Natural eyelashes are made primarily of keratin, a tough protein also found in human hair and fingernails. Melanin gives them their color. The visible lash is a hardened hair shaft, while the root and follicle beneath the skin contain living cells that produce each lash.
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A natural eyelash has four main parts:
| Part of the lash | What it is made of | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Lash shaft | Hardened keratin | Forms the visible eyelash |
| Lash cortex | Dense keratin containing melanin | Adds strength and color |
| Root and bulb | Living cells, connective tissue and blood supply | Produces and anchors the lash |
| Follicle | Skin structure surrounding the root | Controls lash growth |
The visible part of an eyelash is mostly made of dead, keratinized cells. The follicle beneath the eyelid remains active and produces new growth.
Why Are Eyelashes Black, Brown or Blonde?
Eyelashes get most of their color from melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes near the lash follicle. More melanin generally produces darker lashes. Lower amounts can produce blonde, brown or reddish shades. Gray or white lashes contain little or no pigment.
What Are False Eyelashes Made Of?
False eyelashes are made from attached fibers rather than naturally grown hair. Common materials include:
- Synthetic fibers, such as polyester
- Human hair
- Mink hair
- Fibers sold as silk or faux mink
Eyelash extensions are commonly made from synthetic fibers, including polyester. An adhesive attaches each extension to a natural lash.
| Material | Typical characteristics |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fiber | Consistent shape, durable and widely available |
| Faux mink | Synthetic fiber designed to look soft and lightweight |
| Mink hair | Natural animal fiber; availability and ethical policies vary |
| Human hair | Natural-looking but less common |
| Silk-style lash | May describe the texture or finish rather than the actual fiber |
The word "silk" does not always mean the product contains natural silk. In many beauty products, it describes the look, softness or finish of a synthetic fiber.
What Is Lash Adhesive Made Of?
Professional eyelash-extension adhesives are generally based on fast-curing cyanoacrylate compounds. They bond the extension to the natural lash rather than directly to the eyelid.
Adhesive vapors and ingredients can irritate the eyes or cause allergic eyelid reactions. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that eyelash extensions can be linked to problems such as allergic blepharitis and eyelid swelling.
Are Eyelashes the Same as Scalp Hair?
Eyelashes and scalp hair are both made mainly of keratin, but they grow from different follicles and follow different growth cycles. Eyelashes also serve a different purpose: they help keep dust, debris and excess airflow away from the eye.
What Is Mascara Made Of?
Mascara is a cosmetic coating, not part of the eyelash itself. A typical formula may contain:
- Pigments for color
- Waxes for thickness and shape
- Film-forming ingredients for hold
- Oils, water or conditioning agents
- Preservatives
The formula depends on whether the mascara is waterproof, tubing, lengthening, volumizing or conditioning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises consumers to follow eye-cosmetic safety guidance and avoid using eye cosmetics when the eye area is infected or inflamed.
What Should You Check on a Lash Product Label?
Check the label for the fiber type, adhesive ingredients and any animal-derived materials. This can help if you have allergies, avoid animal products or have sensitive eyes. The label is also the best way to find out whether "silk" refers to natural silk or a synthetic finish.