Eyelash extensions offer a transformative beauty treatment, helping many achieve the long, lush lashes they desire. Just as we nourish our bodies through thoughtful food choices, it’s important to apply that same care when it comes to what we put on our skin and delicate eye area.
The safety of eyelash extension glues is a valid concern, for both professionals and the consumers.
They contain cyanoacrylate as the primary active ingredient, which is responsible for the strong bond between the false lashes and the natural lashes.
Ingredients like Nitrocellulose, which is highly flammable, and Methoxyisopropyl Acetate, a solvent used in nail products, can raise concerns about potential irritation, toxicity, and other safety risks if not formulated and used properly.
Then there’s other ingredients like solvents, stabilisers, and viscosity modifiers, leading some to ask – is eyelash extension glue safe?
In this post, I’ll discuss popular eyelash extension glue ingredients, allergies vs irritations and adverse effects, and the safety of what are essentially chemicals being used in your delicate eye area.
What Are Eyelash Extension Glue Ingredients?
All eyelash glues contain cyanoacrylate, which can cause some irritation in some individuals. There are different levels of cyanoacrylates in lash glues. Here are the most common:
n-Butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA, NBCA) is the safest option, and is used in the medical field for glueing lacerations, wounds, surgical incisions etc. It has the slowest adhesion speed and the least amount of fumes, but it also has the worst retention. I avoid glues primarily based on this, as your lashes just won’t stay on.
Ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate is the most common and optimal ingredient used in most eyelash extension adhesives. It has a good balance of speed, strength, and fumes. The glue adheres faster and more volatile than Butyl, but not as toxic as Methyl (see below).
Methyl-2-cyanoacrylate (MCA) is more toxic and has a higher chance of causing allergic reactions. At Hello Beautiful, I don’t use or recommend products with high concentrations of MCA.
Alkoxy-cyanoacrylates are the safest cyanoacrylates, as they are the least volatile and cause almost no discomfort, but they have lower adhesion strength and retention. This is a combination of (2-methoxyethyl-2-cyanoacrylate и 2-ethoxyethyl-2-cyanoacrylate).
At Hello Beautiful, I use and recommend lash adhesives with combinations of Ethyl cyanoacrylate and Alkoxy2-cyanoacrylates.
In addition to the cyanoacrylate compounds, eyelash adhesives can contain a variety of other ingredients, including:
Ingredient | Use |
Methoxy-2-propyl acetate | Solvent |
Ethyl acetate | Solvent |
Acetone | Solvent |
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) | Thickener / Viscosity modifier |
Hydroxyethyl cellulose | Thickener / Viscosity modifier |
Hydroquinone | Stabiliser |
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) | Stabiliser |
Carbon black (for black adhesives) | Colourant |
Titanium dioxide (for white or clear adhesives) | Colourant |
Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben) | Preservative |
Phenoxyethanol | Preservative |
These additional ingredients can serve various purposes, such as adjusting the viscosity, enhancing the adhesive properties, providing colour, or preventing microbial growth.
Some ingredients, like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, have raised concerns about potential health and safety issues, especially when used in the delicate eye area.
Careful selection of eyelash adhesives that minimise the use of potentially irritating or concerning ingredients is important to ensure the safety and comfort of both the lash technician and the client.
Types of Eyelash Extension Glue
When it comes to eyelash adhesives, different formulas cater to lash artists of varying skill levels.
Our beginner lash glue is a medium-viscosity adhesive with a 1.5-2 second drying time. It gives you a little extra time to adjust the lash placement.
Intermediate to advanced lash artists often prefer a 1 second curing adhesive, like our swift black adhesive, providing just enough time to make necessary adjustments.
More experienced artists comfortable with quick, precise application may opt for a faster 0.5 second curing and runnier consistency adhesive. Our expert lash extension adhesive achieves this.
Eyelash Glue Ingredients to Avoid
It may not be possible to completely avoid all these ingredients in eyelash glues, but here’s a list of products I steer clear of where possible.
- Formaldehyde – A known irritant and potential carcinogen.
- Parabens – These preservatives have been linked to hormonal disruption.
