ingredients- bleching agent- 1,2,4 trihydroxybenzene, citric acid, sodium sulflite, disodium PEG5 laurylcitrate, sulfosuccinate SLS.Dye elements contain-silver nitrate, ammonium hydroxide, acrylates/C10-3- Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer. Should I buy it?
Drew Says:
You can get eyelash tint from brands like neutrogena and such which are more natural than mascara. It takes 2 seconds to apply and you shouldn’t lose your eyesight from it.
rachael Says:
I love having my eyelashes dyed. I come from Australia and cannot believe that you cannot get it done in the US. I believe that Australia uses vegetable dyes and the blue black makes my eyes awesome. Are these dyes somehow different to others? Wish I could find out more.
"S" Says:
I had my eyelashes tinted and the tech wasn’t very professional with making sure all the dye was off of my lashes before having me open my eyes. I suffered chemical burns from the dye and had much more problems from it. I wish I never tinted them.
April Says:
To “S”. I, too had chemical burns after having my lashes dyed. It’s now a year and 1/2 later and I still suffer from severe dry eye, redness and irritation.
Although there is no evidence of the burns now, it has left damage to the eye. Reaching out to you as you went through the same thing. Did your eyes improve after time? I wish I had never done it as well.