How Dirty are Your Facial Tools?
Eye makeup tools have lots of germs
Eye makeup tools have lots of germs
Many of us use eye makeup tools like eyelash curlers and eyeshadow brushes every day.
But we rarely think about how clean these tools really are. New research reveals some startling facts about the amount of bacteria lurking on our facial accessories. Read on to find out if your makeup bag contains more germs than a toilet seat!
Some common eye makeup tools were swabbed to test for germs.
- Eyelash curlers had the most germs by far.
- Sleep masks had 4x more germs than a faucet handle.
The Germs Found
2 main types of bacteria:
- Bacilli — can cause eye redness and inflammation
- Cocci — can cause pink eye and corneal inflammation
- Colony forming units (CFUs) measure bacteria amount.
- Eyelash curler had over 500,000 CFUs per square inch.
Dirtier Than You’d Think
- All tools were dirtier than a toilet handle.
- Over half were dirtier than a toilet seat.
- Eyeliner had 2x more germs than a pet food bowl.
- Eyelash curler had 24x more germs than a kitchen sink.
Most Don’t Clean Tools
- 56% share eye makeup tools with others.
- 1 in 10 never clean their tools.
- 1 in 5 never replace their tools.
- Tools should be cleaned every 7–10 days.
Keeping Tools Clean
- Proper cleaning keeps germs at safe levels.
- Replace tools regularly — cleaning can’t remove all germs.
- Be extra careful with tools used on eyes.
- Never share eye makeup tools.
- Clean tools often to remove trapped bacteria.
- Avoid infections and maintain good eye health.
This eye-opening look at the hygiene of eye makeup tools shows just how easily bacteria can accumulate on items we use daily. While proper cleaning and replacement helps, vigilance is required to keep these beauty aids from becoming hotbeds of infection.
By being mindful of contamination risks, take steps to keep your makeup tools clean for healthier eyes. With some minor habit adjustments, it’s possible to look good without putting your vision at risk from germy eyelash curlers or brushes.
References:
Is Your Eyelash Curler Dirtier Than a Kitchen Sink? — All About Vision