What is Mascara Made Out Of?

Mascara is a very popular makeup item that many people use every day. It makes eyelashes look darker, thicker, and longer. But what ingredients are in mascara? Many people don’t know what’s inside it. Some even ask, “Is there bat poop in mascara?” (The answer is: No, there isn’t!)

In this blog, we will discuss the ingredients in mascara, how it is made, and some safety concerns regarding certain types. This guide will answer all your questions about the ingredients in mascara.

A Brief History of Mascara

Before we talk about what mascara is made of, let’s look at its history. People have been using makeup to enhance their eyes for thousands of years.

• Ancient Egypt (4000 BCE): To darken their eyelashes, Egyptians used a mixture of kohl, honey, crocodile dung, and roasted almonds.
•  Ancient Rome and Greece – Women used soot and minerals to enhance their lashes.
• 19th Century – The first modern mascara was created using petroleum jelly and coal dust.
• 1915 – Eugene Rimmel developed the first commercially available mascara, which became widely popular.
• 1957 – Waterproof mascara was introduced, revolutionizing eye makeup.

Now that we understand the origins of mascara, let’s explore what mascara is made of today.

The Basic Ingredients in Mascara

Mascara is made out of water, oil, color, wax, polymers, and preservatives that blend to produce a creamy, smooth texture. This combination makes mascara easier to apply and healthier for your eyelashes, providing fullness. A brief overview of each mascara ingredient is as follows:

1. Waxes (Provide thickness and adhesion)

• Beeswax is a natural wax that helps give mascara its texture, making it easier to apply.  
• Carnauba wax comes from a plant and helps mascara stick to your lashes effectively.  
• Candelilla wax is a vegan substitute for beeswax, allowing those who prefer plant-based products to use mascara.  
• Paraffin wax is a synthetic wax that contributes to the smoothness of mascara, making it glide on effortlessly.

2. Pigments (Provide color)

Different pigments are used to create mascara’s color. Carbon Black is used to create dark black mascara. Iron Oxide helps produce shades of brown and black in cosmetics. Ultramarine Blue adds blue color to products.

3. Oils & Emollients (Help in smooth application and prevent clumping)

Mascara contains oils like castor oil, which is a common ingredient that nourishes eyelashes. It also includes mineral oil, which helps spread the mascara evenly. Additionally, lanolin serves as a natural moisturizer for the lashes.

4. Polymers (Help mascara hold shape and resist smudging)

Mascara fibers are usually made of nylon, which helps to make your lashes look longer. Additionally, silk fibers offer a natural effect, enhancing the appearance of extended lashes.

5. Preservatives (Prevent bacterial growth)

• Parabens – Controversial due to potential health risks.
• Phenoxyethanol – A safer alternative to parabens.

6. Water or Solvents (Control consistency)

Water or solvents are mainly used in regular (non-waterproof) mascaras.

7. Conditioning Agents (Improve lash health)

• Biotin & Panthenol – Strengthen lashes.
• Vitamin E – Protects lashes from damage.

Is There Bat Poop in Mascara?

Many people think that mascara contains bat poop, but that’s not true. The confusion comes from an ingredient called guanine, which is found in some cosmetics. However, guanine doesn’t come from bat droppings; it is actually made from fish scales and is used to give some cosmetics a shiny effect. So, there’s no need to worry about bat poop in your mascara!

The Process of Making Mascara

Have you ever thought about how mascara is made? To create a smooth, safe, and long-lasting product, the ingredients need to be mixed well.

Step 1: Melting and Mixing

First, heat the waxes and oils until they melt. Then, mix them together to make a smooth base for the mascara.

Step 2: Adding Color

To make mascara black, special color ingredients such as black iron oxide or carbon black are mixed in. These pigments give the mascara a deep, rich color.

Step 3: Blending Water and Oil (Emulsification)

Oil and water don’t mix on their own, so we add something called emulsifiers. They help mix the water and oil together, giving the mascara a smooth and creamy feel.

