Eye Care Cosmetics®
ideal for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes, this is makeup and skincare you can wear all day, every day.
Skin and eye sensitivity to cosmetics is becoming more frequent; inflamed, watery, red, itchy eyes or dry skin and redness are reported by 23% of women. These reactions can be exacerbated by contact lens wear and cosmetics. Patients talk indifferently about ‘having sensitive eyes’ or ‘being allergic’. However, research shows that intolerance, rather than allergy, is the root cause of 90% of reactions.
More than 40 years ago, two French pharmacists (expert formulators) had a shared vision to create dermo-cosmetics for sensitive eyes and specifically those who wear contact lenses:
- to be gentle to the eye and in particular the cornea and lacrimal glands
- to disrupt the tear film as little as possible
- to be compatible with modern lens materials
Contapharm Laboratories discovered a solution to these requirements and created Eye Care Cosmetics®. Since then, constant innovation has helped expand its range and appeal, restoring trust and confidence in beauty. The range is now not just enjoyed by contact lens wearers and those with sensitive skin or eyes, it has become a trusted number one selling brand in France1.
A history of how the Eye Care Cosmetics® range has developed since Contapharm Laboratories was founded back in 1981.
CONTAPHARM LABORATORIES founded
Birth of EYE CARE COSMETICS®
eye makeup for contact lenses wearers sold through French opticians
EYE product reach extended
eye makeup distribution extended to French pharmacies
Launch of FACE, NAIL and LIP products
product range extended to cover all makeup needs
Launch of TRI-ACTIVE skin care range
gentle, effective skincare following the principles of bio-inertia
Launch of first PARABEN-FREE make up line
leading the way globally with innovation
Contapharm Laboratories are certified ISO 9001 version 2000 and ISO 13485
quality assurance for every product
Launch of first CHROME-FREE green make up
coloured makeup without compromise
Eye Care Cosmetics® is N°1
in VOLUME for make-up lines in French Parapharmacies
Research study showing Eye Care Cosmetics® reduces eye sensitivity in contact lens wearers
proof that Eye Care Cosmetics really cares for the eyes
Entire Eye Care Cosmetics® range becomes PARABEN-FREE
listening to consumers concerns and responding
Cleanest formula in the market
WEFC France survey on cosmetic products
Eye Care Cosmetics® is N°1
in VOLUME for make-up lines in French Parapharmacies
Eye Care Cosmetics® is N°1
in VOLUME for make-up lines in French Parapharmacies
BIO-INERTIA: The founding principle
Bio-inertia is at the heart of the Eye Care Cosmetics® formulations and is based on two essential pillars:
- Ultramicronisation of all the solid particles down to less than 15µm (60% <5µm) because the cells of the cornea measure 8-18µm
- Use of non-ionic surface-active agents
It promises to fully respect the eye, skin, nail and hair tissues, even in those prone to sensitivities, allergies or during cancer treatment. It excludes ingredients likely to cause problems such as:
- Irritant or allergenic ingredients (chrome, nickel, cobalt, carmine, essential oils).
- Ionic substances that may interact with the skin, eye or contact lenses.
- Ingredients likely to disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and microbiota.
- Parabens and endocrine disruptors.
Formulations are pH-balanced for compatibility with the skin and eye tissues. They contain low levels of fatty substances and waxes making them non-comedogenic and less likely to clog tear ducts and skin pores.
The Eye Care Cosmetics® product range
The Eye Care Cosmetics® range includes over 80 different lines, all of which benefit from:
- CONTINUAL INNOVATIONInnovative, creative and responsive research and development. The first laboratory to develop: ultra-micronisation and entirely mineral pigment make-up, free-from chrome and parabens.
- PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS:Efficacy and quality control is guaranteed by an independent, approved Institute of Clinical Testing and a cosmeto-vigilance panel.
- HIGH TOLERANCE:Potential irritants are avoided: parabens, nickel, cobalt, colophane, animal products, essential oils etc. Developed in partnership with dermatologists, ophthalmologists, pharmacists, allergy specialists and endorsed by oncologists.
In a study2 comparing leading brands, Eye Care Cosmetics® reduced the appearance of eyelid debris, had a significantly lower impact on the lipid layer of tears and did not obstruct the meibomian glands. In cases of irritable eyes with contact lenses, the use of Eye Care Cosmetics® resolved ALL of the symptoms, regular cosmetics did not. In fact, 70% of the women found their eyes felt more comfortable at the end of the day.
Eye Care Cosmetics® point of sale material
To assist selling the Eye Care Cosmetics® range through high street businesses we can supply a range of point of sale material. This includes some eye catching displays which showcase some or all of the products.
0545 Junior Eyes display
Ideal for optical practices as itfocuses on eye related products
12 module column display
2m high, free standing column display thatholds 12 Eye Care product modules
2 module display
Table-top display unit thatholds 2 Eye Care product modules
Eye Care posters
Double sided A1 poster
6 module display
Display unit that holds6 Eye Care product modules
0525B Table-top Eyes display
Counter top display showcasing all theEye and Eyecare products
12023 IQVIA review: EYE CARE COSMETICS was the N°1 brand (by units sold) in the make-up market of health & beauty stores with a market share of 38.78%.
