Beauty influencer Kaitlyn Son, also known as @mycorneroftheuniverse on TikTok, cut her bright pink makeup sponge into three pieces in a recent video and found there was black mould throughout.
The video, which has now been viewed more than 18 million times, promoted the influencer to throw her “new” sponge into the bin.
Kaitlyn claimed to have only used the sponge one time and asked her viewers for recommendations for disposable sponges for future use.
It’s important to clean makeup sponges regularly, letting them fully dry before placing them into a drawer or makeup bag.
Some viewers claimed their makeup applicators had never grown mould after having them for years, while others said they would never use a sponge for that reason.
One comment read: “There has got to be mould in mine because I always forget to let it dry.”
Another said: “Oh my gosh I’m going to cut mine open straight away, I’m so shocked.”
A third commented: “I started using my hands for everything that I can because I know my hands won’t grow mould.”
The influencer also tested another sponge, which was apparently over a decade old, but it didn’t have any visible mould inside it.
Brushes and sponges should be washed once a week, according to Dr Simon Theobalds, GP at Pall Mall Medical.
The expert said: “You can use a gentle, antibacterial soap or a specialised brush cleaner for this purpose.
“It’s vital to ensure that your brushes and beauty blenders dry completely between uses, as damp tools create a breeding ground for bacteria.”
According to another medical expert, makeup sponges aren’t the only health risk which could be hiding in makeup bags.
Dr Hana Patel, GP and women’s health specialist at Superdrug Online Doctor said: “Eye makeup is probably the most important part of your makeup bag to maintain good hygiene, due to the delicate tissues around the eyes making it easier for pathogens to cause infections and acting as a direct entry point.
“Mascara and eyeliner tubes create a dark and moist environment, which is conducive to the growth of bacteria and harmful microorganisms.
“To minimise these risks, it is recommended to replace these products every three to six months and avoid pumping the wand, as this introduces air and can lead to contamination.
“There is a much higher chance of transmitting infections from one person to another. If you notice any signs of irritation, redness or itching, discontinue use immediately.”
