The skin around our eyes is super delicate and sensitive. Thus, it’s necessary to be mindful of the ingredients you apply on the eye area. Applying harsh ingredients can irritate your eyes and even lead to nasty infections. Here are three ingredients you should avoid bringing anywhere close to those peepers…
But before we begin, it is important to understand what exactly consists of the eye area. Dr. Harshana Bijlani from The Ageless Clinic explains, "the eye area includes the upper eyelid and the area around the lower eye. The skin around the eye is extremely thin, and is also the first to show signs of ageing, so you need to treat it with respect."
01. Parabens

This is one toxic ingredient that is commonly found in most skin care products that contain water. This ingredient acts as a preservative and its main purpose is to extend the shelf life. It helps to prevent bacteria from entering into your products. However, using products that contain parabens around the eye area can cause inflammation leading to swelling, redness, itchiness, and even serious eye infection in some.
02. Acne face wash

Dr. Harshana says, "If you are using an acne face wash, do not put it in the eye area, because you do not get acne around your eyes. Secondly, if you are using an anti-acne gel with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, avoid applying that around your eyes as well."
03. Acids
Acids, especially the really concentrated once, can be too harsh for the sensitive skin around your eyes. "I am not saying don't use acids around the eyes, but use something with a lesser percentage", warns Dr. Harshana
04. Retinol

Retinol is a popular ingredient found in several anti-ageing treatments. However, due to its potent nature, it can sensitise the skin, and cause extreme dryness in some. Since our eye area is super delicate, to begin with, it’s best to use the mildest form of retinol for it. Make sure to keep it strictly away from the lashline. Use it in the orbital region for amazing results.
Written by Urvi Dalal on 12th Jun 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!