Lash extensions are a relatively new cosmetic service, emerging within the last 25 years. For much of that time, the industry operated with minimal regulation, leading to wide variation in education, safety standards, and product quality. This lack of oversight made it challenging for even the most dedicated lash professionals to access consistent, reliable training. In addition, many lash adhesives were manufactured outside of the United States, allowing low-quality, industrial-grade cyanoacrylates to enter the market under attractive branding and aggressive marketing.

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*Cyanoacrylates are the primary bonding ingredient in lash extension adhesives. A fast-acting adhesive compound that bonds surfaces together almost instantly when exposed to moisture (traditional adhesives) or light (UV/LED adhesives).

 

The widespread sale of low-quality, industrial-grade cyanoacrylate  adhesives played a significant role in what the lash industry began referring to as an ''allergy'' epidemic.  In addition to cyanoacrylates natural by product formaldehyde, many of these products were improperly formulated for use near the eyes, contained unstable or impure ingredients, (Cyanoacrylates were not the only contributors. Other reactive chemicals—including  TPO, BPO, PMMA,Titanate L12 and additional compounds also played a significant role) and were marketed without adequate safety testing or transparency. As lash services became more popular, repeated exposure to these adhesives—often combined with inconsistent education and improper application techniques—led to increasing cases of irritation, inflammation, and sensitization. Over time, normal inflammatory reactions were frequently misidentified as “allergies,” when in reality they were often the result of chronic exposure to poorly regulated products and unsafe practices. This surge in adverse reactions created the perception of an epidemic, highlighting the urgent need for improved regulation, higher manufacturing standards, and better professional education within the lash industry.

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*Epidemic-refers to a situation in which a disease, condition, or adverse reaction occurs at a rate significantly higher than what is normally expected within a specific population or community.

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Thankfully, the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) was signed into law on December 29, 2022. MoCRA was most certainly a giant leap in the right direction however, it was not written firmly enough to regulate lash chemicals including but not limited to: photo initiators, stabilizers, post service additives/accelerators,  acrylate grades,  nor require regulated education surrounding the use of acrylates. Instead it focuses on Good Manufacturing Practices, product labeling, and facility registrations. 

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In October 2025 Lash Apothecary changed the lash industry forever with Opal Free.​ ​​

Opal FREE is the worlds 1st ISO Approved bio-renewable vegan plant resin based lash adhesive designed to eliminate 99% of Lash Allergies/Irritations! 

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OPAL FREE Does NOT contain:​

Acrylates / Cyanoacrylates

​Latex​

Fumes or VOC(s)​

PMMA

TPO / BPO​

 Cytotoxic Photo-Initators ​

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Benefits of OPAL FREE are the following:

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12-14 week retention ratings

Instant Cure​

Irritation Free​

Releases Water and Oxygen when curing​

30% Lighter in mass once cured​

Manufactured in a USA FDA - approved clean lab​

ISO Approved for bio-compatibility + safety​

As with any ISO approval, additional education was required to ensure uniform use, safety, and product accountability. The privilege of using a cutting edge technology comes with measurable responsibilities not to be taken lightly. All Opal Free Certified Professionals are held to a gold star standard rooted in ocular health and outfitted with optometrist reviewed protocols.  

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