Over 90% of makeup products contain deadly bacteria, scientists warn

It’s something that many people pop in their bag without thinking twice, but if you have a make-up bag, it’s very likely it’s harbouring deadly superbugs.

A new study by researchers from Aston University has revealed that over 90% of make-up products contain superbugs, including E.coli and Staphylococci.

Worryingly, these bacteria can cause a range of illnesses, including skin infections and blood poisoning.

In particular, the researchers found that beauty blenders - sponges used to apply skin foundation products - were most likely to harbour harmful bacteria.

This is likely down to the fact that the products are rarely cleaned, and are often used beyond their expiration date, according to the researchers.

Other products found to contain these superbugs included mascara and lip gloss.

Dr Amreen Bashir, who led the study, said: “Consumers' poor hygiene practices when it comes to using make-up, especially beauty blenders, is very worrying when you consider that we found bacteria such as E.coli - which is linked with faecal contamination - breeding on the products we tested.”

Based on the findings, the researchers are urging regulatory bodies to do more to protect customers.

For example, expiry dates and cleaning instructions aren't currently mandatory on makeup packaging.

Dr Bashir added: “More needs to be done to help educate consumers and the make-up industry as a whole about the need to wash beauty blenders regularly and dry them thoroughly, as well as the risks of using make-up beyond its expiry date."