In this current time and age, bigger is better. False lashes, often known to the makeup world as “falsies,” are all the rage right now. The process of applying fake lashes is simple, albeit tedious: you apply lash glue to the edge and paste them down as close to your natural lash line as possible. Once laid down correctly, they make your lashes look bigger and longer, but is it worth the potential harm they can cause?

Let’s find out more about the harms of what’s become a beauty staple.

What’s in lash Glue or Adhesive?

Every brand’s formulation will be different, but here are a few common ingredients in eyelash glue.

• Latex
• Water
• Acrylates
• Fragrance
• Formaldehyde
• Cellulose Gum
• Ammonium Hydroxide

It may sound scary, but it’s not scary at all. Ammonium hydroxide is known superior for its use in cleaners and makeup removers, but it’s also considered secure for use in food by the FDA. Formaldehyde, on the other side, is a known carcinogen. Latex, though not necessarily harmful to the average person, is prone to causing allergic reactions.

How Can You Prevent Harm?

Here are some ways, starting with the most efficient:

1. Don’t wear fake lashes: It’s an obvious answer, but also one that may not sound ok if you’re a fan of this fashion. If you can’t avoid them out of your beauty routine totally, limit their use as much as possible. Please don’t put them on to run errands or hang out with a friend who doesn’t care what you look like anyway.
2. Find natural lash adhesive: The dangers of eyelash glue are more well-known these days, which means that some brands have put out the adhesive that isn’t full of damaging ingredients. Take a look at the details of the product before you purchase and make sure everything is safe.
3. Be careful and rinse thoroughly: If you can’t commit to doing one of the above, at least be sure to take the best care of your eyes as you can. Keep the lashes far enough away to keep the adhesive out of your eyes, and rinse your eyes properly once you take them off.

Is Lash Glue the Only Hazard Associated with Fake lashes?

The answer is no. It may be the most common and easy way of problems, but other dangers come along with false eyelashes.

• Loose lashes: Like with natural eyelashes, these eyelashes can come loose and get lodged in the eyes.
• Damage from tools: Many people choose to put their fake eyelashes with their fingers, but tweezers and similar devices are just as ordinary. Putting false eyelashes is an excellent way to train a steady hand, but no one is safe with these tools near their eyes.

It’s essential to protect your eyes in any way that you can. If you think you may have an eye infection because of falsies, schedule an appointment to see one of the eye doctors near you who can help you well with your eyes.