Should Lash Glues Contain Hydroquinone? Risks, Bans, and Safer Alternatives
Why Hydroquinone Should Not Be Used in Lash Glues
Safety and quality are paramount in the eyelash extension industry, especially when it comes to lash glues used near the sensitive eye area. While many manufacturers have relied on Hydroquinone (HQ) as a stabiliser, its associated risks make it unsuitable for lash glues. At CAM, we’ve taken a different approach by eliminating HQ from our formulations entirely. Instead, we’ve developed innovative lash glues stabilised with Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA). Manufactured in our ISO-certified facility in the UK and shipped worldwide, our lash glues deliver superior safety and performance. This blog will explore why Hydroquinone should not be used, the global regulatory stance on its use, and why our BHA-based lash glues are the safer, better choice.
The Role of Hydroquinone in Lash Glues
Hydroquinone is a chemical compound often used as a stabiliser to prevent premature polymerisation in lash glues, ensuring the product remains stable over time. While HQ is effective at stabilisation, it comes with significant health, regulatory, and environmental concerns. These risks are especially troubling for lash glues, which are applied close to the eyes.
The Risks of Hydroquinone in Lash Glues
Hydroquinone poses a range of risks, making it unsuitable for use in lash glues.
Health Risks: Hydroquinone is a known irritant, often causing redness, inflammation, and itching when it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. In lash glues, even small amounts of HQ can trigger allergic reactions, especially in clients with sensitive eyes. Additionally, some studies have linked prolonged exposure to Hydroquinone with potential carcinogenic effects, raising further safety concerns.
Client Sensitivity: While cyanoacrylate in lash glues is often blamed for client sensitivity, our research indicates that HQ is frequently the main culprit behind irritation. Although cyanoacrylate can also cause irritation due to fumes or improper application, HQ’s chemical properties amplify these risks. By replacing HQ with a safer alternative like Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), manufacturers can significantly reduce the likelihood of sensitivity while maintaining the glue’s performance, providing a safer experience for clients and technicians alike.
Regulatory Restrictions: HQ is banned in cosmetics in the UK and EU, where stringent safety standards protect consumers from harmful substances. At the time of writing this blog, In the U.S., Hydroquinone is not explicitly banned under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), but it is heavily regulated by the FDA. In 2020, the FDA reclassified over-the-counter (OTC) skin-lightening products containing HQ as new drugs, effectively removing these products from the OTC market unless approved through a formal drug application process. This regulatory stance underscores the concerns surrounding Hydroquinone’s safety. We expect MoCRA to follow suit with the UK and EU in the next couple of years.
For further information into the concerns surrounding Hydroquinone in lash adhesives in the UK, you can refer to the CTPA’s detailed guidance on the topic.
For detailed information on the European Union’s cosmetic regulations, refer to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32009R1223
For insights into the U.S. Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA), visit: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/modernization-cosmetics-regulation-act-2022-mocra
Environmental Impact: Beyond its effects on human health, Hydroquinone poses environmental risks. It is classified as a chemical pollutant, particularly harmful to aquatic ecosystems. This raises ethical concerns for manufacturers and consumers committed to sustainability.
Eliminating Hydroquinone: A Safer Approach
At CAM, we’ve taken a proactive stance to ensure our lash glues are free from Hydroquinone. Recognising the need for safer alternatives, we invested over two years in research and development to formulate lash glues stabilised with BHA. Our commitment to safety extends to our entire production process, as all of our lash glues are manufactured in our ISO-certified facility in the UK, ensuring strict quality control and compliance with UK, EU, and U.S. standards. We ship our products worldwide, making safe, high-performance lash glues accessible to lash technicians and beauty brands globally.
Our Advanced Lash Glue Range: Meeting Diverse Needs
We offer a versatile range of lash glues designed to cater to both speed and sensitivity, using either Ethyl-2 Cyanoacrylate or Methoxy Cyanoacrylate bases. By combining advanced stabilisation with innovative formulations, we provide lash glues that meet the demands of lash technicians at every skill level.
Ethyl-2 Cyanoacrylate Lash Glues: Our Ethyl-2 based lash glues are designed for technicians seeking ultra-fast curing times. With speeds under 0.3 seconds, these glues are ideal for highly experienced professionals who prioritise efficiency. Despite their rapid curing, these glues maintain a strong, reliable bond, ensuring lasting results.
Methoxy Cyanoacrylate Lash Glues: For clients with sensitive eyes or for technicians who prefer gentler glues, our Methoxy-based lash glues are the perfect choice. We’ve achieved a remarkable curing time of just 1 second with our Methoxy glues, balancing speed with reduced irritancy. These glues are suitable for sensitive applications while still allowing technicians to work efficiently.
Why BHA Is Superior: Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) offers significant advantages over Hydroquinone. It is a safer, more effective stabiliser, approved for use in cosmetics by UK, EU, and U.S. regulatory authorities. BHA prevents lash glue degradation, ensuring a longer shelf life and consistent performance. Unlike HQ, it is far gentler on the skin and eyes, significantly reducing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Its safety profile makes it the ideal choice for lash glues.
Exceeding Standards: Full Cosmetic Classification
While lash glues are not required to meet full cosmetic standards, we’ve gone above and beyond to classify our products as full cosmetics. This means our lash glues undergo rigorous dermatological and ophthalmological testing to ensure their safety. We provide full ingredient transparency, empowering lash technicians and beauty brands to make informed choices. By adhering to MoCRA and other global regulations, we guarantee that our products meet the highest safety and quality standards.
A Commitment to Global Safety and Quality
Our lash glues are trusted by professionals worldwide for their innovative formulations, reliable performance, and safety. Manufactured in the UK, our products comply with the strictest regulatory requirements, ensuring they are safe for use in global markets. Whether you’re looking for ultra-fast Ethyl-2 based lash glues or gentle, sensitive Methoxy options, our range offers a solution tailored to your needs.
Make the Switch to Safer Lash Glues
Hydroquinone has no place in modern lash glue formulations, and at CAM, we are leading the way with safer, more effective alternatives. Our BHA-stabilised lash glues provide the performance professionals need while prioritising client safety. Manufactured in the UK and shipped worldwide, our products are setting a new standard for quality and compliance.
If you’re ready to offer your clients a safer, HQ-free experience, explore our range of innovative lash glues today. Together, we can create a safer, more sustainable beauty industry. Send us a message on WhatsApp or fill out the form below to see how our lash glues can benefit your brand.