Mintel has warned that out-of-date cosmetics such as mascaras and eye pencils are putting women at risk of eye infections as only one in four takes any notice of use-by dates on make-up or toiletries.
The report described the out of date products as a perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria and criticised popular cosmetics for their lack of information on use-by dates.
Mintel's senior beauty analyst Alexandra Richmond said: 'These latest findings highlight the lack of information available on cosmetic use-by dates.'
Manufacturers added Period After Opening symbols on packaging when the European Union brought in new rules four years ago, but many ignore these and continue to use mascaras and eye pencils after their six-month lifespan, said Mintel.
In a report in the Daily Mail (September 4), Dr Chris Flower of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association said: 'An area where people have had problems is eye products. I do think PAOs are a help here as eye-are cosmetics can become infected and cause problems for the eyes.'
Clinical editor Bill Harvey added: 'While an apparent adverse response to a cosmetic is always best managed by advice to avoid using the cosmetic for a period, and management of any localised inflammation, I wonder how many practitioners currently ask about the use by date of the product?'