Unfortunately, determining the safety of lash liquids and glues isn't as straightforward as merely inspecting the ingredients or reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
It's crucial to consider the quality and manufacturing processes of each ingredient or stabiliser.
To illustrate, let's think of a beef burger. While both a cheap kebab shop and a high-end restaurant may sell burgers, the quality differs significantly. The same applies to lash adhesive ingredients; they may appear similar on paper, but the manufacturing quality varies vastly.
Typically, products manufactured in the Far East are of low grade due to minimal production costs. This is why I adamantly refuse to use or endorse lash liquid products from this region, having experienced first-hand the adverse effects they can cause.
Low-grade cyanoacrylate and its stabilisers should never be used in lash glue, especially considering its proximity to sensitive areas like the eyes, where it can be ingested or absorbed through the skin, potentially causing serious harm.
Here's why:
Health Risks: Low-grade cyanoacrylate and stabilisers may contain impurities and toxic substances that can cause adverse reactions when in contact with the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Prolonged exposure to these harmful chemicals can lead to irritation, allergic reactions, or even more severe health issues which I have sadly experienced!
To make cyanoacrylate beauty grade, purification processes are implemented to ensure it meets the stringent requirements for beauty applications. Here's an overview of how cyanoacrylate is purified to achieve medical-grade quality:
- Distillation:The purification process typically begins with distillation. Cyanoacrylate is distilled under controlled conditions to separate impurities and by-products from the desired pure adhesive. Distillation helps remove volatile components that may affect the adhesive's properties and compatibility with biological tissues.
- Filtration:After distillation, the cyanoacrylate undergoes filtration to further remove any remaining solid particles or contaminants. Filtration can involve various methods, such as microfiltration or ultrafiltration, to achieve the desired level of purity.
- Chemical Treatment:In some cases, chemical treatments may be employed to neutralize or remove specific impurities that cannot be eliminated through distillation or filtration alone. Chemical treatments may involve the use of specific reagents or processes tailored to target particular contaminants.
- Testing and Quality Control:Throughout the purification process, rigorous testing and quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the resulting cyanoacrylate meets the required standards for medical-grade use. This includes testing for purity, viscosity, strength, biocompatibility, and absence of harmful substances.
- Sterilisation:Once purified, the cyanoacrylate may undergo sterilisation to eliminate any remaining microorganisms and ensure its sterility for Beauty applications. Common sterilisation methods include gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide gas sterilisation, or autoclaving, depending on the specific requirements of the application.
Below I talk about why cosmetic grade stabilisers MUST be used in lash adhesives. Sadly most coming out of the Far East are not, due to the cost to use cosmetic grades.
Cosmetic grade stabilisers are crucial in lash glue because they are specifically formulated to meet strict safety and quality standards for use near sensitive areas like the eyes.
- Safety and Biocompatibility: Cosmetic grade stabilisers are designed to be non-irritating to the skin and eyes. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for use in cosmetic products, especially those applied near the eyes. In contrast, standard/industrial stabilisers used in other industries may contain impurities or chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, irritation, or other adverse effects when applied to the delicate eye area.
- Adherence to Regulations: Cosmetic grade stabilisers comply with regulatory standards set by authorities such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States and the EU Cosmetics Regulation in Europe. These regulations mandate the use of safe ingredients and establish limits on potentially harmful substances in cosmetics. Using cosmetic grade stabilisers ensures compliance with these regulations, minimising the risk of legal issues and product recalls.
- Quality and Performance: Cosmetic grade stabilisers undergo thorough testing to ensure they meet quality standards for consistency, efficacy, and performance in lash adhesives. They are formulated to provide optimal adhesive properties without compromising safety or comfort. In contrast, low-grade stabilisers may lack the necessary quality control measures, leading to inconsistent performance, poor adhesion, or premature deterioration of the adhesive, resulting in lash retention issues and potential safety concerns.
- Health Risks of Low-Grade Stabilisers: Using low-grade stabilisers in lash adhesives can pose significant health risks due to the presence of impurities, toxins, or allergens. These substances may cause adverse reactions such as allergic contact dermatitis, eye irritation, redness, swelling, or inflammation. Prolonged exposure to low-grade stabilisers can exacerbate these reactions and potentially lead to more severe health complications, including corneal damage or vision impairment.
- Economic Considerations: Many manufacturers choose to use low-grade stabilisers in lash adhesives due to their lower cost or availability. However, prioritising cost over quality and safety can compromise the integrity of the product and pose risks to the health and well-being of consumers. Additionally, sourcing cosmetic grade stabilisers requires greater investment in research, development, and sourcing but is essential for maintaining product quality, reputation, and consumer trust in the long run.
All of the above processes are non-existent in low grade lash adhesives. These processes are expensiveand the costs have to be reflected in the price of the finished article. When ingredients lack the above processes then of course they "can" be sold for super cheap! (as little as $1)
And these cheap low grade ingredients are the reasonswhy so many people are reacting to lash liquids. It doesn't have to be like this!!!!
Here's a comprehensive list of questions you can ask your lash glue supplier to ensure transparency and verify the safety and quality of their products:
- Where was the product manufactured?
- Can you provide information about the manufacturing facility and its certifications as well as information about your quality control processes and procedures for ensuring product consistency and safety?
- Can you provide a complete list of ingredients used in the lash glue/liquids, including all stabilisers, preservatives, and pigments?
- Can you provide documentation/certification for the quality and purity of the ingredients used in the product as well as an independent toxicology report or safety assessment once it has been imported into its country of resale?
- Does the product comply with regulatory standards in the country where it is being sold? Can you provide documentation to demonstrate regulatory compliance?
The unfortunate truth is that products from the Far East simply don't meet the mark. Many companies either lack awareness or choose to downplay the risks, prioritising sales and profits over your well-being. Once they've pocketed your money, they're indifferent to any resulting health issues.
To simplify matters, opt for suppliers like myself who prioritise education and safety. We consciously source our liquids from the UK and EU, despite not being legally obligated to do so. Although it comes at a higher cost, we're committed to ensuring your safety. Yet, we still offer our products at more reasonable prices compared to those peddling cheap alternatives.
Don't forget to check out our other blogs covering all aspects of product safety in an unregulated industry.