Make-up lovers horrified after learning what mascara is actually made of

10 October 2023 , 11:15

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It's typically made up of wax, water, pigment and binders (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/Onoky)

It's a staple in most make-up bags - but people have been left horrified after learning how mascara is actually made. The cosmetic, commonly used to enhance the upper and lower eyelashes, usually comes in three forms - liquid, powder, or cream.

However, it is most commonly bought in a tube as a liquid with an application brush. But, people have been left "grossed out" after learning what ingredients are used to make the popular beauty product.

The Science Channel on YouTube shocked viewers after uploading a video called How It's Made: Mascara, with one viewer saying: "I'm pretty sure most of the fluids in my car are less processed and synthetic." In the video, the narrator explains how mascara used to include products such as coal, animal fat, and petroleum jelly.

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But today, it's typically made up of wax, water, pigment, and binders. While formulations differ between manufacturers, nearly every mascara will consist of an oil-soluble phase and a water-soluble phase. To prepare the oil phase, a technician combines four types of wax - carnauba wax, candelilla wax, beeswax, and glycerol stearate - to help "ingredients blend well".

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Vitamin E is added for a "smooth texture" alongside a chemical compound called Pelemol D-2000 - which makes the mascara water-resistant. Following this, the mixture is heated to melt and blend together. While waiting for the mixture to melt, the technician prepares the water-soluble phase separately, starting off with heating up cold water.

An emulsifier is then added to make it bind to the oil phase, with a cosmetic grade iron oxide pigment in a shade of black being added shortly after to give the mascara its colour. After blending, an organic compound is added to balance the pH level of the eye make-up. Other items are added for texture and then it’s blended with the oil phase.

Once it has undergone quality-control tests by chemists, the product is deemed safe for use and heads out to the stores for make-up lovers to buy and use at their will. Shocked by the process involved, one user said: "This is one hell of a chemical soup!" Another user added: "Making mascara seems like a lonely job." One more user added: "Nothing like that healthy Iron Oxide look all over your skin."

Paige Freshwater