Blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and associated dry eye syndrome affect 30 million Americans...and demodex mites are a HUGE contributor to these issues! 

What is Demodex?

Demodex mites are parasites that live in and around the eyelids in humans. There are two types of demodex that live on humans: Demodex brevis and demodex folliculorum. Demodex brevis lives in the sebaceous glands, while demodex folliculorum lives in the hair follicles. Since we have both hair follicles and glands in our eyelids, this is the perfect place for these little buggers to hide out.

Demodex feed on dead skin, oil, and bacteria that our bodies produce, and they lay eggs and replicate rather quickly. They are usually not an issue, as everyone does have some level of demodex, but they can quickly become problematic if they become overpopulated.

Those at risk for ocular and skin problems due to demodex include the elderly, those who are immunocompromised, and those who have other inflammatory conditions. 

Demodex Signs and Symptoms

Although demodex is usually not problematic, signs and symptoms can arise if they have enough bacteria and other things to feed on. Some symptoms you may notice include:

• Itching of the eyes and eyelids
• A burning sensation
• Redness of the eyes and eyelids
• Crustiness noted in the lashes
• Foreign body sensation or irritation
• Intermittent blurred vision

What is the Best Treatment for Demodex? Comparing Cliradex, Heyedrate, Oust, Ungex, We Love Eyes, and more

Due to this staggering amount of people that need help with eyelid disease, and specifically demodex, quite a few new products have entered the market in recent years.

Here, I put together the top five demodex treatment products to help kill those eyelash mites and soothe your blepharitis, MGD, and dry eye symptoms.  One key thing to note about demodex treatment is the use of tea tree oil.  Tea tree oil is great at killing demodex mites and their eggs, and it is the only known remedy to do so.   

Top 7 Demodex Treatments Including Some Natural Remedies

1. Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Soap

Released in June 2017, the Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Soap Bar is a very effective, all-natural, vegan solution. Tea tree oil is a known demodex killer, and this handmade soap bar contains only 5 ingredients: organic green tea, organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, raw shea butter, and tea tree essential oil.

It is alcohol free, vegan, contains no parabens or sulfates, and is preservative free. Tea tree oil is a proven treatment for not only demodex, but acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions without the use of harsh chemicals.

This is my "go-to" product for patients in my clinic currently.  It is very gentle and I have had great success with this product. 

5 Ingredients for Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Soap

• Organic Green Tea
• Organic Olive Oil
• Organic Coconut Oil
• Organic Raw Shea Butter
• Tea Tree Essential Oil

Safety Profile for Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Soap

• Safe for all skin types.
• Avoid direct eye contact, as tea tree oil can irritate the eyes.

Click Here for Real Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Soap Reviews

Where can I buy Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleanser? What is the price of Heyedrate Tea Tree Soap Bar?

• Check prices and purchase on Amazon

2. Cliradex Tea Tree Oil Wipes For Eyes

Cliradex towelettes are a natural way to keep the eyelids and skin clean, comfortable and healthy. Cliradex wipes are formulated with a higher concentration of tea tree oil (4-Terpineol) ideal for moderate-to-severe ocular irritation and eliminating demodex mites.

This product is preservative free and has been scientifically shown to be safe and effective to control lid margin diseases.  

We have used this product successfully in our clinics and patients are generally happy with the outcome.

7 Ingredients for Cliradex Wipes

• Water
• 4-Terpineol
• Glycerin
• Polysorbate 20
• Polysorbate 80
• Carbomer
• Triethannolamine

Cliradex Wipes Safety Profile

• Safe for all skin types. Avoid direct eye contact, as tea tree oil can irritate the eyes.

Click Here for Real Cliradex Reviews

Where to Buy Cliradex Wipes? What is the Price of Cliradex Wipes?

• Check the price and purchase on Amazon

3. Ungex Demodex Treatment

Formulated in Australia, Ungex is now available in the US and provides a complete facial, hair, and body system for treating demodex.

This natural, herbal based product effectively kills demodex and is recommended to be used for at least three months to ensure total elimination of the mites.

Although this is not just an eyelid cleanser, it is intriguing and a product we recommend to patients who have severe demodex. 

Ungex's 27 Ingredients

• Water (Aqua), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Polyquaternium-7, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Pyridoxine HCl, Panthenol, Allantoin, Menthol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol

Ungex Safety Profile

• Safe for all skin and hair types.
• Avoid direct eye contact, as tea tree oil can irritate the eyes.

Ungex Reviews

Where can I buy Ungex Products? What is the price of Ungex?

