Lash Science

In this episode, Carly and Olivia are diving deep into the history of cyanoacrylate (the main ingredient in lash adhesives) and are asking one big question…

How did this chemistry end up being used in the beauty industry… and on the eyes??!

We’re going all the way back to the origins of cyanoacrylate, from its accidental discovery to its early uses in medical and industrial settings, and tracing how it eventually made its way into lash extension services.

Let’s just say… we put our tin foil hats on for this one!

This episode explores the timeline, the gaps, and the “how did we get here?” moments that most people in the industry have never questioned.

💜 Topics Covered:

If you’ve ever wondered why we use what we use in lash extensions, this episode is for you!

In this special behind-the-scenes episode, Carly and Olivia are joined by Mama Apothecary in New Jersey for a real, unfiltered look at our Opal Free Certification classes!!

We’re pulling back the curtain on what went right, what didn’t, and the hurdles we faced during our first few trainings—because transparency matters, and growth is part of building something better for this industry.

After that, we walk you through exactly what to expect if you sign up for Opal Free Certification. From day one to the final day, we break down the structure, curriculum, and overall experience so you know exactly what you're stepping into.

Whether you're already enrolled or just curious about the training, this episode gives you a full inside look at what makes this certification different.

💜 Topics Covered:

If you're serious about becoming an allergy-conscious lash artist, this is where it starts!

https://www.lashapothecary.com/collections/opal-free-collection/products/in-person-classes

In this episode, we’re doing something a little different.

Instead of diving into a single scientific topic, we’re sitting down for a candid conversation about the things in the lash industry that drive us crazy... from questionable trends and bad habits to the misinformation that keeps circulating online!!

The lash industry is constantly evolving, but not every trend is a good one. This episode is an honest conversation about where we think the industry is getting it wrong — and where it can do better.

In Part 2, we go deeper into the science and real-world application of LED UV lash lamp safety.

We break down the difference between accredited and non-accredited labs, explain what NIST traceability means in the context of testing, and take a closer look at what each IEC 62471 risk group actually represents outside of a technical report.

Why do some lamps require shields, warnings, or black eye pads while others don’t? What would cause a lash lamp to fall into Risk Group 2 and does that automatically make it unsafe?

This episode focuses on understanding hazard vs. real-world exposure, helping lash artists interpret classifications without fear or confusion.

In Part 2, we discuss:

Accredited labs vs. non-accredited testing

NIST-traceable measurements explained

A deeper breakdown of IEC 62471 risk groups

Real-world examples of exposure scenarios

Why some lamps require additional protections

Are Risk Group 2 lamps risky or just misunderstood?

Our goal is to give you the knowledge to evaluate safety claims with confidence and clarity.

https://www.intertek.com/blog/2024/09-17-photobiological-compliance-for-medical-devices/ 

https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/7076 

In Part 1 of this two-episode deep dive, we’re laying the foundation for understanding LED UV lash lamp safety and what real testing actually looks like behind the scenes!

What is IEC 62471, and why does it exist? What are photobiological safety tests measuring, and how do risk groups work? We walk through the basics of how lamps are evaluated, explain the different risk group categories, and share why Lash Apothecary chose to pursue independent third-party testing for the Opal lamp.

This episode is all about building context so lash artists can understand the language used around safety claims and certifications.

In Part 1, we cover:

What IEC 62471 is and what it evaluates

The purpose of photobiological safety testing

A beginner-friendly overview of risk groups

Why third-party testing matters

How safety standards apply to LED UV lash lamps

If you’ve ever wondered what those classifications actually mean, or why some brands talk about testing while others don’t... this is where to start!

https://www.intertek.com/blog/2024/09-17-photobiological-compliance-for-medical-devices/

https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/7076 

In Part 2, we go deeper into what those “formaldehyde fumes” actually mean for your body — and why this conversation is occupational health literacy, not fear marketing.

We cover:

the full list of common symptoms artists and clients experience

how repeated exposure can sensitize the body, leading to stronger reactions over time

does exposure cause allergic contact dermatitis, respiratory sensitization, and irritant responses

and we fact-check a popular Instagram carousel that downplays the risks — line by line

This one is bold, honest, and very spicy!!🌶️🔥

Sources: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK612582/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5225186/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35674514/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22134404/ 

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/hair-smoothing-products-release-formaldehyde-when-heated

Are the “formaldehyde fumes” from lash adhesive actually harmless… or are we closer to the danger zone than the industry wants to admit?

In Part 1, we break down:

the difference between fumes, gases, and vapors (and which one formaldehyde actually is)

how formaldehyde behaves in the lash room (does it linger? dissolve into skin?)

the World Health Organization’s indoor air guideline for formaldehyde exposure

how Lash Apothecary’s traditional adhesives measure up to that guideline

and why comparisons to fruit, vegetables, or what your body naturally produces are not a relevant comparison to breathing formaldehyde gas

This episode sets the science foundation — and yes, it gets spicy!🌶️

Sources: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK612582/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5225186/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35674514/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22134404/ 

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/hair-smoothing-products-release-formaldehyde-when-heated

Lash artists use tape every single day… but how many of us actually know what it’s made of?

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of lash tapes— micropore tape, silicone tape, medical tapes, and yes… the wildly popular foam tape. We break down what these products are truly composed of and why the marketing doesn’t always tell the full story.

We also review a surprising PubMed clinical study on foam tape that challenged a lot of common assumptions in the lash industry. The results were eye-opening and raise important questions about irritation, sensitivity, and long-term client comfort!!

This is one of those “unsexy but essential” topics that can seriously change how you approach your lash services. If you’ve ever wondered why certain tapes cause redness, why some feel more irritating than others, or whether foam tape is really the gentle hero product it’s claimed to be... this episode is for you!

Source: ⁠https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38462426/

In this episode, we explore the question: is there a real connection between cold weather and lash allergies?

We walk through a peer-reviewed PubMed study together (reading and interpreting the abstract in real time) and break down what it reveals about how cold, dry environments impact the skin barrier — especially the delicate eyelid area.

We then connect that science to what lash artists see in the treatment room: seasonal increases in irritation, sensitivities, and allergic-type reactions — and why a compromised eyelid skin barrier can increase a client’s risk of reacting to products they previously tolerated.

If you’re a lash artist who wants to understand the why behind seasonal reactions (and not just how to manage them), this episode will give you a clearer, evidence-based framework for protecting your clients’ skin, eyes, and long-term lash health.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26449379/

In this episode, we reflect on our 2025, share our intentions and goals for 2026, and let the conversation wander into a few unexpected (and spicy) places along the way. It’s a casual check-in on growth, direction, and what’s next for us — both personally and professionally.

If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected] or [email protected].