Busting the biggest marketing myth in the lash industry...
Hi everyone, Michelle here.
If you scroll through lash supplier websites, you will inevitably see the claim: “Formaldehyde-Free Adhesive.”
It is one of the most common marketing buzzwords in our industry. It sounds reassuring, right? But this claim implies something very misleading, that other brands are actively adding formaldehyde into their glue bottles.
Today, we are opening the Formulation File to bust the myth of formaldehyde.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic compound. It is a colorless, strong-smelling gas. It is not a bonding agent, it is not a stabilizer, and it is not a pigment.
No reputable manufacturer deliberately adds formaldehyde as an ingredient in professional eyelash extension adhesive.
What most assume
When clients experience stinging, watery eyes, or a chemical smell during a lash service, many assume the glue “contains formaldehyde” and ask for a “formaldehyde-free” adhesive next time.
What is actually happening
While formaldehyde is not an ingredient, it can be released as a by-product.
All professional lash adhesives are made with cyanoacrylate. As cyanoacrylate cures, meaning it changes from liquid to solid, a chemical reaction occurs. During this process, trace amounts of formaldehyde gas can be released into the air.
This happens during curing. It is not something intentionally added or listed as an ingredient on the MSDS sheet.
Why this matters for your studio
Because formaldehyde is a by-product of cyanoacrylate curing, you cannot purchase a cyanoacrylate-based lash adhesive that produces zero formaldehyde emissions during the curing process.
Any brand claiming their cyanoacrylate adhesive is completely “formaldehyde-free” during curing is relying on marketing language, not chemistry.
However, you can absolutely control exposure.
The trace amounts released are extremely small, but they can accumulate in a poorly ventilated room.
The takeaway
Do not fear the marketing buzzwords, understand the chemistry.
You cannot eliminate the chemical reaction, but you can manage the environment around it.
Proper ventilation, maintaining correct humidity, and using nano-misters or bonders to speed up curing can help neutralize trace emissions quickly and improve the client experience.
Control your environment, and you control the fumes.
Do you use a nano-mister or bonder at the end of your sets? Let’s discuss in the comments.