Below are three stabilisers commonly found in lash adhesive that pose significant risks to human health. Due to their severe effects, they should never be present in eyelash extension adhesive. Instead, they are suitable for industrial-grade products only where the correct PPE is worn and should be strictly avoided in lash adhesive.
Polyisocyanate is a chemical compound commonly used in industrial applications such as coatings, adhesives, and sealants. It is not suitable for use in eyelash extension adhesive due to its hazardous nature and potential health risks.
Polyisocyanates can cause severe respiratory issues and allergic reactions, particularly when inhaled or exposed to the skin and mucous membranes. Inhalation of polyisocyanate vapors or aerosols can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and throat irritation. Prolonged or repeated exposure to polyisocyanates may result in more serious respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and chemical pneumonitis.
N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), primarily used as a solvent and stabilizer in industrial applications, has found its way into lash adhesives due to its low production cost and adhesive properties. However, its presence poses significant risks, particularly for lash artists and their clients, including pregnant women.
Studies have shown that exposure to NMP can have detrimental effects on fertility, with research indicating reduced fertility rates and reproductive complications in both men and women.
Furthermore, animal studies involving rats have revealed alarming outcomes, including developmental abnormalities in foetuses and adverse effects on reproductive organs.
The reason NMP cannot be ethically studied on humans lies in its potential to cause irreversible harm, making human trials unethical and impractical. Consequently, the true extent of its impact on human health remains largely unexplored, leaving lash artists and clients vulnerable to its insidious effects.
Of particular concern is the practice of lashing pregnant women, who are unwittingly subjected to NMP and its associated risks. Given the delicate nature of pregnancy and the vulnerability of developing foetuses, the use of NMP-laden adhesives during lash extensions poses an unacceptable threat to maternal and fetal health.
Phthalic Anhydride, a chemical compound commonly used as a plasticiser and solvent, is yet another ingredient that has found its way into lash adhesives due to its adhesive properties and low production cost. However, its inclusion in lash adhesive formulations raises red flags for health and safety.
One of the primary concerns surrounding Phthalic Anhydride is its potential to cause adverse health effects upon exposure. Studies have linked Phthalic Anhydride to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and allergic reactions, posing a threat to lash artists who handle adhesive products regularly.
Prolonged exposure to Phthalic Anhydride can exacerbate these health concerns, leading to chronic respiratory conditions and dermatological complications.
Furthermore, Phthalic Anhydride has been classified as a reproductive toxicant, with research indicating its detrimental effects on fertility and reproductive organs. Exposure to Phthalic Anhydride has been associated with reproductive disorders and developmental abnormalities in animal studies, raising concerns about its impact on human reproductive health.
The answer lies in profit-driven motives and the pursuit of cost-cutting measures. By opting for cheap, low-grade ingredients, manufacturers can maximise their profit margins while disregarding the health and safety of consumers.
Sadly, many lash suppliers have minimal knowledge of the ingredients in their products, blindly trusting manufacturers' assurances of safety. Consequently, lash artists unknowingly purchase these harmful products and expose themselves and their clients to potentially harmful substances.
In industrial settings where these ingredients are used, extreme precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) are necessary to minimise exposure and prevent adverse health effects. This typically includes wearing respirators with appropriate filters, protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to prevent contact with the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Here at Eyelash Excellence we provide information to assist lash artists in making informed choices about the products they buy and the lash companies they put their trust in.
We never expect lash artists to take our word, instead we ask them to do their own research on these ingredients as well as check the ingredients in their products to ensure their harmful stabilisers are not present in the products they expose themselves and their clients to.
We invite you to check out our full range of safe UK made lash liquids and adhesives which can be found HERE
