Recently, safety accidents have been reported continuously where cosmetics packaged in containers similar to disposable eye drops were mistakenly applied to the eyes.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency, 21 cases have been reported over the past five years where other product categories were mistaken for eye drops and put into the eyes.

Among these, cases involving mistaken cosmetics accounted for 4 of the total.

In February last year, a consumer suffered eye damage after mistaking serum for eye drops and applying it to their eyes.

As a result of an investigation by the Consumer Agency into products sold on major online platforms, serum and ampoule cosmetics from four companies were found to be packaged in containers that were difficult to distinguish from eye drops.

Three of the companies decided to suspend the production of the products in question, while the remaining one decided to improve its container design.

The Consumer Agency warned that surfactants and preservatives contained in serums and ampoules can cause a burning sensation, a foreign body sensation, and toxic conjunctivitis if they come into contact with the eyes. They urged consumers to always check the product name on the container before use and to refrain from using them in dark places.

(Photo courtesy of: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)