OKLAHOMA CITY – SafeKids.org and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend Halloween makeup as an alternative to Halloween masks, which have the risk of limiting eye sight, leading to potential accidents. However, the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information cautions parents to be fully informed regarding the makeup they’re considering using to create the perfect Halloween costume for their children or themselves.

·         Novelty Halloween makeup may contain ingredients that are not approved by the FDA, and ingredient lists may be missing or incomplete.

·         Novelty makeup products are not usually of the same quality as traditional facial/theatrical makeup. Halloween makeup may contain dyes, fragrances, waxes and oils that can lead to skin irritation and acne-like breakouts.  

·         Read the instructions prior to use. Often, the packaging will indicate if the product is safe for use around the eyes. 

·         Super glue is not the same as eyelash glue.

·         Glitter applied around the eye could enter the eye, potentially causing scratches, pain and irritation or infection.

·         Sprays used to color the hair or large areas of skin may cause irritation if the eyes are exposed or if the spray is inhaled. These sprays could trigger a reaction in people with breathing issues such as asthma.

·         Test a small area of the skin by applying the product to a small area of skin on the wrist or arm 24-48 hours in advance to see if a reaction develops.

·         Wash the face and body before going to bed to limit contact time with skin in order to reduce the risk of a reaction.

·         Latex is a common ingredient in many novelty items such as fake wounds, horns and facial hair adhesives. Many people can have a severe allergic reaction to products containing latex.

Call the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information with questions regarding the safe use of Halloween makeup products or what to do following an eye exposure or accidental ingestion. Specialists can give detailed instructions on steps to take and symptoms to watch for following an accidental Halloween mishap.

Pharmacists and registered nurses at the poison center are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (800) 222-1222. Please do not email the poison center or a member of the poison center staff, as poisoning emergencies are not handled through email. The Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information is a program of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy at the OU Health Sciences Center. For more information, log on to www.oklahomapoison.org.