Will Face Paint Damage a Pet Rat's Skin or Fur?

Face paints don't all contain the same ingredients. The best face paints are water-based, and should be safe for use on a rat. These paints are typically cosmetic paints, and do not contain ingredients that will cause a negative reaction when applied to skin or hair. Never use tempera and acrylic paints on either a person's or a rat's skin. Look for a brand that is recommended for kids, as they have very sensitive skins. Regardless of the brand of paint used, never get paint in your rat's eyes. Avoid painting too close to the animal's nostrils, mouth and ears.

  1. Cosmetic Grade

    • Any face paints you may try to use on your pet rat need to be water-based, un-perfumed, non-toxic, gluten-free and paraben-free. These paints need to be oil-free as well, or they will cause the rodent's hair to become very greasy. Top quality face paints offer cosmetic-grade colors and are simple to remove with a face wash and warm water. Paints that are not designed for use on skin may cause allergic reactions. The ingredients of suitable face paints must carry the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for cosmetics. Also opt for a brand that has a "child toy safety" rating.

    Check the Label

    • The term "washable" on face paints typically indicates that you can wash the product out of fabric and does not refer to skin or hair. Nickel, which is often an ingredient of certain paints, can cause allergies in people and pet rats. Products marked as non-toxic are not necessarily safe for use on a rat's skin or coat. The term "non-toxic" is not synonymous with "skin safe." Non-toxic actually means that the product is not fatal if swallowed.

    Acrylic Paints

    • Certain ingredients in acrylic paints are banned for use in cosmetics or foods. These paints also contain carcinogens, which are cancer-causing agents. The FDA does not endorse acrylic paints for face painting and you should not use them to paint a pet rat.

    Applying Face Paint

    • Do not apply paint to open wounds on your rat's body. It is best to use a sponge, so as not to apply too much paint. The sponge should be damp, but not wet. Depending on the effect you require, you can apply a base color first. Rather than applying a thick layer of paint, apply a second thin coat after the original coat has dried to achieve a darker color.