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29th October 2025
03:20pm GMT
When it comes to Halloween costumes, fake blood is often considered a vital part of a 'scary' Halloween get-up.
Dripping from the corner of your mouth, gushing out of 'wounds', or even oozing out of your eyes, many rely on fake blood to take their costume to the next level.
On the other end of the spectrum, fake blood is great for anyone who rsvp'd to that Halloween party a little too late and needs a last-minute bloody nose to accompany their Mia Wallace Pulp Fiction costume.
With Halloween just around the corner, health experts have issued a stern warning ahead of this year's celebrations.
They warn that fake blood isn't often created in the same 'gentle for your skin' manner with which make-up is manufactured.
There's a risk that toxic and potentially harmful additives could be thrown into the mixture. And it's hard to imagine that proper and thorough research has been conducted into how these chemicals could affect the skin.
Every year, medics claim they're forced to treat Halloween-goers for allergic reactions, skin irritation, or even more serious health issues, all because of fake blood.
Health experts from Vermont Urgent Care (VUC) explained: "The red dye used in fake blood could irritate if it reacts with a petroleum base," per Tyla.
Representatives from fancy-dress store Costume Shop shared some advice on the matter: "The first step to safely using fake blood is checking the product's ingredients."
"Beware of products that contain harmful substances like lead, mercury, or high levels of zinc. Also, avoid products that contain non-FDA-approved colourants. These ingredients can cause severe allergic reactions, especially in children or people with sensitive skin."
They went on to emphasise the importance of always carrying out a patch test on any product you plan to put on your body.
"Simply apply a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area of your skin, like the inside of your elbow," they advised. "Wait for at least 24 hours. If any signs of irritation occur, redness, itching, or swelling, do not use the product."
VUC medics suggest that those who are set on wearing fake blood on Halloween should consider making their own using corn syrup, flour, and food colouring.
"It’s an effective non-chemically invasive alternative that looks just as real," a spokesperson added, per Tyla.
