What Is Mascara Made Of?
Many women choose to use mascara on a daily basis. If you are one of them, have you ever stopped to think about what mascara is made of? You are putting this cosmetic on your eyelashes and your eyes are very delicate, so you may want to ensure they are safe. Knowing what mascara is made of allows you to feel comfortable enhancing your eyes.
Mascara may be used to lengthen, define or darken the eyelashes. Liquid, cream and cake forms are all available. All are made from oils, pigments, preservatives and waxes. This product appears to have been around since the late 1880s and was first included in a dictionary in 1890. Many changes have been made to this product over the years, but the basic ingredients remain the same.
Oils and Waxes
Oils are used to make mascara. Some mascaras make use of castor, linseed or mineral oils. Others prefer to use eucalyptus oil, oil of turpentine or lanolin. Even sesame oil may be included in the formula you choose. The same is true of waxes. Beeswax, carnauba wax and paraffin are the most commonly seen.
Pigments
When you go to look at the pigmentation used in mascara, you will find that there is less variety. This pigmentation remains in many ways similar to the products used centuries ago by both Victorian women and the Egyptians. Black mascara is made of carbon black, as derivatives of coal and tar have been banned by the FDA. Brown mascara color comes from iron oxides while ultramarine blue may be added to some formulas for a distinct look. Preservatives will be added to all to lengthen shelf life.
Additives
The formula you choose will dictate which other products are added. If you wish to have mascara that is water-resistant, most likely your mascara will contain an ingredient such as dodecane which rebuffs water. If you want to curl or lengthen your eyelashes, rayon or nylon microfibers will be added to the basic ingredients. Those who wish for stiffer eyelashes should purchase a product containing gum tragacanth, ceresin, methyl cellulose or a combination of these ingredients.
When choosing your mascara, look for these basic ingredients. Cosmetics are not strictly regulated by the FDA so you will need to pay close attention to what you are purchasing. Certain ingredients have been banned as they are unsafe, but ultimately your eyes are your responsibility so you need to know what you are purchasing and applying.