Inside Eyelash Adhesive: The Key Ingredients for Strong, Long-Lasting Lashes

What’s Inside an Eyelash Extension Glue Bottle?

When applying eyelash extensions, the adhesive is key to achieving a long-lasting, seamless look. But what exactly is inside the bottle of eyelash adhesive? Let’s break down the essential ingredients and how they work together to ensure a perfect bond.

 

1. Cyanoacrylate: The Powerhouse of Adhesion

The main ingredient in all eyelash adhesives is cyanoacrylate, a powerful bonding agent that ensures the extensions adhere to natural lashes for an extended period. It’s what makes the bond strong and long-lasting. However, it’s crucial that this adhesive is only applied to the natural lashes and not to the skin, as it can cause irritation or discomfort if it comes into direct contact with the skin.

 

2. Stabilisers: Consistency is Key

Stabilizers control the consistency of the adhesive and how it performs under different environmental conditions, such as room temperature or humidity. These ingredients ensure the glue behaves as expected, whether you’re working in a more humid or dry environment, making them vital for reliable performance.

 

3. Carbon Black: The Pigment for Intensity

Carbon black is the pigment that gives the adhesive its rich, dark color. It helps the extensions blend naturally with the lashes and creates the illusion of a denser, fuller lash line.

 

How Eyelash Adhesives Differ

The performance of eyelash adhesives can vary depending on their setting time, longevity, and how they accommodate sensitive clients. The amount of cyanoacrylate in the adhesive directly influences these factors.

• Fast-setting adhesives contain a higher percentage of cyanoacrylate. They dry quickly and form a strong bond, making them ideal for experienced lash technicians.
• Slower-setting or sensitive adhesives contain less cyanoacrylate. They take longer to dry and create a less intense bond, but are gentler on the eyes, making them suitable for sensitive clients or for those new to the lash application process.

Adhesive Shelf Life & Storage

Unopened, most eyelash adhesives will last about six months. Once opened, however, their lifespan is reduced to around one month. For the best performance, store your adhesive in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain its potency and prevent premature drying.

The Role of Humidity and Temperature

Humidity

Eyelash adhesive works best in an environment with 40–60% humidity. Cyanoacrylate polymerises (sets) when it comes into contact with moisture, so higher humidity will speed up the adhesive’s drying time. Conversely, in lower humidity, the adhesive will take longer to set.

 

Temperature

The optimal temperature for applying eyelash adhesive is between 20–24°C. In higher temperatures, the adhesive will dry too quickly, which can compromise the retention. On the other hand, lower temperatures will slow down the drying process, which may impact your workflow.

By understanding what’s inside the bottle of eyelash adhesive and how external factors influence its performance, lash artists can create the perfect, long-lasting look for their clients while minimising discomfort or irritation.

I AM Lash ♥️