Seventeen-year-old Hana never imagined that a simple application of false eyelashes could turn into a nightmare.

Hana’s story is a wake-up call about the potential risks associated with eyelash adhesives, which many of us use without a second thought. False eyelashes are often seen as a quick and easy way to enhance our appearance, but the glue that holds them in place can contain chemicals that irritate the sensitive skin around our eyes, potentially leading to serious reactions. Understanding the ingredients and risks involved in eyelash glues is essential to ensuring that our beauty routines don’t come at the expense of our health.

In Europe, cosmetic products, including eyelash glue, are regulated [1,2]. This means products on the market must be safe if used properly. Still, because our eyes are so sensitive, it’s important to be extra careful [1,3].

Ever felt your eyes getting itchy after applying false lashes? It might not be the lashes—it could be the glue!  

Even though the lashes themselves may seem harmless, the glue often contains ingredients that need closer attention. Mixing synthetic lashes with strong adhesives can sometimes trigger allergic reactions, irritation, or even more severe complications [1,3].

GG tip: Always check the glue’s ingredients and follow the care instructions! If not used properly, you risk allowing harmful bacteria or fungi to grow on the lashes, which could lead to eye infections.

Let’s take a quick look at what’s inside the glue. We checked out six different eyelash glues and found that most of them contain water, binding agents, and preservatives. And how often is each component present in the glue? Check below.

But what do these ingredients actually do? If you’re curious about the chemistry, read on to learn more about the 5 most common ingredients that were found.🙂

Aqua (water) is the most common and completely safe ingredient in cosmetics. It’s just water — and yes, it’s harmless, according to most reports to ECHA [4].

Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative that prevents bacterial growth and extends shelf life. While effective, it can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions — especially in people with sensitive skin. EU regulations classify it as harmful if swallowed and note it may cause serious eye irritation or affect breathing in high concentrations [5,6].

Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer is an ingredient commonly found in eyelash adhesives, helping the glue to stay in place and bond effectively. It also acts as a film-forming agent. While it is generally considered safe for most people, it can be a concern for those with sensitive skin [7, 8]. The downside? It’s a form of microplastic — a synthetic ingredient that doesn’t break down easily in nature. And microplastics? Big no-no for the environment.

Ethylhexylglycerin is a skin-conditioning agent and often used as a preservative booster. It’s generally considered safe, but it can sometimes cause mild eye irritation. On the environmental side, it’s not considered harmful, so no major concerns here [9].

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is a well-known antioxidant. It’s generally safe to use, but like with many ingredients, some people may get a mild allergic reaction [10].

Most eyelash glues are safe for most people, but if you have sensitive skin or use them often, reactions can happen. It’s always recommended to check for any potential allergies before using eyelash adhesives and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

GG tip: Before applying any glue or lashes, do a quick patch test on your wrist. A few extra seconds could save you from hours of irritation!

So, next time you grab that lash glue, remember: your eyes deserve the best care! Always follow the instructions, do a patch test, and pay attention to the ingredients. And hey, don’t forget to embrace your natural lashes—you’re beautiful just the way you are!