Mascara is a cosmetic product used to darken, thicken, and define eyelashes. It is typically made up of a combination of oils, waxes, pigments, emollients, and preservatives, which are natural or synthetic. The following are some of the most common ingredients found in mascaras:
Positive ingredients:
- Beeswax: derived from honeycombs, it works as a thickening and stiffening agent and helps keep the product smooth.
- Lanolin: a natural wax derived from sheeps wool, it is an emollient that helps to moisturize and soften the lashes.
- Rayon or silk fibers: these are brushed onto the lashes to add thickness and length.
Negative ingredients:
- Formaldehyde: a known carcinogen that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- Imidazolidinyl Urea: a preservative that releases formaldehyde and can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- Thimerosal: a mercury-based element that can be toxic to the developing brain during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood.
- Synthetic dyes or tar from coal: these are used to give mascara its color and darken lashes, but they can be dangerous.
- Propylene glycol: a solvent that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- Parabens: preservatives that can disrupt the endocrine system and cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
It is important to note that mascara formulas are closely regulated to ensure safety. However, some formulas may still contain harmful ingredients, so it is important to read the ingredient labels carefully and choose products with clean and safe ingredients.
