A modern makeover and must-have makeup look for women today are certainly not complete without those long and beautiful lashes. But is the eyelash glue you’ve been relying on safe and reliable? Probably not always!

Here’s everything you need to know about the eyelash adhesives you’ll often use to attach those gorgeous eyelash extensions.

What is Eyelash Glue?

False eyelashes or eyelash extensions that once used to be an addition to party and wedding looks are now essential for everyday makeup in every woman’s makeup bag. However, it’s not pure magic, as you have to use an eyelash adhesive or eyelash glue to apply for these extensions. Now, as the term ‘glue’ suggests, it’s quite evident that this eyelash adhesive may comprise multiple effective and harmful ingredients.

Now the good thing about having fake eyelashes is that you can also opt for semi-permanent eyelashes. These eyelashes do not require consistent usage of eyelash glue. Therefore, the damage to your eyes will be greatly reduced. Whereas, when you consider using eyelash extensions, you may need to use glue every time you stick the eyelashes on the bottom of your eyelids. But this is not permanent, as long as the false eyelashes have effectively adhered to your natural lashes. Now since most people consider using extensions, the consumption of eyelash glue is more common, adding more to the risks associated with its usage. 

Is Eyelash Glue Toxic?

Now, if you’re also one of those females that prefer using eyelash extensions on a day-to-day basis, you may have wondered multiple times how much harmful the eyelash glue is to your eyes and skin. 

Now we all love to have that extra ‘pop’ offered by these extensions to our eyes. And for this final ‘cherry on top’ look to any makeup look, a little pain can be manageable. But when it comes to the effects of lash glue, it is known to be one of the most toxic beauty products on the market. Yes – it may come as a surprise, but any kind of glue is not ideal for usage on the skin. And when you’re using it on your delicate eyelid skin, it becomes even more impactful and toxic.

Yet, the good thing about eyelash glue being a popular makeup product is the variety of manufacturers and brands you get. Different eyelash adhesive manufacturers tend to use different combinations of ingredients in the glue. Therefore, all eyelash adhesives aren’t equally harmful and toxic – as long as you’re using a reliable brand and in the right way, i.e., less exposed to the eyes, etc.  GOLLEE  all products have undergone strict audits and obtained relevant certificates. Click to learn about relevant certificates.

Now if we speak about most of the lash glue types manufactured by different brands, it’s evident that for more effective and lasting results, they comprise more toxic and harmful chemicals. And when it comes to usage, even women prefer lash adhesive that lasts longer and doesn’t make the eyelash come off with a single rub on the eye in the middle of a fine evening. Yet, such types of more impactful and longer-lasting lash adhesives are usually made with adhesive content, solvents, surfactants, and ammonium hydroxide. In addition, some brands also add glycol ethers in their lash adhesives, which make glue even more harmful as well as toxic, if swallowed.

The Main Components of Eyelash Glue.

One of the main ingredients that are used in all brands and types of eyelash adhesives is cyanoacrylate. Cyanoacrylate is a fast-drying, glue-like chemical that serves as a bonding agent in the adhesive mixture. It is made with a combined mixture of cyanide and acrylate. Since the Ethyl Cyanoacrylate serves as the quick action-providing and setting ingredient used inside such adhesives, its composition in the eyelash glue is around 80-90%, making it the main component of all kinds/brands of eyelash adhesives.

What are the Consequences of Bad Eyelash Glue?

Since the chemicals used in eyelash glue isn’t in any way safe or less impactful to the eyelids, they can be harmful in many ways. However, how much the eyelash glue will affect and continue to harm your eyes or skin, often depends on person to person as per the consumption quantity and consistency.

