Answers
07/14/1992

<TITLE>FDA WARNS AGAINST USE OF "PERMANENT" EYELASH/EYEBROW DYES AND TINTS</TITLE>
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T92-31                                                Brad Stone
July 14, 1992                                         (301) 443-3285

     FDA WARNS AGAINST USE OF "PERMANENT" EYELASH/EYEBROW DYES AND TINTS

    The Food and Drug Administration today reissued its long-standing         
warning against "permanent" eyebrow and eyelash dyeing.  The Food, Drug and   
Cosmetic Act of 1938 prohibits the marketing of hair dyes for eyelash and     
eyebrow tinting or dyeing because this practice has been known to cause       
severe eye injuries and even blindness.
    These dyes should not be confused with temporary coloring products used   
around the eyes -- such as mascara, eye shadow, eyebrow pencils and eye       
liners -- which can be used safely.
    FDA's new warning was prompted by a recent report from the New York City  
area of an injury possibly associated with eyebrow and eyelash tinting.  An   
informal FDA survey of beauty salon advertisements in the Washington, D.C.,   
area following the report from New York indicates that some establishments    
are promoting "permanent" eyebrow and eyelash dyeing or tinting services.
    Consumers should be aware that there are no natural or synthetic color    
additives approved by FDA for dyeing or tinting eyelashes and eyebrows --     
either for use in beauty salons or in the home.  In fact, the law requires    
all hair dye products to include instructions for performing patch tests      
before use to identify for possible allergic reactions, and to carry          
warnings about the dangers of applying these products to eyebrows and         
eyelashes.
                                   -MORE-


                                      Page 2, T92-31, Eyelash & Eyebrow Tint
    The health hazards of permanent eyelash and eyebrow dyes have been known  
for more than 60 years.  These dyes have repeatedly been cited in scientific  
literature as capable of causing serious reactions when placed in direct      
contact with the eye.  In two famous cases in 1933, a woman who used eyelash  
dye died, while another woman became blind in both eyes after suffering       
weeks of intense pain.
    Despite these warnings, however, some beauty salons and other             
establishments apparently continue to promote this use of hair dyes.  This    
practice most often occurs during the summer months as a means of retaining   
eyebrow and eyelash coloring after outdoor activities such as swimming.
    As recently as 10 years ago, FDA issued an import alert against the       
importation of foreign eyebrow and eyelash dye products.  Although FDA's      
quick action helped to limit the distribution of these products, some         
injuries did occur.
    To protect the public health, FDA will continue to work to prevent the    
importation and marketing of eyebrow and eyelash dyes.  In addition, the      
agency will intensify its work with state and local health officials and the  
cosmetics industry to combat the misuse of hair dye products.
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