Scary Side of Halloween Face Paint

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.