What is mascara made out of?

Mascara, a cosmetic product used to darken, lengthen, thicken, or define eyelashes, is typically composed of several key ingredients:

  • Pigments: These provide the color of the mascara. Common pigments include <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/carbon%20black">carbon black</a> (for black mascara), iron oxides (for brown mascaras), and ultramarines (for blue or violet mascaras).

  • Oils, Waxes, and Polymers: These ingredients create the base of the mascara and provide its texture and consistency. <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Waxes">Waxes</a> like beeswax, carnauba wax, and candelilla wax contribute to the mascara's thickness and ability to coat the lashes. Oils, such as mineral oil, lanolin, or castor oil, provide moisture and help the mascara glide on smoothly. <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Polymers">Polymers</a> contribute to the product's film-forming properties, helping it adhere to the lashes and provide lengthening or curling effects.

  • Preservatives: These prevent bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of the mascara. Common preservatives include parabens, phenoxyethanol, and potassium sorbate.

  • Thickeners: Thickeners like cellulose derivatives or gums help to increase the viscosity of the formula, providing volume and body.

  • Film Formers: These are ingredients that create a thin film on the eyelashes, providing hold and helping the mascara last longer.

  • Fibres: Some mascaras contain fibers, such as nylon or rayon, to add length and volume to the lashes.

  • Solvents: Solvents like water or isododecane are used to dissolve and mix the other ingredients, creating a homogenous formula.

  • Conditioning Agents: Some mascaras include ingredients like panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) or peptides to nourish and condition the lashes.