Health & Safety

We are dedicated to safety. We often received inquiries about formaldehyde in eyelash extension adhesives. Please read the following documentation for a better understanding of cyanoacrylate adhesives, formaldehyde, and FDA recommendations.

Key facts about cyanoacrylate adhesives & formaldehyde:

With concerns of formaldehyde being labeled as a carcinogen by the US Department of Health and Human Services, we find it important to share with you on its role in the production of any lash adhesive on the market today.

Cyanoacrylate is present in all eyelash adhesives and is a formaldehyde and Ethyl Cyanoacetate derivative. Cyanoacrylate is the derivative formed when the two chemicals react together. It is used as an ingredient in all medical and non-medical grade adhesives used today.

Formaldehyde derivatives can be found in products such as eyelash adhesive, soaps, paints, makeup, preservatives and more. This means that formaldehyde was used to make the products, however, the final product does not contain traceable amounts.

Also, during the adhesive production process, traces of formaldehyde may not react with the cyanoacetate, so a purification process called chromatography is used to separate byproducts, like formaldehyde from the final product.

This process is intended to remove any remaining impurities that remain from the process. Any byproduct left after this process is completed, is such a small amount that it is not measurable or significant. This allows BL lash extension Glue to be considered a formaldehyde-free product.

A completely “formaldehyde-free” cyanoacrylate adhesive does not exist. Also, ultra-low amounts of formaldehyde naturally occur as the adhesive degrades over time. The formaldehyde level in BL adhesives has not been measurable as it is below the lowest detectable level of lab tests that measure formaldehyde.

Understanding formaldehyde content:

Formaldehyde fumes, in trace amounts, do not pose any health risks. Formaldehyde is found at much higher concentrations in numerous household products that we use every day.

Client concerns:

Q: Fumes from Cyanoacrylates are a vaporized form of cyanoacrylate monomer that may irritate sensitive membranes in the eye, nose, and throat.

A: About 5% of your clientele will become sensitized to Cyanoacrylate fumes after repeated exposure. They may experience flu-like symptoms or have an allergic skin reaction (swelling of the eyes and eyelids). To minimize these risks, keep your treatment room well ventilated, use Anti-Allergy gel, and humidifier.

The US National Toxicology Program and UK Health and Safety Executive have concluded that the proper use of Cyanoacrylate is safe in the hands of licensed, well-trained and experienced professionals.

Training and Safety:

We are focused on safety and the long-term health of your clients, your business and our industry. After all, improper application technique, which will likely result without proper training, can result in injury.

Our trainers go through extensive training with ongoing continuing education and evaluations to ensure that the latest techniques are shared and implemented in our curriculum. We truly believe training is essential for safe eyelash extension application.

The application process, which requires the use of a strong bonding and long-lasting adhesive and sharp tweezers near the eye area, is very meticulous. That is why we offer various on-site training programs for our business partners, and share free reading materials online.

How to select an eyelash extension company:

Select a company that provides comprehensive training – for you and your client’s safety - as well as the long-term health of the industry.

Select a company that has a training department, a product development team, full-time customer service, and dedicated trouble-shooting support.

Select a company that has an extensive inventory of eyelash extensions and accessories with a variety of options to suit your skill level and needs.

BL Lashes is proud to be the leader in this industry with the most extensive inventory of products, a dedicated training department and will continue to work diligently to further improve our products and service to our clients.