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How Improper Makeup Removal Can Affect Your Eyes and How to Remove Eye Makeup Effectively

Whether you wear makeup daily or only for special occasions, you should always take care to remove it properly at the end of the day. Correct make-up removal can support your eye health. 

In this blog, we’ll be exploring the negative effects sometimes caused by improper makeup removal and our top tips for effectively taking off eye makeup to help avoid any issues. 

Can improper makeup removal affect your eyes?

In short – yes – improper makeup removal can affect the eyes. In particular, when mascara, eyeshadow and liner are left on or near the eye area, you may experience irritation and other common eye conditions such as styes, chalazia and meibomian gland dysfunction. 

Irritation

Some makeup removers, such as those containing ingredients like alcohol, parabens and fragrances, may lead to ocular irritation or irritation of the skin around the eyes for some people. Additionally, when eye makeup isn’t correctly removed, it may get into the eyes and affect the tear film. This may increase the likelihood of developing dry eye and lead to further irritation on the eye’s surface.1

MGD (Meibomian gland dysfunction)

Failing to remove all makeup, especially from the eyelids, can impact meibomian gland function and may result in MGD.3  

The meibomian glands are also responsible for maintaining the tear film’s stability, and when these become blocked there are less oils in the tear film meaning tears can evaporate more which  can be a contributing factor for dry eye. 

Styes

Leftover makeup, such as eyeliner, can clog the meibomian glands in the eyelids, which may encourage bacterial growth increasing the risk of infection commonly resulting in the development of a stye.2

Chalazion

While a chalazion usually isn’t a direct result of improper makeup removal, leftover makeup around the eyelids may block the meibomian glands in the eyelids and reducing the flow of natural oils out of these glands. With improper eyelid cleansing, this may increase the risk of developing a swollen, painless lump on the eyelid, known as a chalazion.4

How to remove eye makeup effectively

So, what can you do to help avoid irritation, infections and general discomfort that can come from improper makeup removal? Here, we’re sharing the best eye makeup removal techniques to help you effectively remove even the most stubborn makeup products, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner. 

Use an oil-free and fragrance-free eye makeup remover

Oil-free and fragrance-free eye makeup removers are best, since this reduces the likelihood of oils building up in the eye area and causing irritation or further complications. We would also suggest using products that are ophthalmologically tested, which means they have been tested specifically for use around the eyes.

The following options should be considered:

·       Blephasol®: Our micellar cleansing solution gently cleanses the skin and eyes, effectively removing makeup, dirt and secretions.5 Blephasol® Duo also includes 100 Lint Free Pads alongside the gentle micellar cleansing solution.

·       Blephaclean® PF: Suitable for use on sensitive skin, these sterile, fragrance-free, vegan and plastic-free wipes are soaked with micellar cleansing solution, making them ideal for removing makeup, dust, and pollen without irritation

The micellar action works by attracting makeup like a magnet and lifting it away form the skin without disrupting the natural barrier.

Eye makeup removal aftercare

Once all makeup has been removed, we recommend you consider aftercare for the delicate skin surrounding the eyes. Rehydrating the skin and providing a natural barrier against dirt and other irritants should be prioritised. 

Eyelid creams, such as Blephaderm® can help with this. This soothing eyelid and eye contour cream not only provides immediate soothing and lasting comfort for sensitive, dry, irritated and allergy-prone skin, but it’s also free from parabens, perfume and preservatives.7

Looking after your eyes, whether it’s proper makeup removal, nutrition, getting regular eye checks, or a general eye care routine, is essential. If you have any concerns about your eyes, we recommend seeking advice from an eye care professional. 

Sources:

  1. Wang MT, Craig JP. Investigating the effect of eye cosmetics on the tear film: current insights. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2018 Apr 3;10:33-40. doi: 10.2147/OPTO.S150926. PMID: 30214340; PMCID: PMC6118859.
  2. Willmann D, Guier CP, Patel BC, et al. Hordeolum (Stye) [Updated 2024 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459349/)
  3. Ercan ZE. Effect of eyeliner and mascara use on tear film and meibomian glands. Saudi J Ophthalmol. 2022 Jul 11;36(1):113-116. doi: 10.4103/sjopt.sjopt_170_21. PMID: 35971493; PMCID: PMC9375468.
  4. https://www.ijmrhs.com/medical-research/chalazion-risk-factors-a-review-article.pdf
  5. Blephsol PIL September 2019
  6. Blephaclean PF PIL 2023
  7. Study Report #22E1350: Clinical evaluation of cutaneous and ocular acceptability and efficacy of the. cosmetic product BLEPHADERM ® in care of atopic skin. Data on File. 
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