7 Dangerous Makeup Risks That Could Be Harming Your Skin

How daily makeup use can secretly damage your skin over time

While makeup enhances beauty and confidence, few realize the potential skin damage it can cause. This guide reveals the hidden risks and how to protect your complexion.

1. Clogged Pores and Acne Breakouts

Heavy or oil-based makeup products trap dirt and bacteria in pores, leading to acne. Solution: Always choose non-comedogenic products labeled "oil-free" or "won't clog pores."

2. Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions

Common irritants like fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics can cause redness and itching. Solution: Perform patch tests and opt for hypoallergenic makeup if you have sensitive skin.

3. Premature Aging and Wrinkles

Alcohol-based products strip natural moisture, accelerating fine lines. Solution: Look for makeup with hyaluronic acid and always remove before bed.

4. Uneven Skin Tone and Dullness

Leftover makeup residue causes pigmentation issues over time. Solution: Double cleanse nightly with an oil-based remover followed by a gentle cleanser.

5. Severe Skin Dehydration

Matte and long-wear formulas often contain moisture-absorbing ingredients. Solution: Apply hydrating serum before makeup and use a facial mist throughout the day.

6. Damaged Skin Barrier

Harsh removers disrupt your skin's protective layer. Solution: Use micellar water or cream cleansers instead of abrasive wipes.

7. Sun Damage and Pigmentation

Most makeup lacks adequate SPF protection. Solution: Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen as your base layer.

Protecting Your Skin

• Remove makeup within 12 hours of application
• Take "makeup-free" days each week
• Invest in skincare-makeup hybrids (like tinted moisturizers with SPF)
• Schedule professional facials to deep-clean pores

While makeup can enhance your features, proper removal and skin care are essential. For persistent issues, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice on cosmetic safety.

Lip Mud: China's Game-Changing Beauty Innovation

Lip mud, a new category in the lip cosmetics space, is China's latest beauty obsession.

C-beauty label INTO YOU introduced the "lip mud" concept in 2020, and it has quickly become one of China's fastest-growing consumer brands.

China's growing base of beauty-obsessed consumers continues to offer opportunities for brands that dare to innovate.

Many beauty enthusiasts in China have found that traditional lip products like lipstick, gloss, balm, and liner no longer satisfy their needs. Almost overnight, a new addition to the lip cosmetics category—lip mud—became their latest fixation and the fastest-rising star of C-beauty.

As the name suggests, lip mud is a product with a soft, mud-like texture that delivers a lightweight, matte finish on the lips. It strikes the perfect balance between the glossy shine of lip gloss and the natural, muted tones of traditional lipsticks. According to Mktindex, lip mud sales reached $35.7 million (230 million RMB) on Alibaba in 2020, with a 3,141% year-on-year increase.

Today, there are over 72,000 customer posts about lip mud on Xiaohongshu, and 16,000 SKUs listed on the platform's shopping feature. With prices ranging from $8 to $15, lip mud is an affordable and fun purchase for China's beauty-obsessed youth, who are always on the lookout for new trends.

INTO YOU, a C-beauty brand founded in 2019, led the charge in this booming lip mud market. Responding to the rise in face mask use due to the pandemic, the brand's lip mud line has surpassed $8.9 million (57 million RMB) in annual sales.

As brands like INTO YOU and others, including Perfect Diary, Hyntoor, and VNK, continue to expand the lip mud market, they offer consumers lightweight, matte finishes that are quickly becoming the new beauty standard in China.