Contact Dermatitis from Eye Cosmetics

Abstract

Eye makeup has been getting popular in Japan these 10 years. We have experienced five patients with contact dermatitis from eye cosmetics since 1978, that is, 2 from eyeliner, one each from mascara, eyeshadow and eyebrows pencil. The causative was confirmed to be compound fragrances included by an eyeliner and a mascara in two patients, respectively. Cummulative data of patchtest with eye cosmetics showed that the mascara and eyebrows pencil were relatively irritant, revealing 12.9 and 12. 5 in the skin irritant index, respectively. It is warned that the patchtest should be prohibited with some of eye makeup products of easily dry type for summer use, because they may include a strong irritant substance, volatile hydrocarbon (isoper) at a high concentration (40 to 60%). © 1984, Meeting of Osaka Dermatological Association. All rights reserved.