Harmful superbugs including E.coli have been found in beauty products

Harmful superbugs and fungi have been found lurking in beauty products typically found in make-up bags. Bugs such as E. coli and staphylococcus were found to have contaminated nine out of ten products once they are being used.

Common cosmetic products such as mascara, lip gloss and the increasingly popular ‘beauty blenders’ –sponges used to apply foundation –were all affected, say scientists. The products are becoming contaminated because they are not being cleaned regularly or are being used long after their expiry date.

Other reasons including poor hygiene practices by product users – such as dropping makeup sponges on the floor or people failing to wash their hands after using the toilet and then applying make-up – may be to blame, the research suggests. Potential harms range from skin infections to blood poisoning if used near the eyes, mouth or if products come into contact with cuts and grazes. Beauty blenders were found to have the highest levels of potentially harmful bacteria – with 93 per cent not having ever been cleaned despite 64 per cent of them being dropped on the floor at some point. The sponges, many of which are endorsed by celebrities, are estimated to have sold more than 6.5million worldwide.