Step 4: Making the Mascara Thicker

A thickening agent, such as a polymer, is mixed in to make the mascara the right thickness. This step helps the mascara stay on the lashes without being too watery.

Step 5: Testing for Quality

The mascara is carefully tested to check:

• Its pH level (to make sure it is safe for the eyes)
• Its thickness (so it applies well)
• It’s color consistency (to ensure it looks the same in every batch)

Step 6: Filling and Packaging

After the mascara is tested and approved, it is put into tubes, sealed up, and made ready for sale. Now, it can be used!

Different Types of Mascara Formulas

There are various mascara formulas available, each designed for different lash needs.

1. Regular Mascara

Regular mascara contains a blend of water and oils, making it easy to apply and remove. However, users should be aware that it may smudge or flake throughout the day.

2. Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara is made of low water content, silicones, and waxes, enhancing water resistance. While removing waterproof mascara can be challenging, it provides long-lasting wear, keeping your look intact throughout the day.

3. Volumizing Mascara

Volumizing mascara is made with thickening agents, such as paraffin wax. These ingredients contribute to the mascara’s ability to create a fuller lash look, enhancing the overall appearance of the eyes.

4. Lengthening Mascara

The lengthening mascara is made of nylon or silk microfibers, which help to add extra length to short lashes.

5. Natural Mascara

Natural mascara contains organic oils and plant waxes for a gentle, nourishing formula. It’s free from synthetic chemicals, making it a safe choice for enhancing beauty.

Are Mascara Ingredients Safe?

Yes, some ingredients in mascara, like biotin, panthenol, and cocoa powder, are safe. However, ingredients such as parabens, carbon black, and thimerosal can be harmful to health.

The table below lists beneficial and harmful ingredients in mascara.

Pro Tips for Choosing a Safe Mascara

You need to find the right mascara for your eyes to be safe. Some of the pro tips for choosing the safe mascara are:

• Look for mascaras that are verified by dermatologists, examined by toxicology experts, and are cruelty-free.
• If you like plant-based foods, choose vegan recipes.
• Avoid mascaras that have PFAs, parabens, or artificial scents.
• You can find safer, plant-based mascaras from brands like Honest Beauty.

Final Thoughts: What Is Mascara Made Out Of?

Now you know mascara is made of waxes, pigments, oils, and preservatives that enhance your eyelashes. However, not all chemicals are the same; some can be harmful, while others benefit your lashes.

Before buying mascara, check the ingredients and choose safer, quality brands. There’s a mascara for everyone, whether you want longer lashes or waterproof options. You’ll be prepared to respond to, “What is mascara made Out of?”

FAQs

Q1. What are the main ingredients in mascara?

Mascara’s main ingredients are pigments for color, waxes for thickness, oils for smooth application and icing, and preservatives to prevent bacterial growth.

Q2. What is natural mascara made of?

Natural mascara is made from plant-based waxes, natural pigments like iron oxides, and oils such as jojoba or sunflower. It enhances lashes without using synthetic chemicals.

Q3. What chemicals are in mascara?

Mascara contains common chemicals like parabens (used for preservatives), synthetic dyes, and sometimes fragrances. These ingredients can irritate sensitive skin.

Q4. What animal is mascara made of?

Almost all mascaras are synthetic, but some may contain animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax or guanine from fish scales, for shimmer.

Q5. Is mascara made out of spider legs?

No, mascara is not made from spider legs. That’s a myth. Mascara does not contain any ingredients from spiders.

Q6. When did they stop using bat poop in mascara?

Bat poop has never been an ingredient in mascara. This misconception arises from the confusion between two terms: “guanine,” which is derived from fish scales and commonly used in many mascaras, and “guano,” which refers to bat droppings. Therefore, there was never a time when bat poop was used in mascara because it has always been a myth.