• Check the price and purchase on Amazon

4. We Love Eyes Eyelid and Eyelash Foaming Cleanser

We Love Eyes Foaming Cleanser uses 100% all natural ingredients, including tea tree oil, to attack bacteria and demodex mites to combat red, itchy, irritated eyelid symptoms. We Love Eyes products use 100% vegan and gluten-free ingredients which are safe and gentle on your delicate eyelids and the skin around your eyes.  

We Love Eyes' 27 Ingredients

• Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Heptyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Gluconolactone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Phenethyl Alcohol, O-cymen-5-OL, Citric Acid

We Love Eyes Safety Profile

• Safe for all skin types. Avoid direct eye contact, as tea tree oil can irritate the eyes.

We Love Eyes Reviews

Where can I buy We Love Eyes Eyelid Cleanser?  What is the price of We Love Eyes Foaming Eyelid Cleanser?

• Check the price and purchase on Amazon

5. OCuSOFT Oust Demodex Cleanser

From OCuSOFT's website:

An extra strength cleanser with tea tree oil that effectively relieves irritation by removing oil, debris, pollen and other contaminants from eyelashes, eyelids and the face and aids in the removal of adult Demodex mites and their offspring when used daily.

It also contains a moisturizer and preservative blend that offers anti-bacterial properties.

About OCuSOFT Oust Demodex Cleanser

• Gentle enough to use on the entire face
• Contains a moisturizer and preservative blend that offer anti-bacterial properties
• Economical pre-lathered foam formula (50ml)

14 Ingredients for OCuSOFT Oust Demodex Cleanser

• Water, PEG-80, Sorbitan Laurate Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Polysorbate 20, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil,  Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) oil, Decyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate Panthenol, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Chloride

Safety Profile for OCuSOFT Oust Demodex Cleanser

• Safe for all skin types.
• Avoid direct eye contact, as tea tree oil can irritate the eyes.

Click Here for Real OCuSoft Oust Demodex Cleanser Reviews

Where can I buy OCuSOFT Oust Demodex Cleanser? What is the price of OCuSOFT Oust Demodex Cleanser?

• Check prices and purchase on Amazon

6. Heyedrate Eye Cream and Face Moisturizer 

Heyedrate Eye Cream and Face Moisturizer helps relieve inflammation by controlling demodex symptoms, giving you relief from persistent itching of the face, burning, stinging and itchy dryness caused by these pesky eyelash mites.

The cream is completely safe for use on your cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, face, neck and ears.

This is a great adjunct to the tea tree soap and hypochlorous acid (more below).  If you feel like your demodex is out of control, then I would add this cream to the tea tree soap cleansing, followed by a hypochlorous acid spray, then apply the cream to affected areas. 

Heyedrate Eye Cream and Face Moisturizer Ingredients

• Ingredients that you love, like organic aloe juice, organic coconut oil, raw shea butter, and Non-GMO vitamin E oil, provide anti aging benefits such as reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet, and reducing the appearance of dark spots and dark circles.

Safety Profile for Heyedrate Eye Cream and Face Moisturizer

• Safe for all skin types.
•  Free of artificial fragrance, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and non-irritating.

Where can I buy Heyedrate Eye Cream? What is the price of Eye Cream?

• Check prices and purchase on Amazon

7. Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser

Released in 2017, Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser is one of the first over-the-counter hypochlorous acid sprays.  This natural, non-detergent based spray is perfect for deep cleaning the skin, which makes it great for soothing any skin irritation you have such as cuts, scrapes, redness, swelling, burning, itching, or crustiness of the eyelid margin. 

It has been shown to eliminate contaminants on the skin and is a great maintenance option for demodex, since it eliminates the substances they feed on. 

We recommend this in adjunct to one of the above tea tree oil products.  Since this product doesn't contain tea tree oil, it doesn't directly kill demodex mites, but it does help keep your eyelids clean.  

Cleaner eyelids means less oil and skin debris for demodex to snack on.  

Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser's 3 Ingredients:

• Pure Hypochlorous Acid, 0.015%
• Electrolyzed water (H2O + Sodium Chloride (NaCl))

Safety Profile for Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser

• Safe for contact with skin, eyes, and ingestion

Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser Reviews

Where can I buy Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser? What is the price of Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser?

• Check prices and purchase on Amazon

Other Demodex Treatment Tips

Use a Tea Tree Oil Based Eye Makeup Remover to Remove Your Eye Makeup

We should not have to say this, but you MUST remove your makeup at night, even if you don't believe you're suffering from demodex. Makeup is full of bacteria and can become a breeding ground for demodex, especially while we sleep. We recommend using this eye makeup remover oil because it contains tea tree essential oil for killing demodex. It's also oil-based, which makes it incredibly effective at removing even waterproof makeup.

