Brow Gels Are A Game-Changer, But Are They Secretly Doing More Harm Than Good?

Eyebrows are the most defining feature on your face, possibly even more so than your nose or jawline. Well-groomed eyebrows that complement your facial structure go a long way. One habit that significantly upgrades your brow game, is using a brow gel. These clear liquids coat the brows to tame the hair and hold them in place, giving a polished, laminated appearance. They also come in tinted formulations, which are great for people with sparse eyebrows who might want an illusion of bushier ones. 

If you’re someone who likes to have their brows take the centre stage as opposed to your eyes or lips, we suggest hopping onto the bandwagon of using brow gels. You can even incorporate them in your everyday makeup look if you would like perfect arches to be your signature.

Can brow gels be harmful?

Here’s the big question though: can eyebrow gels be harmful if used regularly? The answer might not be as simple as a yes or no. Whether or not an eyebrow gel has adverse effects on the skin has less to do with the product in general, and more to do with the ingredients. Dermatologist and founder of Maven Esthetics, Dr. Geoffrey Vaz explains, “Brow gels are generally safe for regular use for people with healthy skin, provided you’re using a quality formulation and removing the product thoroughly at the end of the day. The concern isn’t the frequency of use as much as the ingredients and your underlying skin condition. Some brow gels contain high concentrations of alcohols, fragrances, or film-forming agents that can dry the hair shaft or irritate the delicate skin around the brows”.

Dermatologist Dr. Priyanka Hemrajani echoes this sentiment. “Brow gels are usually safe to use every day. They set eyebrow hair in place without touching the hair follicle. The product itself is less likely to cause problems than an ingredient sensitivity.” she explains.

It’s important to invest in a quality brow gel that doesn't have ingredients that can potentially compromise the skin barrier or irritate the skin. When you introduce a new product to your routine, pay attention to how your skin reacts, in order to understand if it agrees with the product. Pointing out the possible symptoms that brow gels can lead to in certain cases, Dr. Vaz says, “If you notice persistent irritation, swelling or excessive shedding after using a brow product, it’s important to stop using it and seek evaluation from a dermatologist instead of masking the symptoms with additional cosmetics.” 

Dos and Don’ts of using brow gels

Removing the product well is crucial to taking care of your eyebrows. “Buildup of product, if not removed properly, can lead to discomfort and follicular irritation. Whereas aggressive cleansing and rubbing during removal can cause brow hair to break or shed.” Dr. Hemrajani points out.

If you're convinced about using a brow gel, keep in mind that while they are mostly safe, it doesn’t harm to have a gentle approach while using any makeup products. Suggesting some precautions while using brow gels, Dr. Vaz states, “Opt for fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested formulations. Remove the product completely before bedtime to prevent residue build-up, and perform a patch test before introducing a new cosmetic product. If your brows are naturally dry or sparse, look for formulas enriched with conditioning ingredients rather than those relying heavily on alcohol for hold. On days when a strong hold isn’t necessary, brow pencils, tinted powders or clear conditioning brow serums can be gentler alternatives. Healthy brows depend just as much on proper skincare and cleansing habits as they do on the products you choose.”