If you have sensitive eyes, you need to be careful about what products you use. Choosing the best lash glue can be very tricky, especially when it comes to choosing specialty products like sensitive glue for your client. However, we are here to tell you that it is not that mind-boggling if you follow these few steps.
See the checklist below that we have prepared to help you determine what a good eyelash extension glue for sensitive eyes should comprise, and you can even use it as an insight to choosing other products too.
This post is about how to choose the best lash glue for clients with glue-sensitivity. If you are looking for tips on how to choose a lash extension glue for general clients, read this page instead: How to choose the right eyelash extension glue.
How to Choose the Best Eyelash Extension Glue for Sensitive Eyes
Checklist #1. Ingredients
Cyanoacrylate
The main culprit that causes allergic reactions to lash glue is a chemical called "Cyanoacrylate," which is the main ingredient for its curing and bonding ability in all eyelash extension adhesive.
All the professional eyelash extension glues in the market contains cyanoacrylate, and currently, there is no eyelash extension glue without cyanoacrylate to replace its role.
However, something not many people know about is that there are many different types of cyanoacrylate. Not all Cyanoacrylates deserve their bad reputation for causing eyelash extension glue allergy.
Manufacturer's Tip: 5 Different Types of Cyanoacrylate:
- Methyl Cyanoacrylate: This is a toxic substance. This type of cyanoacrylate is strictly classified and used only for industrial purposes. Methyl type is very strong and it can dissolve the proteins- if used in eyelash extension, it leads to permanent sight loss. Methyl type should never be used in eyelash extension adhesive.
- Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Ethyl cyanoacrylate is the most commonly used type of cyanoacrylate for eyelash extension glue. Its drying time is fast, and the adhesion is strong, but the fume, odor, and irritation can be quite heavy.
- Alkoxy Cyanoacrylate: Alkoxy cyanoacrylate is an adhesive that is made to have extremely low odor and fume. This type of Cyanoacrylate is eight times more expensive than the Ethyl type, and it has rarely been used in eyelash extension glue due to its high price tag.
- Butyl-Cyanoacrylate: Butyl type is an adhesive that is made for hypoallergenic. It is originally developed to be used in the medical procedure. Compared to Ethyl, the drying speed of Butyl-C is slower, and the adhesion is weaker.
- Methoxy-Cyanoacrylate: Methoxy type is the least irritating kind of Cyanoacrylate, and it's almost odorless. It is developed to improve the problems caused by the irritation and odor of Ethyl and Butyl type glue. However, its drying time is very slow, and the adhesion is much weaker compared to other types of Cyanoacrylate.
Mixing the right amount of cyanoacrylates in one glue bottle to make a "perfectly balanced" adhesive that achieves low fume, fast drying speed, and long retention is the ultimate goal of any lash extension glue producers.
Latex
Latex (natural rubber) or carbon black which is most often used to give eyelash glues their black color is known to cause allergic reactions to some people so it is not advisable to use a glue containing latex. Instead, choose a glue containing elastomer (synthetic rubber), like Q-1 Glue which is a lab-made rubber that causes no latex allergy but creates excellent viscosity, elasticity, and retention.
Formaldehyde
Unlike many brands advertise, a completely “formaldehyde-free lash extension glue” does not exist. Also, ultra-low amounts of formaldehyde naturally occur as the adhesive degrades over time.
The formaldehyde level in BL sensitive adhesives has not been measurable as it is below the lowest detectable level of lab tests that measure formaldehyde.
Checklist #2. Shelf life
Did you know that shelf life of the sensitive glues is shorter than regular lash extension adhesives? While strong lash glues last up to 6 months unopened, the shelf-life of sensitive glue is much shorter- 3 months unopened.
However, once the bottle is opened, sensitive or not, any type of glue should be used within a month.
Before deciding to go with the buy 1, get 1 free deal, calculate how many clients you actually need to serve with sensitive lash glue, and do not overstock.
Checklist #3. Setting Speed (drying speed)
As you may have noticed already, setting the speed of sensitive glues is noticeably slower than regular eyelash extension glue. There is a range of sensitive glues drying speed starting from 5 seconds up to 8 seconds.
It is worth mentioning this to your lash client beforehand. Your application time can be longer than typical applications because of the nature of sensitive glue.
Checklist #4. Retention
Most of the sensitive eyelash glue for extensions are made with least to none ethyl-cyanoacrylate, and inevitably, their adhesion is much weaker than the "normal" glues.
When all the right conditions are met (room/product condition, proper technique, client's health & lash condition, and aftercare), extensions can last 3 weeks maximum. This may fall shorter than your client's expectation and it is something you should discuss with your client beforehand.
The Best Lash Extension Glue for Sensitive Eyes
Now that we have the checklist covered, let us share with you which are our top two best lash extension glue for sensitive eyes are and why are they so awesome.
BL Advanced Glue
Its bonding property manufactured with 100% Alkoxyethyl cyanoacrylate (2-Ethoxyethyl-2-cyano 2-propenoate) - the safe, low fume substance.
The consistency of Advanced glue is thick and high in viscosity, curing speed may take up to 8 seconds so it may take some skill (and patience) to hold the extension until the glue properly bond to the natural lash.
However, this glue is perfect for clients that are severely sensitive to eyelash extension adhesive.
- Bonding Agent: 100% Alkoxyethyl cyanoacrylate
- Drying Time: 7-8 seconds
- Retention: Up to 3-4 weeks
- Viscosity: Thick
- Odor & Fume: Lowest
BL Lily Glue
Lily glue is our best hypoallergenic lash extension glue specifically made for sensitive eyes. The Lily glue is designed exclusively for the eyelash glue allergy sensitive clients, and lash artists who are looking for fast drying glue.
Lily glue is made with 100% of Alkoxyethyl cyanoacrylates (2-Ethoxyethyl-2-cyano 2-propenoate). This ingredient is eight times more expensive than standard components for lash extensions glue. This magical adhesive shows a great bonding ability as well as low fume and odor.
Also, the BL Lily glue with its magic recipe, its thin liquid-like consistency quickens the drying process. Lily glue will dry within 5 seconds, whereas other sensitive adhesives may take up to 8 seconds to dry.
With the proper aftercare, lash extensions done with this glue can last up to 4 weeks- making it last longer than most of the other sensitive adhesive in the market.
- Bonding Agent : 100% Alkoxyethyl cyanoacrylate
- Drying Time: 5-6 seconds
- Retention: Up to 4 weeks
- Viscosity: Thin
- Odor & Fume: Lowest
An additional product that helps to reduce the glue allergy
Place a jar of Anti-Allergy Gel by your work station and FEEL THE MAGIC. This revolutionary product has been designed to neutralize the air in your work area, benefiting both clients and staff who are allergic to lash glue.
The anti-allergy gel absorbs airborne chemicals, significantly reducing the level of fumes & vapors in your work zone. Feedback from the clients and lash artists suggest less stinging or watery eyes, fewer headaches, and itchiness following the use of this product.
There you have it. The top two eyelash extension glues for glue-sensitive clients out.
At BL, we manufacture all of our top-quality glues in South Korea and only in small batches to keep it fresh and stable for your use. Any questions about choosing the right eyelash extension glue product, don't hesitate to contact us at info@bllashes.com
Learn more about lash adhesives here:
Having retention issues since COVID-19?
Eyelash extension glue and humidity: A complete guide
How to Properly Care for Lash Extension Adhesives?
How To Safely Remove Eyelash Extensions
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