To use this makeup remover, simply place 3-5 drops onto a cotton ball or round and massage it into your eyelids, concentrating on the base of the eyelashes.

Once the makeup is smudged and then ultimately removed, rinse and follow up with the a tea tree oil soap.

RELATED: Click here to watch my wife's, Dr. Jenna Zigler, nightly routine.

Clean Your Towels and Sheets at Least Weekly

Sometimes cleaning your sheets is the last thing on your mind, but you need to put it to the top of the list if you have demodex. Make sure to wash your sheets and towels at least once per week, and change your towels out more often if you can.

Washing and drying at a hot temperature will help kill bacteria and demodex. Also, you want to make sure you're using products that don't contain chemicals that could be further irritating to the eyes. We love using Eco Nuts to wash (instead of your normal laundry detergent) and organic wool dryer balls in place of dryer sheets. 

Bathe Daily Use a Tea Tree Oil Soap for Your Hair and Face, Especially Right After Workouts

We love getting sweaty just like the next person. Working up a sweat during exercise is one of the best ways to feel great about your body and get your mind right. However, all that extra sweat can quickly lead to bacteria build up.

Right after your workout, head to the shower and wash all over with Heyedrate Tea Tree Oil Soap or any other tea tree soap. The soap can be used all over the hair, face, and body for an ultimate fight against demodex. Not only will you remove bacteria and dead skin (their food) but you'll also begin to kill them directly.

Exfoliate the Skin and Face

We discussed the fact that demodex love feeding on dead skin cells, so this last tip is important. Make sure you're exfoliating your face regularly to remove the dead skin that could be hanging around. You don't have to do this every single day, but it's a good idea to try it a few times per week while you're suffering from demodex.

You can use a simple salt or sugar scrub on your face and body in the shower. Also, we recommend trying out the NuLids device for your eyelids. This device allows you to exfoliate your eyelid margins at home, without a visit to your eye doctor! 

The NuLids device is simple to use. Once in hand and charged, turn it on and place a brand new, sterile tip into the device. Cover the tip with an eye gel, such as Celluvisc, and now you're ready to begin. Hit the on button again and the device will begin to spin, so you'll simply run the tip along the bottom eyelid margin of one eye for 15 seconds until the device stops and then move to another lid until you've exfoliated all four (top and bottom on both eyes). Click here to learn more about the benefits of NuLids. 

FAQs About Cliradex Wipes and Cliradex Foam

How long should I use Cliradex?

Cliradex can be used daily and indefinitely. You may find that, as time goes on, you will not need it every single day, but it is safe and effective when used on a daily basis.

Is Cliradex over the counter?

Yes, Cliradex can be purchased over the counter, online, and in some eye doctor's offices. This makes it simple for you to purchase wherever and however you wish.

What are the symptoms of eyelash mites?

Symptoms of eyelash mites may include itchiness of the eyelids or eyes, redness around the eyes, scaling of the eyelids, a burning sensation around the eyes, dry eyes, and even a flare up of skin conditions such as rosacea or dermatitis.

What is Cliradex?

Cliradex towelettes are a natural way to keep the eyelids and skin clean, comfortable and healthy. Cliradex wipes are formulated with a higher concentration of tea tree oil (4-Terpineol), ideal for moderate-to-severe ocular irritation and eliminating demodex mites. This product is preservative free and has been scientifically shown to be safe and effective to control lid margin diseases. 

How long should I use Cliradex?

This is up to you and your doctor. Cliradex is safe to use daily and indefinitely, although once you have any demodex mites under control you may be able to reduce the amount that you're using. As always, make sure to speak with your doctor regarding your eyelid hygiene regimen.

How do you get rid of eyelash mites?

Eyelid hygiene is the most important treatment for demodex eyelash mites. First, make sure you're completely removing your makeup before bed. Wash your face with a tea tree oil soap, and cleanse your eyelids with either a tea tree oil cleanser or a hypochlorous acid cleanser. This process should be followed twice per day.

Is Cliradex safe?

Yes, Cliradex has been tested to be safe and effective for eyelid cleansing. If you're concerned about daily use, you can try Cliradex Light foam.

How do you use Cliradex?

 The form of Cliradex you choose will dictate how it's used, but here are general directions:

One Love,

Dr. Travis Zigler

SeeEO of Eye Love
Director of the Dry Eye Syndrome Support Community