Eyelash Extensions Safety

Is your eyelash extension product FDA approved, hypoalergenic and safe to use? This is a common concern and many manufactures of eyelash extension products make claims to insinuate that their product is FDA approved or hypoallergenic. Some manufacturers claim that their adhesive is "surgical grade" so the technician and client assume that it is safe enough to be used in the medical field. My goal is to address this safety concern and define these common terms used to promote eyelash extension products.

According to the FDA (www.fda.gov) there is no FDA approved eyelash extension product. What else can be said about that? There simply is no specific brand or adhesive that the FDA has approved for safe use on humans for the purpose of eyelash extensions, false eyelashes or individual eyelash semi-permanent applications. There is nothing left to cover of the topic of FDA approval of eyelash extension products and adhesives because it does not exist! Be leery of technicians or manufacturers making these claims, as they are simply not valid.

"Thinking of false eyelashes or extensions?
FDA considers false eyelashes, eyelash extensions, and their adhesives to be cosmetic products, and as such they must adhere to the safety and labeling requirements for cosmetics. False eyelashes and eyelash extensions require adhesives to hold them in place. Remember that the eyelids are delicate, and an allergic reaction, irritation, or other injury in the eye area can be particularly troublesome. Check the ingredients before using these adhesives." Quoted from the FDA web site regarding eyelash extensions. This is all that is mentioned in regards to eyelash extensions.

The claim of being a "hypoallergenic" eyelash extension adhesive is commonly stated on web sites and by manufacturers. Do no assume that this means that you won't have an allergic reaction. According to the FDA this claim means little to nothing in the cosmetic world.

"What are hypoallergenic cosmetics?
Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products. Consumers with hypersensitive skin, and even those with "normal" skin, may be led to believe that these products will be gentler to their skin than non-hypoallergenic cosmetics.
There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term "hypoallergenic." The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean. Manufacturers of cosmetics labeled as hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenicity claims to FDA.
The term "hypoallergenic" may have considerable market value in promoting cosmetic products to consumers on a retail basis, but dermatologists say it has very little meaning."
Source: Excerpted from Hypoallergenic Cosmetics on the FDA web site.

So what does "surgical grade adhesive" actually mean? Well I have researched surgical adhesives available in the United States and compared them to 5 of the most popular eyelash extension adhesives. Cyanoacrylates and commonly used adhesives that have gained FDA approval have little in common as far as actual ingredients are concerned. So I can not explain how the big eyelash extension companies intend to provide evidence that their product is safe due to being "surgical grade". I can't imagine a surgeon reaching for some black eyelash glue in the middle of surgery to glue up tissue on a patient. Eyelash extension adhesive ingredients more resemble Super Glue then most surgical adhesives. In fact some midwives use Super Glue as a surgical adhesive.

The basic truths about the safety of eyelash extensions boils down to common sense. Eyelash extensions are adhered to individual eyelashes with a minimal amount of strong adhesive. When properly applied, no glue or adhesive should come in contact with the skin and this lessens the chance of irritation or allergic reaction. A licensed, experienced professional eyelash extension technician is your best bet for a good and safe application. Do your research and get a referral to a reputable technician that you know others have had good experiences with. An allergic reaction is very rare but possible in all cosmetic applications so its important to know you have a reputable technician who can remove your eyelash extensions if your extensions do not agree with you.
http://www.symboliclashes.com for more information on eyelash extensions in Las Vegas Nevada.
http://www.eyelashlv.com for important eyelash extension FAQ and after care instructions

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