Yes, mascara can make your lashes fall out, but that doesn’t mean they will. In a study of 128 mascara lovers, 19% of participants experienced eyelash loss. Researchers have found some intriguing associations between mascara and eyelash loss that suggest there is a link.
They found that participants who experienced eyelash loss had consistently used mascara for years. They also found that these users were likely to experience itchiness in the eye area, which may or may not be related to the mascara.
Other factors had more to do with product and mascara removal method, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.
Why do my eyelashes fall out after using mascara?
If you find that many of your lashes fall out after using mascara, here are some possible causes:
You’re removing it wrong
Mascara creates a coat that is deliberately meant to stay still around the lashes, so removing it can be difficult. Unfortunately, any pressure on the lash line, including rubbing with a cotton ball or fingers, can lead to lash loss. That’s why it’s important to remove your mascara properly, using methods that minimize friction, allowing it to break down on its own.
The study we mentioned earlier found a strong correlation between lash loss and using water to remove mascara, as well as lash loss and waterproof mascara. It’s no surprise – most mascaras are designed to be waterproof, so water is a terrible solvent.
Wearing it for too long
Wearing mascara for extended periods can also cause eyelashes to fall out. If you leave it on for too long it can be very irritating and clog the eyelash follicles or glands. Inflammation from irritation and blockage in the lash line often leads to lash loss and can also affect the overall growth cycle of your lash line.
Rubbing your eyes
If your mascara feels uncomfortable, it may prompt you to rub your eyes and accidentally pull out a few lashes. Rubbing when wearing mascara can be especially damaging, as the fragility of the formula can also lead to breakage.
Drying formula
Although probably not a major factor in lash loss, dry mascara formulas can be stiff. This can increase the risk of lash breakage, as a rigid coating can also be brittle. If you think this might be a problem, look for mascara formulas that are advertised as “flexible.”
Bouquet after mascara
We don’t think using scissors after mascara is a sin, but it’s still a habit that could lead to lash loss. Using an eyelash curler after applying mascara can put undue pressure on the lashes, especially if the mascara has already dried.
If you make sure your mascara is still wet, gently curling your lashes after applying mascara can still be a safe method to achieve a dramatic curve and lift. But if you’re already experiencing eyelash loss, you might want to avoid lash curlers altogether. Another option is to use a heated eyelash curler this will not push the line.
Another way mascara can lead to eyelash loss is by causing an allergy or infection. Allergic reactions can occur if your immune system decides that an ingredient in your mascara is harmful. Infections can occur if your mascara tube is contaminated or expired.
Either can lead to eyelid or eye inflammation, which can affect the healthy functions of your eyelash follicles. That said, there will be other symptoms beyond just eyelash shedding, such as redness, swelling, pain, or itching, that you’ll find more pressing.
To understand why mascaras can affect your lashes so much, it’s helpful to understand how mascaras are madeand which ingredients are associated with eyelash loss.
First, waterproofing ingredients make mascara harder to remove, leading to lash loss during removal attempts. These mascaras are usually made without or with a minimal amount of water. Instead, they consist of waxes, emulsifiers and film-forming polymers. If you’re looking for an easy-to-remove mascara, look for water high on the ingredient list.
Mascara can also contain allergens or irritants that can lead to inflammation and loss of eyelashes. The main allergens to watch out for are: perfumes and certain preservatives or dyes. You will usually see fragrances referred to as “perfume” or “perfume” or as specific essential oils or aromatic compounds.
Tips for maintaining healthy lashes while using mascara
Whether you’re experiencing lash fall from mascara or want to prevent it, here are our top tips for keeping your lash line full and healthy.
Use an oil-based remover
The best thing you can do to preserve your lashes when wearing mascara is to use a strong, dedicated eye makeup remover. These types of makeup removers are designed to break down the ingredients most mascaras are made of, especially compared to water-based facial cleansers.
The best removers are dual-phase removers that contain solvents for a few different types of waxes and polymers. This means they are fast and effective regardless of the mascara formula. Oil-based removers and oil cleansers are also great options, especially for waterproof mascaras.
When you use subtraction, let time do most of the work for you. Hold a pad saturated with the remover on your lashes for about 15 to 30 seconds. This will allow the makeup remover to really seep through the lashes, so when you finally wipe it off, there’s no need to rub or rub back and forth.
Choose a mascara that is easy to remove
If you don’t want to use an oily makeup remover, another great option is to choose a mascara that washes off more easily. Modern tube mascaras are fantastic on this front as, unlike most mascaras, they come off easily with a little water or a traditional facial cleanser.
Tube mascaras have polymer-based technology that creates flexible tubes around the lashes. These tubes are quite resistant to oil and water in everyday life, but they dissolve with warm water and a little gentle scrubbing. The level of friction needed is low, so you won’t have to worry about losing lashes.
Avoid irritating mascara
If allergies and irritations are the reason behind your lash loss, switching to a non-irritating mascara is key. A great place to start is with a hypoallergenic mascara. Brands use the term “hypoallergenic” to indicate that they have avoided common irritants in their formulations.
That said, the term is not set in a specific way and allergic reactions can be very individual. In other words, it’s important to learn to recognize which ingredients your eyes react to so you can avoid them with ease.
Take mascara breaks
Wearing mascara consistently for a long period of time equates to more lash shedding, so it might be right to take a break. On weekends try to give your eyelashes a few days without mascara. If you notice signs of lash loss, consider taking a longer break from your mascara.
Use eyelash serum
Eyelash serums can help nourish eyelashes to prevent breakage. Some formulas also contain peptides or prostaglandin analogs that have been found to increase the lash growth phase, making lashes thicker, longer and thicker. If you feel like you’ve been losing more lashes than usual lately, an eyelash serum can speed up the restoration of your lash line.
Finally, our favorite way to enhance our lashes without mascara is DIY eyelash extensions. Made of fine clusters, they give far more volume and length than mascara ever could, and they stay on for days. They’re lightweight so they put minimal pressure on the lashes, although as with mascara, it’s also essential to remove them properly and avoid tugging.
Conclusion
Mascara can cause your lashes to fall out, especially if you have to go to extreme lengths to remove it. Choosing a formula that is drying or irritating can also contribute to lash shedding.
That said, there are plenty of ways to keep your lashes intact even when you’re rocking mascara—all you need to do is buy a stronger makeup remover or switch to a different mascara. If you’re tired of mascara and ready to try something new, the secret to your dream lashes might be DIY eyelash extensions!