The mascara It represents one of the most common and appreciated cosmetics, essential to enhance the gaze and give greater intensity to the eyelashes. Unfortunately, even for such a common product, there are dangers, skillfully hidden behind the promise of a volumizing effect: inside the mascara you can conceal potentially harmful substances. The research carried out by a balance on a 12 mascara sample highlighted the presence of controversial chemical compounds, including formaldehyde.
The investigation focused on two fundamental aspects: the volumizing capacity of the products and the safety of the ingredients contained in the formulations. If some mascaras have distinguished themselves for high performance and compositions without harmful substances, others have been judged negatively, both for a limited volumizing effect and due to the presence of formaldehyde releases.
Mascara with traces of formaldehyde
The analysis showed that mascaras Extreme dimension 3D Black Lash by Mac And Perfect Volume Mascara Waterproof of Artecoco They contain preservatives capable of issuing formaldehyde. This chemical compound, although present in reduced quantities, can be irritating for the eyes and cause allergic reactions in the most sensitive subjects.
Historically used in cosmetics for its antimicrobial properties, pure formaldehyde has been prohibited by the European Union. However, some substances capable of granting it gradually continue to be admitted. The new European regulations introduced in 2022 have lowered the concentration threshold for the labeling obligation from 0.05% to 0.001%, imposing manufacturers to adapt by 31 July 2026. This means that, up to that date, mascara containing formaldehyde could be marketed without explicit advertence on the label.
The Mac brand said that its mascara respects current regulations, underlining that the amount of formaldehyde issued falls within the limits required by law. The experts, however, warn that even minimal traces of this substance, especially in products intended for sensitive areas such as eyes, could have negative effects in the long run.
A positive note emerges from the investigation: none of the tested products highlighted the presence of arsenic, bht or naftalene.
Mascara with the best performance
The analysis also included an evaluation of the volumizing capacity. The best test mascara was Better Than Sex by Too Facedwhich increased the volume of the eyelashes by 122% after four applications. This product, in addition to guaranteeing a remarkable aesthetic effect, has also been rewarded for the safety of the formulation, without harmful preservatives.
The Second place was assigned to Mascara I Love Extreme Crazy Volume of Essencewhich recorded an increase in volume of 85%, without containing potentially harmful substances. On the contrary, The mascara of Arteco, Mac and Lavera proved to be less effectivewith volumetric increases between 7% and 30%.
Also the products signed Catrice, Sephora and Nyx have obtained positiv assessmentsAnd, returning to the “good” band of the test.
The test methodology
The balance conducted by 12 black mascaraincluding three waterproof variants, evaluating them both from the point of view of effectiveness and the safety of the ingredients.
To determine the degree of volumetric increase, a photoelectric barrier micrometer was used. Five eyelashes were treated with each mascara and measured in three distinct moments: in the natural state, after two applications and then after four. At the same time, a specialized laboratory examined the chemical composition of the products to identify any harmful substances, including Arsenico, Bht, Naphthalene and Formaldehyde.
Thanks to these insights, the test has made it possible to identify both the safest products and those containing controversial ingredients, offering consumers useful information for a conscious choice.
