(HealthDay News) -- Cosmetics may seem relatively harmless, but preservatives and fragrances added to these products are a frequent cause of skin problems, the National Women's Health Information Center says. Scratching the eye when applying mascara also is a common problem.

The center offers these suggestions for safe cosmetic use:

• Don't apply makeup in a car, as a sudden bump or change in speed can lead to serious injury, including the possibility of scratching the eyeball.
• Don't share cosmetics, which can spread germs. When trying cosmetics in a store, make sure that the applicator is new and that cosmetic containers have been disinfected with alcohol.
• Store cosmetics safely -- tightly closed and out of heat and sunlight, which can destroy germ-fighting preservatives.
• Don't use cosmetics when you have an eye infection, and discard any cosmetics you were using before your infection was diagnosed.
• Throw out makeup that's old, or if its appearance or odor changes.
• Be careful not to inhale powders or spray products, which could harm the lungs.