Top 5 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Water-Based Lash Adhesive
Posted 03 4月 2025 by Clark Reifsnider, R&D Manager Water-Based & Polymer Technology
Build a Safer, More Trustworthy Beauty Brand
In the competitive lash market, performance and safety go hand in hand. With growing consumer demand for clean, regulatory-compliant beauty products, brand owners must ensure their adhesives meet the highest safety and performance standards.
As a brand owner, choosing the right water-based lash adhesive is critical - not just for product performance, but for compliance and consumer trust. But not all formulas are created equal. Some adhesives contain harsh, irritating, or non-compliant ingredients that can lead to regulatory issues, consumer safety concerns, and potential product recalls.
At H.B. Fuller Beauty, we specialize in regulatory-compliant, high-performance private-label adhesives - helping you develop safe, innovative products that set your brand apart.
Here are five ingredients to avoid when choosing your strip lash or DIY lash extension adhesive.
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
🚫 Why It’s a Risk for Your Brand: Formaldehyde is a known allergen and irritant, and even trace amounts can lead to MoCRA, FDA, and EU compliance issues. Some preservatives, like DMDM Hydantoin, slowly release formaldehyde over time, increasing potential safety risks.
✅ Better Choice: Use formaldehyde-free, water-based adhesives that are toxicologically tested to ensure compliance and no hidden formaldehyde contamination.
Natural Latex
🚫 Why It’s a Risk for Your Brand: While natural latex can provide strong adhesion, it is a common allergen that can cause severe reactions. With latex allergies increasing globally, brands that use natural latex-based adhesives may face market limitations and liability risks.
✅ Better Choice: Choose natural rubber latex-free adhesives that provide strong, flexible bonding without allergy concerns and expand your market appeal.
Harsh Solvents and Alcohols
🚫 Why It’s a Risk for Your Brand: Some water-based adhesives still contain aggressive solvents or drying alcohols, which can weaken lash fibers, cause irritation, and raise regulatory concerns. Solvent-heavy formulas often have difficulty complying with strict EU and U.S. cosmetic safety standards.
✅ Better Choice: Select solvent-free, gentle water-based adhesives designed to provide strong adhesion without compromising lash health.
Phthalates and Harmful Plasticizers
🚫 Why It’s a Risk for Your Brand: Phthalates, such as Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), have been used as plasticizers in adhesives to enhance flexibility. However, certain phthalates are restricted under EU Cosmetics Regulation and MoCRA due to potential health concerns. Their presence in beauty products can raise compliance issues and consumer trust concerns.
✅ Better Choice: Select phthalate-free water-based adhesives that provide strong, flexible bonding while fully complying with MoCRA, FDA, and EU Cosmetics Regulation safety standards.
Heavy Metals and Contaminants
🚫 Why It’s a Risk for Your Brand: Low-quality adhesives may contain trace amounts of lead, arsenic, or mercury, leading to Proposition 65 violations and compliance risks. Heavy metal contamination can damage brand credibility and cause safety concerns.
✅ Better Choice: Ensure your adhesive is rigorously tested for heavy metals and complies with Proposition 65, ISO 10993-5, and international regulatory standards.
Why Your Adhesive Choice Matters
At H.B. Fuller Beauty, we take the guesswork out of adhesive formulation. Our water-based lash adhesives are designed to give your brand a competitive edge with:
Choosing the right adhesive isn’t just about performance - it’s about protecting your brand, ensuring compliance, and delivering safe, high-quality beauty solutions.
Ready to elevate your lash adhesive formula? Let’s create a safer, high-performance product that meets global standards. 📩 Contact us at beauty@hbfuller.com.