Mascara Ingredients

Mascara Ingredients

Mascara ingredients, the active agents in mascaras, are used to thicken, darken, and add shape to eyelashes. To do this, they use a special mixture of mascara ingredients designed to hold eyelash shape and color. Although mascara ingredients have evolved throughout its history, modern mascaras can now be divided into two distinct forms: waterproof and non-waterproof. Here are some of the basic differences, which include the mascara ingredients each uses.

Waterproof Mascara Ingredients

Waterproofs are made from volatile solvents, most often a substance called isododecane, as part of mascara ingredients. It also contains waxes obtained from animal oils, vegetable oils, and minerals, as well as pigments, thickeners, and filmifying polymers. Mascara ingredients are usually free from chemicals known to be water-sensitive, so they are highly resistant to rain, sweat, and tears. Once dried, these mascaras can only be removed with special makeup removers.

Non-waterproof Mascara Ingredients

This type contains all the basic ingredients of mascaras, with the addition of soft surfactants which make it more hypo-allergenic. Usually, mascara ingredients also include different set of waxes used to better mix with the surfactant. Non-waterproof mascaras often go lighter than waterproof ones, so they're best for short occasions like shows and parties. They will easily run with tears, sweat or water, but they are also easier to remove.

Additional Mascara Ingredients

Special mascara ingredients are sometimes added to fill a specific function, such as adding shape or color. Many mascara ingredients now come with a glitter dusting, which adds sparkle to your eyes. This is best for evening affairs where the glitter will stand out the most. This is usually found in mascaras that come in cake or pressed powder form.

Others mascara ingredients are synthetic fibers, such as nylon and rayon. These fibers are purposely left on the lashes upon application, making them appear thicker and darker. "Lengthening" mascaras, as they are also called, often have a thicker consistency because of the light adhesive added to make the fibers stick. Aside from other ingredients of mascaras, the adhesive can also be used to hold eyelash extensions.