But then again, you can always choose a good and less harmful eyelash glue that may be safer but not equally effective for sticking those extensions to your eyes for long. In contrast, if you use bad eyelash glue, you may face instant and lasting health concerns. These health concerns can range from normal to extreme, including:

• Irritation, swelling, and rashes – are mainly caused due to the presence of multiple hazardous chemicals like paraben, dodecyl benzenesulfonate, ammonia, formaldehyde, lead, and sodium.
• Allergic reactions – due to the repeated exposure to lead and benzoic acid, which is used in various brands of eyelash adhesive, various allergic reactions can be caused. These allergies can range from simple redness to oozing and even crusting of the eyelids.
• Bacterial and fungal eye infections – as per the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the components in the lash glue can eventually cause such infections.Many women encounter such infections, leading to extreme dryness, itchiness, tearing, and purulent discharge.
• Cancer – is another alarming danger caused by the chemicals involved in such adhesives. As per studies, consistent usage of lash glue on the skin can lead to brain, lung, and kidney cancer.

What Type of Eyelash Glue is Safe?

Since our eyes are very sensitive and delicate, it’s important to use products that consist of less harmful and impactful components in it. Speaking of which, when you’re purchasing an eyelash adhesive, it is best to choose a glue that doesn’t include some instant allergy-causing ingredients like:

• Latex
• Gluten
• Synthetic fragrance
• Formaldehyde

How to Use Eyelash Glue?

If you’re a beginner or need to learn how to use eyelash glue without affecting your eyelids or eyes, here’s a step-by-step guideline:

• Trim the eyelashes
• Apply the glue evenly on all sides of the extensions; it should be enough to stick them on the eyelids without getting all wet.
• Now wait for the glue to dry a little (for approx. 2-3 seconds)
• In these 2-3-seconds, make both ends of the extension connect to evenly distribute the glue on them.
• Lastly, look downward in the mirror and apply the extensions to the end of your eyelids while slowly pressing it to properly stick before the glue dries.

How long Does It Take for Eyelash Glue to Dry?

Normally, grafting eyelash extensions and ensuring that the glue is dried enough to keep the extensions in place takes approx. 2 hours. However, if you’re planning to use the extensions for the long term, it may take 6 hours for the glue to completely dry.

To ensure that the glue is effectively dried while your eyelash extensions are in place, make sure to avoid water and cream usage on or around the eye area.

Shelf Life of Eyelash Glue.

Another key issue to consider when using eyelash glue is shelf life, as a limited shelf life can also have an effect on the skin and eyes. Just as other beauty products get expired and become harmful after a certain period, most probably in 1 to 1.5 years max, eyelash glue also has a shelf life for safe usage.

So if you have bought a new eyelash adhesive, make sure to only use the unopened glue bottle within three months. Normally, the shelf life or expiration date of all kinds of eyelash glues is around 4-5 weeks. However, some of them may state a different expiration date on the bottle.

To best judge whether it’s time to buy a new extension adhesive, try analyzing whether the glue is getting thick or stringy. If so, it’s time to make a new purchase for the safety of your skin.

How to store eyelash glue?

If you’re someone who thinks refrigerating makeup items and cosmetics is beneficial, it’s a definite no for eyelash extension glue. The ideal way to store this glue is to place it somewhere upright. It is preferable to store it in a cool, dry, and dark space.

For keeping the glue effective and fresh for a long, make sure to store your eyelash glue in a low temperature and humidity area. Storing your adhesive in a dark and dry place will increase its longevity and performance and can save you money in the long run.

Once opened the bottle should not be stored in the fridge. If you have kept your eyelash adhesive in the fridge make sure that you take it out and store it at room temperature for several hours before your next appointment.

How to Safely Remove Eyelash Glue?

Since eyelash glue is a chemical that is exposed to the delicate skin of your eyes, it’s important to ensure that it is completely removed after you take the eyelash extensions off. Hence, the ideal solution for removing the glue from your eyelids can involve:

• Taking a hot shower
• Steaming your face
• Using lash glue dissolver
• Applying eye cream
• Using any natural or essential oil
• Using an oil-based cleanser

Conclusion:

Now that you are fully aware of the impacts and ideal usage method of eyelash glue go ahead and make your everyday eyelash extension glue usage safer, more effective, and lasting. Good Luck!

If you want to learn more about GOLLEE’s eyelash extension glue, you will find what you are looking for.