What Is Mascara Made Of? Debunking Bat Poop Myth

Have you ever wondered what’s the secret behind the Magic of Mascara? Or Have you ever tried to find out the answer to What is Mascara Made of? 

From adding length and volume to creating that mesmerizing lash look, mascara is undoubtedly an icon in the world of makeup. And knowing the secret ingredients of mascara production not only allows us to make an informed choice but also empowers us to select the products of our choice.

Along with the growing popularity of mascara, various intriguing myth has surfaced in the world of beauty. For example – Is mascara made out of Bat poop? Wearing Mascara Can Cause Lash damage. Let’s debunk all the tales and folklore that are currently existing on this topic.

In this article, we will discuss the history of mascara production from ancient times to the modern days, with facts and the existing regulations set by the various regulatory bodies of different countries. Moreover, we will discuss all the components that go into our favorite lash game arsenal. And finally, we will uncover all the myths that are associated with the creation of mascara.

So without any further ado, Let’s jump right into embarking on this captivating adventure into the heart of mascara’s mystique!

WHAT IS MASCARA?

Mascara is basically a cosmetic product that is designed explicitly for eyelashes. The primary purpose of mascara is to provide the eyelashes with a thicker, darker and longer appearance making our overall eye makeup more captivating and elegant.

Let’s say your beautiful lashes are barely visible, and that’s precisely where mascara comes to the rescue. With its magical formula, mascara adds volume and length, giving you a fabulous look.

Generally, mascara comes in a tube and with a wand or brush applicator. With the mascara wand, you gently sweep your lashes with the mascara, and that’s it; you have transformed your lashes into a mesmerizing frame for your eyes.

Not only mascara makes lashes look fabulous, but it also draws attention to the eyes. Whether you want a very subtle everyday look or an evening dramatic look, mascara can have your back. It’s a must-have tool that every makeup enthusiast should have.

WHAT IS MASCARA MADE OF?

So, Now you know about this magical makeup product, but have you ever wondered what are the ingredients behind the magic of mascara? Or, in other words, What is mascara made of? 

Trust me, mascara is no ordinary makeup product; instead, it’s carefully crafted with a combination of various ingredients that is what usually do wonders for your lashes.

The ingredients of mascara can be categorized into two segments. Let’s unveil the secret ingredients of both the category – 

PRIMARY MASCARA INGREDIENTS & THEIR FUNCTION

The primary ingredients of mascaras are the building blocks that give them unique properties.

1. PIGMENTS & COLORANTS: Pigments are basically the artist of the mascara world that gives your eyes that colorful, captivating look. Whether you use black, brown, green, or the best mascara color for yourself as per your eye and skin color, know that pigments are basically the ingredient that works behind giving you that color.
2. OILS & WAXES: Oils and waxes are just like your caring friend. Because this ingredient in mascara conditions your lashes and provides your lashes with adequate nourishment so that your lashes remain soft and flexible. These ingredients are required to stop the lashes from becoming brittle and clumpy. 
3. PRESERVATIVES: You can also consider preservatives a caring friend. Since it prevents your mascara from having bacterial growth and helps prolong its shelf life. No one once wants their mascara to be a breeding ground for bacteria, and that’s exactly where preservatives come into play.
4. EMOLLIENTS and MOISTURIZERS: We all want our lashes to be smooth as silk, isn’t it? Emollients & moisturizer is that ingredient in mascara that helps in doing that job. They not only keep the lashes hydrated and supple but also prevent the lashes from drying out or becoming stiff.

SECONDARY MASCARA INGREDIENTS & THEIR FUNCTIONS

Okay, now is the time to talk about the secondary ingredients and what magic they bring into the lashes.

1. FIBERS for LENGTHENING: Fiers are actually tiny hair-like ingredients that cling to the lashes and provide extra length and definition. We all want our lashes to have a longer and fluttery appearance, but without the hassle, isn’t it? So, fibers are usually the ingredients that can help us achieve that. 
2. THICKENERS for VOLUME: Thickeners are responsible for giving your lashes that extra volume you wished for. They plump up the lashes, giving them a thicker and more dramatic appearance which is perfect for a bold statement look.
3. FILM-FORMERS for WATER-RESISTANCE: Ever scared of crying in a tear-jerking movie? Please don’t if your mascara has Film-formers. Because these ingredients in mascara create a protective layer around the lashes, making them more resistant to water and smudging.

