Can HIV spread through skincare products like lotions and facial toners?

[Rachel1495]

Hi Doc. I apply a green tea facial toner to my face regularly and yesterday, I found that the inner surface of the lid had a reddish brown lining which immediately made me think it should probably be due to oxidation. I applied it all over my face even over an open slightly bleeding pimple. Then it struck me what if it has been blood that was trapped inside the lid and since I stayed at my neighbor's home, I got even more worried about the possibilities. Can HIV survive in lotions like that ? Since the toner has glycolic acid base, will that environment make the virus survive?

[diver58]

Single answer to both of your questions,"NO"

[Rachel1495]

Are you sure the acidic environment would not have made the virus survive? I'm freaking out like hell. Even if the blood gets mixed with the entire toner in the bottle, do you think it will be safe to use it everyday?

[CurfewX]

There is ZERO chance of being infected with HIV this way.  HIV does not survive outside of a living host, no matter what.  HIV does not absorb through skin, no matter what - even with pimples.  Forget about this thought and user your skin care products without worry.

[Rachel1495]

Since the pimple was red and bleeding, I thought there might be a chance for the virus to enter the bloodstream that way. Thank you for your explanation! Anyways, it has no chance to enter through pimples no matter what, right?