- Phthalates – These chemicals, often used as plasticisers, have also been associated with endocrine disruption.
- Latex – People with latex allergies can have severe reactions to latex-containing eyelash glues.
- Formalin – Also a source of formaldehyde, formalin is another chemical that is not recommended for eyelash extension adhesives.
- Phenol – This compound can be an irritant and is generally not considered safe for use around the delicate eye area.
- Denatured Alcohol – Alcohol is common in lash glues. High concentrations of denatured alcohol can be drying and irritating to the eyes and lids.
Avoiding these problematic ingredients can help minimise the risks associated with using eyelash extension glues. Consumers and professionals should carefully review product labels to ensure the adhesives they use or recommend are free of these concerning compounds.
What Does a Reaction to Eyelash Extension Glue Look Like?
Adverse effects to eyelash extension glues can present in different ways. I’ve compiled a list below of common symptoms. Remember, some adverse effects settle on their own, with eyedrops, or an antihistamine.
An adverse effect isn’t necessarily an allergy. I talk more about eyelash extension glue allergies here.
Visual Signs of a Reaction:
- Redness, swelling, or puffiness of the eyelids
- Irritated, watery, or bloodshot eyes
- Bumps, blisters, or hives around the eye area
- Flaking, peeling, or crusty skin on the lids
Sensations of a Reaction:
- Stinging, burning, or itching of the eyes and lids
- Discomfort or pain when opening and closing the eyes
- Feeling of the eyes being “heavy” or “tired”
- Excessive tearing or eye discharge
It’s important to note that a reaction can happen even with a brand or formula that has been used successfully in the past, as the body’s immune response can change over time.
So, is Eyelash Glue Safe for Skin?
Eyelash extension glue is not considered safe for direct application on the skin, especially the delicate skin around the eyes. That’s why it’s important that a trained professional applies your eyelash extensions. Please, do not attempt to do it yourself when it comes to lash extensions.
Is There a Cyanoacrylate Free Lash Extension Glue?
No. Even lash adhesives labelled as sensitive and hypoallergenic still contain types of cyanoacrylate. For example, Stacy Lash sensitive eyelash extension glue ingredients are: Ethyl Cyanoacrylate, Methyl 2-Cyanoacrylate, PMMA and Carbon Black.
Other Frequently Asked Questions

How long does lash glue last on eyelashes?
When professionally applied, eyelash extension glue can hold the lashes in place for 2-4 weeks. On average, you naturally shed 1-5 natural lashes per day, which can affect the longevity of the extensions. Aftercare and maintenance can also affect how long your lashes last.
Can you use eyelash extension glue on strip lashes?
No. Eyelash extension glue is a very strong, long-lasting adhesive meant to bond extensions directly to the natural lashes. It’s best to use adhesives designed for strip lashes and individual false lashes.
Can eyelash extension glue burn your eyes?
Eyelash extension glue can cause burning, stinging, and irritation if it comes into direct contact with the eyes. Proper application by a trained professional and following aftercare instructions carefully are important to prevent the glue from getting into the eyes and causing discomfort.
Is there latex in eyelash extension glue?
At Hello Beautiful, our eyelash adhesives do not contain any latex.
Is Shein eyelash glue safe?
A check of several lash adhesives on the Shein website showed ingredients listed as 100% polyester, polyresin, PE, and 100% acrylic. I could not find any material safety data sheets. Use this product at your own risk.
Can I use liquid latex as eyelash glue?
Using liquid latex as a substitute for eyelash extension glue is not recommended. It is not formulated for the delicate eye area, may lack the necessary bonding strength, and can potentially cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Is Eyelash Extension Glue Safe?
Eyelash extension adhesives are specialised formulas designed to safely and effectively bond false lashes to the natural lashes. While the primary active ingredient, cyanoacrylate, can pose some risks if not properly used, there are ways to mitigate these concerns.
Understanding the different types of cyanoacrylates, avoiding potentially irritating additives, and seeking professional application, consumers can enjoy the transformative benefits of eyelash extensions without undue worry about safety.
For lash technicians, choosing quality glue products that prioritise safety and minimises irritation protects the health and comfort of your clients.