Finally, from pigments to film formers, each element has its unique role in crafting the perfect lash-enhancing formula. So, next time when you take your mascara out of your bag, don’t be scared of not using it for harmful ingredients; instead, remember all the incredible ingredients that are giving your lashes that extra oomph & charm.

HISTORY OF MASCARA INGREDIENTS

• ORIGINS & EARLY FORMULATIONS OF MASCARA – 

So, when we talk about the origins of mascara, we have to look back to the ancient times when both men and women used various ingredients to enhance their beauty. In fact, ancient Egyptians went one step ahead. They used ingredients like kohl, crocodile dung, and honey to make their lashes look long and dark. Can we even imagine using these ingredients today?

Fast forward to the beginning of the 20th century, and we can see the birth of modern-day mascara. In 1872, a chemist named Eugène Rimmel introduced the world’s first commercial mascara. His innovation was indeed a breakthrough in replacing the previously used questionable ingredients. Mr. Rimmel’s innovation brought the masses and revolutionized the beauty industry.

• EVOLUTION OF INGREDIENTS OVER TIME –

As more and more mascara has become popular, beauty companies and cosmetics chemists kept on researching for a more refined and enhanced formula. And with that, in the mid-20th century, water-based mascara innovation marked a significant improvement. Allowing the user for a more user-friendly application and removal.

And in the latter 20th century, The industry took another leap forward with the innovation of volumizing and lengthening mascara. The integration of polymers, fibers, and various innovative ingredients allowed its user to achieve even more dramatic lashes and an overall soothing, mesmerizing look.

• BEAUTY INDUSTRY REGULATIONS AND SAFETY STANDARDS – 

With its rapidly expanded popularity, concerns like the possibility of harmful ingredients and anxiety about the product’s safety emerged. And to address these issues, regulatory and safety boards like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC) stepped in to ensure safety standards for cosmetics which includes mascara as well.

Nowadays, Not only our mascaras rather all beauty and makeup products usually undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety standards. In fact, even the manufacturing companies of these products adhere to these standards and maintain the product’s quality throughout the manufacturing process.

The beauty industry has recently seen an ongoing surge in demand for more natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable products, and that’s precisely why even the manufacturing companies are also using organic and plant-based ingredients in the formulations of mascara for a safer and sustainable product.

Today, mascara has evolved a lot from its humble origins of crocodile dung and coal dust to an essential beauty staple enjoyed by people all throughout the world. With the ongoing research, we can certainly expect this magical makeup will surely keep on captivating our hearts while making our lashes look nothing short of mesmerizing.

IS MASCARA MADE OUT OF BAT POOP (MYTH DEBUNKED)

Nowadays, a common belief is that mascara is made out of bat poop. Is that what you think too?

Let’s reveal the truth behind this intriguing myth –

• THE ORIGINS of THE BAT POOP MYTH:

There are no fixed data regarding the origin of this myth; however, like most urban legends, the myth about mascara containing bat poop has its root in gossip and rumors. This myth seems to have taken flight through word of mouth, internet forums, and maybe with a touch of sensationalism.

Some people believe that the myth originated through the idea and usage of GUANO (Bat Droppings) as a fertilizer, which led to this assumption that cosmetics products like mascara also have GUANO as an ingredient.

• THE TRUTH CHECK:

The actual truth is that modern mascaras are not being made out of bat poop; in fact, you won’t even find any ingredients in your favorite mascara tube that are even related or connected to BAT. Nowadays, cosmetics companies undergo rigorous safety tests by regulatory authorities to maintain the standards, and using GUANO or any harmful ingredients is strictly prohibited.

Modern-day mascaras are usually made out of ingredients like pigments, oils, waxes, and various other elements, which we have discussed earlier. These ingredients help our lashes get the desired length and volume without needing any sort of bat-derived materials.

• CREDIBLE SOURCES & EXPERT OPINIONS:

Many industry and beauty experts have also addressed this myth and debunked it entirely as pure fiction. Generally, beauty products are transparent about the ingredients, which are usually listed in the product’s packaging so that the customers can make an informed decision before buying a product.

Regulatory bodies like FDA or EC have strict guidelines on the usage of any harmful ingredients, and in fact, they frequently and strictly monitor the components through various tests to ensure a safe product for the consumer.

So to conclude this myth, our suggestion should be – 

As beauty enthusiast and end consumer of beauty products, It’s us who needs to check the product packaging to be confident about the product’s ingredients and carefully research the brand we support.

