Is Your Halloween Glow-in-the-Dark Makeup Actually Ruining Your Skin?

The biggest problem with smearing on luminescent makeup is that there's little regulation over what goes into it: "Unfortunately, given the little FDA regulation over cosmetics, more and more additives are being added to these products and causing reactions," said dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, FAAD. "We see skincare reactions almost daily, particularly with smaller brands."

That said, there is one FDA-approved compound used in glow-in-the-dark cosmetics called luminescent zinc sulfide, which Dr. Shah says has a whiteish-greenish glow. But it comes with a caveat: "For the ingredient to actually glow, it must be activated by cooper chloride," dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias, MD, added. "Cooper chloride is a known skin irritant, so the FDA only allows small percentages in makeup."

This isn't to say you have to forget about a Halloween glow-up entirely. If you're still after the electric look, there are a few measures you can take . . .

First, know that you should limit the amount of time you leave it on your face. "These-glow-in-the-dark products should only be used infrequently and for short period times, since prolonged contact can cause skin irritation on any skin type," said Dr. Elias.

You can bid adieu to luminescent shadows or liners completely, since the eye area is especially sensitive to irritants, and should avoid the pigments around the ears or any open body area. Dr. Shah advises you scan the ingredients label, too: "These products should contain at least 99.8 percent luminescent zinc oxide and less than 0.02% cooper chloride. It should also be free form impurities, and there are FDA guidelines as to how little cooper, lead, and mercury can be in the products."

As a good rule of thumb, take the same measures you would when trying a new acne treatment or retinol. "A mini patch test is a must," said Dr. Bhanusali. "Try the product on the front of the elbow, behind the ear, or on any other small area that is hidden one to two days before Halloween, and if you don't have a reaction, you should be OK."

Every derm we spoke with urged that you immediately rinse it off should you notice a reaction. Even if you don't, though, most agreed it's even more important to wash off a glow-in-the-dark product at the end of the night than your average makeup. (If there were ever a time to double-cleanse, this would be it.)

"Micellar water may be a good first option to make sure you get all of it," said Dr. Bhanusali. Then, follow up with a gentle, AHA-spiked face cleanser to slough off any glow-in-the-dark remnants.

If you want to steer clear of these products, don't fear — you can get your fix of glow-in-the-dark goods this Halloween without spooking your skin. "If you want to experiment with glow in the dark cosmetics and minimize the risk of a reaction as much as possible, stick to nail polish," said plastic surgeon Dr. Darren Smith. "Your nails are far less sensitive than your skin to the potential irritants in these products."

Other options to try? Luminescent hair dye, which typically comes in one-day-only formulas and can be washed off at the end of the night, and makeup with neon-bright (but FDA-approved) ingredients. "There are eight fluorescent colors that are FDA-approved for cosmetic use," said Dr. Shah, adding that you can look for the following on the label: D&C Orange No. 5, No. 10, and No. 11; D&C Red No. 21, No. 22, No. 27 and No. 28; and D&C Yellow No. 7.

Check out a few good bets below.