The biggest problem with smearing on luminescent makeup is that there's little regulation over what goes into it: "Unfortunately, given the little FDA regulation over cosmetics, more and more additives are being added to these products and causing reactions," said dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, FAAD. "We see skincare reactions almost daily, particularly with smaller brands."
That said, there is one FDA-approved compound used in glow-in-the-dark cosmetics called luminescent zinc sulfide, which Dr. Shah says has a whiteish-greenish glow. But it comes with a caveat: "For the ingredient to actually glow, it must be activated by cooper chloride," dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias, MD, added. "Cooper chloride is a known skin irritant, so the FDA only allows small percentages in makeup."
This isn't to say you have to forget about a Halloween glow-up entirely. If you're still after the electric look, there are a few measures you can take. . .