SAFETY & REGULATIONS IN MASCARA PRODUCTION

Although we have talked briefly about the regulatory companies in the previous sections, in this section, we will be talking not only about the regulatory bodies but also about how they regulate and set standards. So let’s dig into the world of safety and regulations to make an informed choice.  

• OVERVIEW of COSMETICS REGULATORY BODIES:

When it comes to the safety of cosmetics products, there are various organizations that are relentlessly working to ensure their consumers are protected. They set the guidelines and standards the cosmetics brands are bound to adhere to. 

The below table consists of country-wise few organizations like such.

Other countries also, which are not listed on this table, have regulatory bodies like such who strictly monitor the product’s ingredients, packaging way before the products actually hit the shelves.

COUNTRY	REGULATORY BODY
UNITED STATES	Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
CANADA	Health Canada
EUROPEAN UNION	European Commission
UNITED KINGDOM	Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
AUSTRALIA	Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
JAPAN	Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA)
SOUTH KOREA	Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)
INDIA	Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
BRAZIL	National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA)
CHINA	National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
SAUDI ARABIA	Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)
ARGENTINA	National Administration of Drugs, Food, and Medical Technology (ANMAT)

• SAFETY ASSESSMENTS & TESTING PROCEDURES:

Before a cosmetic product starts its journey to the market, it actually goes through a rigorous testing process. In fact, cosmetics companies invest a significant amount of money into conducting various tests to ensure a safe-to-use product for consumers. Let’s quickly examine the tests our cosmetics product, especially mascara, usually goes through.

1. STABILITY TESTING: This test is usually conducted to understand how our mascara will perform over time in various temperatures and humidity.
2. MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING: These tests are usually conducted to understand whether or not our mascara contains any bacteria or fungi that can pose health threats.
3. SENSITIVITY TESTING: Whether or not the produced mascara can cause allergic reactions on various skin types, these tests can assess that.
4. EYE IRRITATION TESTING: Eye Irritation tests are conducted to understand the susceptibility of the mascara to any eye irritation when our eyes come into contact with the product.
5. PATCH TESTING: Patch tests are usually conducted for specific elements to understand whether or not they can cause skin irritation.

Many reputable brands also use computer models and advanced technology to assess the efficiency and safety of the mascara formulations even before conducting tests on human skin.

So always remember safety is the top priority of not only the regulatory bodies but also the manufacturing organizations. And both sides are relentlessly working together to ensure the cosmetic products we buy match the highest standards for our well-being.

THE FUTURE OF MASCARA INGREDIENTS

In the ever-evolving, developing beauty industry, the advancement of cosmetic products is evident, and when it comes to mascara, the possibilities are exciting. Let’s unveil what’s coming up ahead – 

• ONGOING RESEARCH & INNOVATIONS: 

Researchers and cosmetics experts are on a continuous quest for the best mascara, and they are at the heart of new ideas. They are trying to find fresh, innovative ingredients or technologies that can actually change the way mascara is made.

Scientists are trying to explore ways through which mascara can not only work in changing the appearance of our lashes but also improve the lash’s health. They are looking for ingredients that can nourish the follicles work in the lash growth, and prevent our lash from breaking. Along with it, they are also working on our mascara’s wearability and formulas that can resist smudging, flaking, or clumping for a flawless look.

• SUSTAINABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES:

Along with the growing environmental consciousness, the beauty industry is also making a commitment to sustainability. This ongoing move towards green is also applied to how mascaras are made.

Not only that, beauty brands and cosmetics companies are also actively seeking sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives of various ingredients; for example – plant-derived oils and waxes, responsibly sourced natural colorants, and biodegradable packaging are a few examples of the eco-friendly choices that are actually being explored.

• EMERGING TRENDS IN MASCARA FORMULATIONS:

The emerging trends in mascara are exciting and can cater to a wide range of taste preferences.

