Why is Quell milky brown?

Because of what is in it. Quell appears as a milky brown solution because of its natural oil-based ingredients. It is expected, and the label says so: Product appears as a milky brown solution.

The ingredients behind it

The formula pairs its lubricants with an emollient, light mineral oil, and with inactive ingredients that include emu oil, manuka honey, Dead Sea salt and Terminalia chebula. A clear, watery drop wouldn’t contain those.

Why it is oil-based at all

Quell is designed to reinforce the tear film’s oil layer to help reduce moisture loss, instead of only topping up the watery layer. The tear film’s oil layer explains it.

Normal, and what isn’t

The eye drops have a naturally milky-brown appearance. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with the product. What the label asks you to watch for is a change: If this product changes color. Compare a bottle with how it looked when it arrived.

The first bottle

If you are used to clear drops, the first one can be a surprise. It is the main reason the note about color sits right beside the buy button.