Face paint is a fun way to transform any Halloween costume into the cats meow.
But it also comes with some dangers that a lot of parents aren't aware of.
Unlike food and drugs, face paint and other cosmetics are not regulated by the FDA, though the agency does regulate colors. Most face-paints have preservatives but sometimes bacteria and mold make face paint their breeding ground.
Dermatologist Elizabeth Dunlavey tells us what to keep an eye out for.
“Make sure it’s from a reputable dealer, that you're getting it from somewhere where it says face paint for the skin and that it does not have a foul odor or is discolored different from what's advertized," said Dunlavey.
In fact earlier this year the Fun Express face paint from china was recalled after dozens of members of a Girl Scout troop got a rash from the product.
Dunlavey also suggests always using fresh face paint, not last year's.
If your child develops a rash after using a product, be sure to alert the FDA by calling the "adverse event" hotline at 800-332-1088.
Here's a few more safety tips before you apply that Halloween face-paint:
- Try a dab of the paint on an arm a few days before to test for allergic reactions
- Don't sleep with the face paint on -- wearing it too long can irritate the skin.
- Be careful with fluorescent or glow-in-the dark colors. None of those should go near the eyes.
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