Ocular adverse events associated with eye makeup: a cosmetovigilance-based cross-sectional study of prevalence and predictors among Jordanian women

This study aimed to investigate eye makeup adverse reactions (ARs), habits and practices among Jordanian females. The research also sought to identify factors contributing to the risk of ARs to promote safer cosmetic practices and protect public health. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted between March and May 2024, targeting Jordanian female residents. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire distributed via social media platforms using snowball sampling. The questionnaire covered social demographic characteristics, eye makeup habits, prevalence of cosmetic ARs, knowledge of eye makeup products, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of eye makeup-related ARs. The study analyzed 1,741 valid surveys. Eye makeup users were generally younger (mean age 29.8 years) than non-users (mean age 36.8 years). A high proportion of eye makeup users (85%) reported at least one AR, with lacrimation being the most common symptom (59.2%). Significant predictors of ARs included young age (AOR = 0.968, <i>p</i> = 0.001), food/drug allergies (AOR = 1.602, <i>p</i> = 0.005), and allergic ocular disease (AOR = 4.401, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Unexpectedly, consistently removing eye makeup before sleep was associated with a higher risk of ARs (AOR = 4.718, <i>p</i> = 0.003). In conclusion, this study highlights the prevalence of adverse reactions associated with eye makeup use among Jordanian females and underscores the importance of cosmetovigilance. The high rate of self-reported adverse reactions indicates a need for increased awareness and education regarding safe cosmetic practices. Factors such as young age, pre-existing allergies were identified as significant predictors of adverse events, emphasizing the necessity of targeted interventions.