Majority of makeup products are contaminated with superbugs potentially dangerous to health, study reveals.
While some women prefer to use their fingers or a brush to apply their foundation, more and more of them are choosing a makeup sponge. The problem is that the majority of these products are carriers of bacteria potentially likely to threaten the vital prognosis of the concerned. This is the conclusion of a study published a few days ago in Journal of Applied Microbiology .
For this work, researchers from Aston University (UK) analyzed 467 makeup items belonging to as many people. Among them were mascaras, lip glosses and even sponges. It turned out that 9 out of 10 products tested contained bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococci. These organisms, it is recalled, are likely to cause serious health problems.
People with weakened immune systems in particular could be exposed to certain skin infections or even blood poisoning if these products are used near the eyes, mouth, cut or scrape.
It emerged that the products with the greatest risk were makeup sponges, used to apply foundations (93% infected). For the researchers, one of the explanations for this finding is that these items are too often left damp after use . And we know that humidity is fertile ground for harmful bacteria. According to the study, too many products are also dropped on the floor without being cleaned up (about 64%).
“Poor hygiene practices in the use of makeup, particularly with sponges, are of great concern. We have detected bacteria such as E. coli – linked to fecal contamination – breeding on almost every product we have tested , said Dr. Amreen Bashir, lead author of the study.
Researchers therefore insist on the need to dry these products thoroughly after use.
Researchers also stress the need for 'uniform regulations on the life of these products.
In the European Union, the majority of cosmetics include information about the sustainability of said products. There are two different notations:minimum durability and duration of use. But in the United States, for example, there is no law requiring that these products have a specific shelf life or an expiration date mentioned on their labels.
Source
Related articles:
