The truth about make-up testers

Before reaching out for a make-up tester in your local beauty store, you may want to think twice. A woman in California says after trying out lipstick samples at a cosmetics store in 2015, she was diagnosed with oral herpes. She is now suing the beauty-product company for liability and negligence, as well as emotional distress caused due to the lifelong disease. She believes that customers should have been warned about the dangers of using such testers and adequate cleanliness measures should be taken by the brand.

Make-up is a breeding ground for bacteria

It is possible to contract herpes from lipsticks, though it is not very likely, says Dr Apratim Goel, director of Cutis Skin Solutions. “There are two types of viruses that cause herpes — HSV 1 and HSV 2. HSV 1 is shed from the oral cavity, mainly transmitted with oral to oral contact via sores, saliva or oral surfaces. However, they cannot live long out of the body, hence, the chances of transmission are very low. If someone with herpes used a lipstick and you use it immediately after, then there is a chance of spread of the infection. Also, only an HSV negative person contracts the disease. Most people have already been exposed to the virus so they can’t get the infection,” she explains. She does warn about the dangers of sharing make-up though. Most cosmetics are a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, which may aggravate existing acne. Infections like styes, conjunctivitis, and warts are easily contractible if you share your eye make-up like eyeliner, mascara etc.

Brushes help spread infection

Dr Narmada Matang, dermatologist, Neo Skin Clinic mentions Cold sores or Herpes Labialis is a very common skin infection caused by Herpes Simplex virus which spreads by direct contact through saliva, oral secretions like kissing or sexual contact. “Droplets of saliva left on personal items like towels, napkins, utensils or lipstick can be a source of infection too. Though the virus is unable to survive for long outside the body but in a favourable moist, humid and warm environment, it can spread easily,” she warns. Generally, it’s not the product but the contaminated brushes which cause infections and irritation. Many times there is a risk of infections of antibiotic resistant bacteria which may take long to respond to treatment.

Take precautionary measures

Normally lipsticks and other make-up products are known to cause contact dermatitis due to various ingredients like propylene gylcol. Many skin diseases like pemphigus resemble herpes. “Lipstick and balms should not be shared unless you stash an alcohol spray or wipe in your purse to sanitise them,” says Dr Saumya Shetty Hegde, dermatologist and medical director of The Roots Clinic. She adds, “Any beauty product that comes in a jar is safer to use. If you have to dip your fingers into a cleanser, day or night cream, eye cream, foundation, it’s best that you wash your hands before coming into contact with the formula and keep that product for your own personal use. You don’t want to create a petri-dish out of the cream you’re going to be applying to your face, especially since your body absorbs 60 per cent of whatever you apply on your skin. Use closed containers with disposable tester sponges and brushes. If an openly displayed blush looks cracked, faded, or old, avoid using it.” She also suggests testing make-up on the back of your hand, or even your neck, which is less sensitive than your face, and to clean it soon after.