It's really important that we talk openly about the safety and quality of the products we use in the lash industry. Recently, a comment popped up on a popular lash forum (which has since been taken down) where a supplier dismissed concerns about UK-manufactured lash glues, calling them "BS" and "scaremongering" to sell their own glue. While the chance to have a proper discussion about this was missed by this comment being deleted and the lash artist being blocked, I still think it's worth addressing.
The truth is, this kind of attitude ignores the hard work that responsible suppliers, like us, put into making sure our products aren’t just effective but also safe. When we talk about the importance of quality control in lash adhesives, we're not attacking anyone, we're just standing up for higher standards that protect the health of both our clients and professionals in the lash industry. If our critics had solid facts to prove us wrong, I’m sure they would’ve shown them by now.
What sets good cosmetic-grade lash adhesives apart is the detailed testing and careful formulation they go through. Making a product safe for cosmetic use involves things like distillation to remove impurities and adding stabilisers that meet safety guidelines. These processes aren’t cheap, which is why you see a difference in price when you buy quality adhesives from trusted UK suppliers. But when it comes to the safety of our clients, that cost is worth it.
Sadly, some lash suppliers choose to use cheaper ingredients from outside the UK or EU to save money. This isn't just about lowering costs, it's risky and can put clients’ health on the line. Allergic reactions and sensitivities that we see more often now aren’t just part of the lash extension process, they happen because poor-quality products are making their way into the market, thanks to loose regulations that allow it.
I know that talking about these issues won’t make me popular with every supplier. From what I've seen, some are set in their ways when it comes to how this industry is run. But it’s important to speak up. This isn’t just about business competition, this is about caring for the people who trust us with their health.
Right now, lash glue in the UK sits in a bit of a grey area. It’s treated as a “borderline” product instead of being clearly classified as a cosmetic, meaning it isn’t always held to the highest safety standards. And that’s a big problem. Just because something is labelled as “UK compliant” doesn’t mean it’s been through the proper safety testing, it can sometimes just mean a form was filled out. By the time the client opens the bottle, they might not really know what they’re getting.
What we need is for all lash suppliers to take responsibility seriously. If we all commit to better standards, we can make sure that this industry remains safe and ethical. There’s enough demand for quality out there to support us all, without cutting corners.
So let’s drop the misconceptions and work together for safety, honesty, and respect for our clients’ health. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal: to make the lash industry a better place for everyone. Now’s the time for change. Let's speak up for our clients, before it’s too late.
