What substances does mascara contain? Conditioning and toxic ingredients composing mascara
The huge majority of women reach for mascara to use it regularly. Females do this in order to enhance they looks, yet this issue is defined a little bit differently by each of them: one is dreaming of bold lashes, other girl wants to get extended lashes, whereas yet another woman is looking for curled lashes. Since mascara is a cosmetic that is applied near eyeballs, in the worst case scenario, it can even damage eyesight. This risk gets higher in women who developed the bad habit of falling asleep with make-up on or the tendency to do imprecise make-up removal. For that reason, mascaras should be chosen carefully, and if any adverse reaction is noticed, such product must be immediately thrown away. What substances, including the conditioning and toxic ones, does mascara contain? What can be used instead of mascara?
What substances does mascara contain?
In most cases a mascara is composed of plant origin waxes such as Carnauba or beeswax that don’t only increase the mascara’s grip but also they provide the looked-for effect of thickened lashes. A typical formula of mascara is enriched with non-refined oils, for example, sunflower oil or castor oil that nourish lashes so they may accelerate lash growth. Basically, mascara’s list of ingredients shouldn’t be deprived of silicones because the very substances considerably facilitate application of the product. What’s worth mentioning, at the end of a day, products containing silicones should be removed precisely. Otherwise, they can contribute to acne cosmetica. When it comes to polymers, they increase lash elasticity and coat lashes with a layer creating an effect of extended lashes.
What toxic substances does mascara contain?
After applying a mascara, some women report experiencing a discomfort in the form of constant watery and prickling eyes. This might mean that this particular mascara is past its best before date. Even if the expiration date doesn’t indicate that the mascara shouldn’t be used any longer, the cosmetic might have been already used for too long and the bacteria that managed to multiply cause the very infection. Other reason for watery and prickling eyes is the poor composition of a mascara. Here is the list of toxic ingredients that you should avoid:
Powdered aluminium
This substance is added to beauty products to gift them with a particular colour, yet application of products containing this ingredient might lead to damages done to nervous system. How does it work? Firstly, powdered aluminium clogs skin pores and then penetrates through skin and there, when accumulated, starts irritating the immunologic system. You can find powdered aluminium in mascaras and antiperspirants, too.
Parabens
An effective, yet damaging preservative. It’s aim is to prevent bacteria multiplication in cosmetics, especially in mascaras. It’s crucial because a mascara tube is a very convenient environment for germ development. On the other hand, too high concentration of parabens can disturb work of hormones, and even cause cancer.
Propylene glycol
This is a solvent that constitutes the base for other substances used in a particular cosmetic production. Frequently, it’s responsible for triggering allergic reactions such as eye skin area prickling. Propylene glycol can be found in mascaras, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other hygienic products.
Retinyl acetate
This is a vitamin A derivative which action is recognized as dangerous. It has a direct impact on cells. What does it mean? In plain English, this substance can cause mutations. For that reason, doctors advise against applying products containing retinyl acetate, especially by pregnant women.
What conditioning substances does mascara contain?
Many women can’t imagine leaving home without applying a few coats of mascara. Indeed, lashes that aren’t voluminous make a face look fatigued so it loses its expressiveness. A high quality mascara doesn’t only gift lashes with an intensive colour but also leaves them curly and boosts their volume. There are mascaras that doesn’t only beautify lashes but also improve their condition, so in other words, they work like a conditioner. The very mascaras contain among others:
Silk for lashes
Silk is a popular ingredient present in hair conditioners and masks. It’s so willingly-added to such products because of its highly moisturising action. The chemical composition of proteins that silk contains, fibroin and sericin, is similar to the protein naturally occurring in hair and skin. Silk added to eyelash cosmetics is still a rarity, yet producers start appreciating its properties more and more often. How does it work? Firstly, it fills up the proteins that build lashes, and what is strictly connected with this – silk reinforces lashes. As a consequence, eyelashes are getting thicker and stop falling out. The already mentioned sericin displays strong water-retaining properties. Owing to this, lash dehydration is prevented. When it comes to fibroin, it creates a thin film on lash surface that protects them against the adverse influence of the external environment.
There is yet another property that works in favour of silk. Namely, thanks to silk, the pigments a mascara contains are able to coat each lash individually to accentuate it in an effective way.
Argan oil
Argan oil is extracted from Argania nuts and commonly used in hair and lash products manufacturing. Regular lash coating with a mascara containing argan oil makers lashes bulbs stronger, which translates into combating the problem of excessive falling out. It’s important because putting on a mascara is recognized as a major cause of lash thinning. Other benefit of argan oil is vitamin E that is famous for its anti-oxidant and regenerating properties. Vitamin E nourishes and moisturises lash fibres and protects against the negative impact of the external factors. It’s worth applying a mascara featuring argan oil, especially in the case of weak and thin lashes.
Camellia (Kisssi) Oil
Camellia oil is pressed from green tea plant seeds and is widely used in hair, body and fingernail care cosmetics. When added to a mascara, camellia oil is supposed to play the role of a regenerating substance. It contains oleic acid as well as omega-3 and omega-6 acids that are able to nourish lashes deeply and reinforce them from the outside. As a result, thin and brittle lashes retrieve their vitality and become thicker. Apart from fatty acids, camellia oil also contains mineral substances such as calcium, potassium and phosphor, and vitamin E. The very substances are truly needed by lashes to remain strong and healthy.
Alternatives for mascara?
For women who can’t tolerate the majority of mascaras, a homemade mascara is recognized as a good solution. In order to prepare it, you have to collect:
- egg yolk,
- activated carbon pills,
- lavender oil.
Keep mashing the activated carbon pills until you obtain powder. Then, combine it with egg yolk and a drop of lavender oil. Pour the liquid into a clean mascara tube. Since your DIY mascara may foam, you can use a toothpick to make this easier.
You can use your DIY mascara for 3-4 weeks. The ‘best before’ date is determined by the egg yolk used.
