The Food and Drug Administration today reissued its long-standing warning against "permanent" eyebrow and eyelash dyeing. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 prohibits the marketing of hair dyes for eyelash and eyebrow tinting or dyeing because this practice has been known to cause severe eye injuries and even blindness.

These dyes should not be confused with temporary coloring products used around the eyes--such as mascara, eye shadow, eyebrow pencils and eye liners--which can be used safely.

FDA's new warning was prompted by a recent report from the New York City area of an injury possibly associated with eyebrow and eyelash tinting. An informal FDA survey of beauty salon advertisements in the Washington, DC area following the report from New York indicates that some establishments are promoting "permanent" eyebrow and eyelash dyeing or tinting services.

Consumers should be aware that there are no natural or synthetic color additives approved by FDA for dyeing or tinting eyelashes and eyebrows--either for use in beauty salons or in the home. In fact, the law requires all hair dye products to include instructions for performing patch tests before use to identify for possible allergic reactions, and to carry warnings about the dangers of applying these products to eyebrows and eyelashes.

The health hazards of permanent eyelash and eyebrow dyes have been known for more than 60 years. These dyes have repeatedly been cited in scientific literature as capable of causing serious reactions when placed in direct contact with the eye. In two famous cases in 1933, a woman who used eyelash dye died, while another woman became blind in both eyes after suffering weeks of intense pain.

Despite these warnings, however, some beauty salons and other establishments apparently continue to promote this use of hair dyes. This practice most often occurs during the summer months as a means of retaining eyebrow and eyelash coloring after outdoor activities such as swimming.

As recently as 10 years ago, FDA issued an import alert against the importation of foreign eyebrow and eyelash dye products. Although FDA's quick action helped to limit the distribution of these products, some injuries did occur.

To protect the public health, FDA will continue to work to prevent the importation and marketing of eyebrow and eyelash dyes. In addition, the agency will intensify its work with state and local health officials and the cosmetics industry to combat the misuse of hair dye products.