1. HIGH-TECH FORMULAS: The advancement in science is getting better day by day, especially in making cosmetics. Which is eventually leading to high-tech formulas that can be worn in different ways. With these hi-tech formulas, mascara wearers will be able to customize their look with adjustable lash volume or maybe tailored lash length.
2. MULTI-FUNCTIONAL MASCARA: The upcoming mascaras are not going to be lash-enhancing makeup only but will also combine lash care with makeup consisting of ingredients like vitamins, lash-strengthening agents, etc. 
3. INCLUSIVE SHADES: There are already various mascara colors are available these days from which you can choose the best mascara color for yourself. But keeping the “Beauty is for everyone” idea in mind, a range of new colors are about to be coming.
4. SUSTAINABILITY-DRIVEN PACKAGING: The commitment to sustainability will be seen in the mascara packaging as well. With eco-friendly, biodegradable, and refillable mascara packaging.
5. ENHANCED WATERPROOF TECHNOLOGY: And for those of us who require a better waterproof technology that can withstand the most tearful moments of our life. In future mascaras, better waterproofing technologies are waiting to come.

Finally, we sure can say the future of mascara is all about coming up with new innovative ideas, reaching the expectation of makeup fans, and environmentally friendly products and packaging. As researchers and cosmetic companies are pushing their limits, we can certainly expect to have mascaras in the near future that can not only make us look mesmerizing but also care for the environment we surround.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

COMMON QUERIES RELATED TO MASCARA INGREDIENTS

• ARE THERE ANY VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE MASCARA OPTIONS AVAILABLE?

ANSWER: Yes!! With the continuous surge of natural and organic ingredients in modern mascara, most cosmetics brands produce vegan and cruelty-free mascaras.

These mascaras are free from any animal-derived elements, and the ingredients of cruelty-free mascaras are also not tested on animals.

• CAN MASCARA INGREDIENTS CAUSE ALLERGIC REACTIONS?

ANSWER: The answer would be both yes and no. Since most cosmetics brands use organic and harmless chemicals in the production of their cosmetics products, however, an individual might experience allergic reactions to some ingredients.

If you’re someone who has sensitive skin or histories of allergy. In that case, it is advisable to patch-test cosmetics before use. This is true for mascaras and every cosmetics product you use.

• HOW LONG DOES OPEN and UNOPENED MASCARA LAST?

ANSWER: Generally, Unopened mascara tends to last for about 1 to 2 years. However, when you open the seal, it can last up to 3 to 6 months.

Mascara’s longevity depends on many factors, like exposure to the air, exposure to direct sunlight, the humidity in the storage area, whether or not you’re sharing your mascara with anyone, and many other factors that contribute to its longer or shorter longevity. If you want to know more about how long various types of opened and unopened mascaras last in general and how you can increase the longevity of your beloved mascara, be sure to check our article “How long does Mascara Last.”

DEBUNKING ADDITIONAL MYTHS

• MYTH: WEARING MASCARA CAUSES LASH DAMAGE

DEBUNKED: Not really!! Instead, If you apply your mascara the right way and remove your mascara cautiously. In that case, it won’t cause any lash damage at all. Modern mascaras have various conditioning ingredients that can do more good than harm your lashes.

Always remember mascaras are made of harmless chemicals, and the regulatory bodies monitor the production process strictly. So instead of being scared, use it and flaunt your beautiful lashes.

• MYTH: WATERPROOF MASCARA IS HARMFUL TO LASHES

DEBUNKED: Absolutely WRONG!! 

Waterproof mascaras are water resistant, and thereby the removal process requires caution. The trick here is to never pull or tug; instead, be gentle while removing. So, trust me when I say this, if you know the right way of removing waterproof mascaras, then girl, you’ve got the best mascara arsenal you can imagine.

• MYTH: COLORED MASCARAS ARE LESS SAFE

DEBUNKED: Absolutely a MYTH!!! Colored mascaras are usually made up of the same ingredients as regular mascaras. So, nothing special is done here. 

However, colored mascaras can sometimes ruin your look, which happens when you don’t select the correct color for your eyelashes. Although the color choice depends on personal preferences, still there are a few other factors, for example – eye color, skin tone, your hair color, all play a crucial role in determining the appropriate mascara color for yourself. So, Know What Colored Mascara suits you the best and play with it confidently.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We hope you have liked this fascinating journey of knowing what really goes into your mascara. And be confident about What mascara is made of? Throughout this article, our motivation was not only to bid farewell to this Bat poop myth but also to help you make an informed decision so that you can flaunt those beautiful lashes of yours without any hesitation whatsoever.

Make sure you share this article with your friends and family so that they can also make an informed decision whenever they buy mascara. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get more fascinating updates like this right into your inbox. And, if you have more queries regarding mascara, you can read our other mascara-related blog topics or can directly reach us.

Happy Beautifying!!