Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
US study links beauty products to nearly 42,500 eye injuries over 20 years
A study found nearly 42,500 people went to US emergency departments for eye injuries linked to beauty and personal-care products between 2005 and 2024.
The products included makeup, hair products, sprays, nail cosmetics and heated styling tools.
Women and girls accounted for 82% of the injuries, and the patients’ average age was 24.
Children aged four or younger made up almost a quarter of cases, and 70% of their injuries happened while using a product without supervision.
Chemical burns made up 46% of injuries in patients under 18, compared with less than 1% among adults; adults more often had cuts, bruises or abrasions.
Researchers said many chemical burns involved children getting access to cosmetics, including skin-care products, fragrances, nail cosmetics, sprays and shampoos.
They recommend storing products out of children’s reach and using heated styling tools and grooming instruments more safely; the findings are preliminary because they were presented at a medical meeting and have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
A US study found nearly 42,500 people went to emergency departments with eye injuries linked to beauty and personal care products from 2005 to 2024.
Women and girls accounted for 82% of the injuries, and the average patient age was 24.
Children aged 4 or younger represented nearly a quarter of cases, and 70% of injuries in this age group happened while using a product without supervision.
Chemical burns made up 46% of eye injuries among patients under 18, compared with less than 1% among adults.
The researchers said safer storage and more careful use of beauty products and grooming tools could help prevent injuries.
- Who
- Nearly 42,500 people in the United States who were treated in emergency departments for eye injuries.
- What
- A study linked the injuries to beauty and personal care products.
- When
- The study covered 2005 to 2024.
- Where
- Emergency departments in the United States.
- Why
- The injuries happened when beauty and personal care products came into contact with the eye; the study did not identify one single cause.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers analyzed US emergency department data on eye injuries linked to cosmetic and personal care products.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology issued a press release about the findings.
The study was presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s annual meeting in New Orleans.
- Eye injuries
- Nearly 42,500 emergency department visits
- Study period
- 2005–2024
- Women and girls
- 82% of injuries
- Average patient age
- 24 years
- Children aged 4 or younger
- Nearly one-quarter of cases
What people are saying
Cosmetic products may seem relatively low risk because they are everyday household items, but when they come into contact with the eye, particularly chemicals or very hot devices, they can cause significant injuries.
For children, that means emphasizing safe storage and limiting unsupervised access to cosmetic products, particularly liquids and sprays.
For teens and adults, safer handling of heat-styling tools and grooming instruments can help reduce injuries.
Sources
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