22010-2011 Heloïse Bui: Influence of cosmetics on contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.
We supply some of the most exciting healthcare products in the UK.
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Multi award-winning makeup and skincare
Up against more established brands such as Miners and Bourjois, Eye Care Cosmetics<sup>®</sup> has held its own, rising to the top in several awards judged by a mix of industry experts and beauty retailers.
Eye Care Cosmetics® Free-From Credentials
Being free-from as many chemical ingredients as possible helps make Eye Care Cosmetics® a great choice for contact lens wearers and people with sensitive eyes
As well as specialist manufacturing techniques, the Eye Care Cosmetics® range is designed to be as free-from as many chemical or irritating ingredients as possible. This, along with the careful selection of active ingredients and ultra-micronisation of particles, is why the products are so suitable for people with dry, sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
As a guide, listed below are some of the ingredients we have been asked about and are ‘free-from’:
- Alcohol*
- Animal ingredients
- Argirilene
- Benzalkonium chloride (BAK)
- Benzoate
- Bismuth oxychloride
- Carbon black**
- Carmine
- Chrome***
- Chlorphenesin
- Cobalt
- Colophonium
- Dairy products
- DEA (Diethanolamine)
- Essential oils
- Formol/Formaldehyde
- Isopropyl cloprostenate (prostaglandins analogs)
- Lanolin
- Latex
- Lead/Lead oxide
- MEA
- Mercury
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Mineral oil
- Nickel***
- Parabens
- Peanuts or their oils
- Petrochemicals (except mineral oil)
- Phenoxyethanol****
- Phthalates
- Retinols
- Salicylate
- SLES (sodium laureth sulphate)
- SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate)
- Soap
- Soya
- TEA (Triethanolamine)
- Tea tree oils
- Terpinen-4-ol
- Wheat/gluten
* Alcohol is only used in the Waterproof eyeliner & Growth activator nail care.
** Carbon black is only used in the Felt pen eyeliner, Waterproof eyeliner & some Perfection nail enamels.
*** Eye Care Cosmetics® use pigments that are purified to be free of nickel and other allergenic metals (i.e chrome) so the entire Eye Care Cosmetics range can be considered nickel and chrome free.
Some products (mascaras, liners) do contain iron oxides which can contain nickel as a contaminant. We use as pure a form of iron oxide as possible (nickel content less than 1ppm) and also the minimum amount necessary. Therefore, even if someone has a nickel allergy, they are unlikely to have a reaction due to this.
**** Phenoxyethanol is only in the Felt pen eyeliner & Growth activator nail care.
A minimal of perfume is used in some products but the compositions/ingredients used do not contain any of the declarable allergens according to the 7th amendment to the European Cosmetics Directive of 2003.
Some products contain talc and in these, the talc we use DOES NOT use the nano-sized particles which people have concerns about penetrating the skin. It is also certified ASBESTOS-FREE and conforms to the ECOCERT/COSMOS cosmetic grade standards for the raw material.
Eye Care Cosmetics® FAQ’s
No
No
Some Eye Care Cosmetics® products do contain perfume.
The compositions/ingredients used do not contain any of the declarable allergens according to the 7th amendment to the European Cosmetics Directive of 2003.
In our catalogue we list under each product those that are FRAGRANCE-FREE.
No
Eye Care Cosmetics® use pigments that are purified to be free of nickel and other allergenic metals (i.e chrome) so the entire Eye Care Cosmetics® range can be considered nickel and chrome free.
Some products (mascaras, liners) do contain iron oxides which can contain nickel as a contaminant. We use as pure a form of iron oxide as possible (nickel content less than 1ppm) and also the minimum amount necessary. Therefore, even if someone has a nickel allergy, they are unlikely to have a reaction due to this.
The products are suitable for individuals with allergies and are recommended by allergists. However, regardless of the cosmetic brand, we recommend that individuals with allergies patch test all products before use. We advise applying a small amount of the product to the inside of your elbow and checking after 12 hours for any redness or irritation.
Yes
Yes the ingredients and all packing (brushes, wands etc.) are all latex-free
No
No
No
The EU banned all animal testing of cosmetics for finished products in 2004 and raw ingredients in 2009.
No
Yes.
All of the boxes and plastics used for Eye Care Cosmetics® products can be recycled. The recycling number for the plastics varies depending upon the type used. From 1 for the plastic wrap on the pencil eye liners, to 5 and 6 for the mascara tubes and skincare bottles.
Some products, such as the complexion corrector compact foundation contain an SPF.
Others do not because the chemical filters needed for an SPF can be allergenic.
Where to buy Eye Care Cosmetics®?
You can click the interactive map below to view all registered Eye Care® stockists in your area. If your local optical practice does not stock the products already, please ask them to contact us on 0345 838 6704 to place an order and become a stockist.
You can also buy directly from various online retailers.
If you are an optical practice or beauty store wishing to stock Eye Care Cosmetics®, please contact us on 0345 838 6704.