Lash Extension Safe Skincare

2026 update. After 7 years of lash experience, I still firmly stand by by this blog post and send it to clients regularly (Hi client! I'm happy you're reading this!). Over the years, while guiding my new clients to the best lash retention possible, I've seen a lot of "Oops, all my lashes fell off" tracked back to products with glycols, oils, and heavy amounts of phenoxyethanol. This, and the link below, called "troubleshooting your retention" hold the secrets to getting 3+ weeks between fills. All of my clients who follow this advice have a full set of lashes (with outgrown lashes that need to be removed and re-lashed, of course) at their 3 week fill appointment. 

Imagine showing up to your 3 week fill like the picture above. This client washes her lashes daily, and keeps products away from them that weaken retention. This was taken right before we started on her 3+ week fill. Please keep in mind, it's also important that your lash artist is doing their job properly as well. My blog post "What do good lash extensions look like" covers this. Now, on to the information you're here for! 

Skincare products that won't destroy your lash extensions? 

Links to products below. 

But first, education! 

Siren Eye Lash Extensions

Aside from proper application, aftercare is the most important factor in good retention. Quite often, I see my clients doing their absolute best at washing their lash extensions daily and they'll still have problems with retention. 70% of the time it can be traced back to a skincare product (the other 30% is usually environmental factors like saunas, heat, steam, sleeping on their face, extreme whitewater rafting trips, ect.). 

Sometimes we don't take into consideration things like facial cleansers and makeup removers, that can get on lashes even if you don't put it directly on your eyes. Rinsing a cleanser off, it will inevitably get on lashes. Many cleansers contain glycols and oils. Moisturizers and serums will migrate to the eye area, and if they're not lash safe they'll weaken the adhesive. Sweating will move these products around even more. And eye cream, don't get me started. I've seen non-lash safe eye cream remove 75% of a set of lashes in 6 days.

So, how do we avoid this?

By using products that don't contain ingredients that weaken the adhesive, you get your maximum retention. This ends up saving money and time. It honestly also saves time for your lash tech so they can fit more clients in during the day! Everybody wins! 

The ingredients below will weaken your lash extension's bond to the natural lash and cause them to shed faster. These can often be found in high enough concentrations to decrease retention when you see them in the ingredients. However, when they are at the very end of an ingredients list the concentration is usually under .5-2% and not likely to effect retention. Here's what to avoid:

- Propylene glycol

- Butylene glycol

- PEG (polyethylene glycol) 

- Hexylene Glycol

-Paraffin 

-Oils. A few oils are lash extension safe, but should never be applied directly to lash extensions in their pure form, as it's difficult to fully wash off without damaging the extensions themselves. Oils get into the porous structure of the natural lash, and inhibit the ability of the adhesive to permanently bond with the lash at your fill appointments. 

-Phenoxyethanol. This can definitely weaken lash adhesive when concentrated. Seeing it at the end of the ingredients will mean it's being used in low concentrations (.5%) as a preservative and not in any amount to have an effect on retention. Fun fact, it's naturally found in green tea, though most often you'll find a synthetic version in your skincare. 

Switching to lash extension safe skincare products will dramatically increase your time between fills. Most of my new clients believe they're getting good retention with their existing routines, but when we replace their skincare with lash safe products they start getting an extra week between appointments. At that point I hear, "I don't even think I need a fill." However, it's important at 3 weeks to remove the outgrown lashes to balance the weight and replace the extensions to maintain lash health. I had a client who did the math, and found that she was saving over $600 a year by simply switching to lash safe products. 

It can be difficult finding skincare safe for lash extensions that works for your skin type and concerns. Follow the links below for a lash extension safe skincare line formulated to address the signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, impaired barrier function, breakouts/acne, and skin texture. 

Guaranteed lash safe products from Alchemist Clinical Skincare:

Lash Safe Eye Cream

Lash Safe Hydrating Serum

Lash Safe Eye Masks

Lash Safe Moisturizer

Lash Safe Facial Cleanser

Lash Safe Vitamin C Serum 

Lash Safe Eyelash Serum

Lash Wash/Sensitive Foaming Cleanser

A solid aftercare routine can improve your retention and make your lash extensions stay on longer.

Keeping your lashes clean will also help to increase your time between fills. Not only does this keep your eyes healthy, but it also removes your skin's natural oils from the extensions. Just like other oils, this oil also breaks down lash adhesive. Proper aftercare requires gently and thoroughly cleansing lash extensions. Along with proper application on your lash artist's part, this is another essential step to keep your lashes looking fuller longer. If your lash artist hasn't gone over aftercare and how to effectively cleanse lash extensions here's my blog post on the subject. 

Troubleshooting your retention, paying attention to the ingredients in your skincare, and having a regular cleansing routine will guarantee your lashes stay beautiful longer. 

Siren Eye Lashes