What is eyelash conditioner?

We all know what conditioner is. We use it on our hair to make our strands look smooth and healthy, and also to promote growth and prevent breakage. Eyelash conditioner does the same thing, but for the lashes! 

Eyelash conditioner is any mixture of oils, humectants, or moisturizers that you can use on your lashes to condition them and keep them healthy. There are so many different ways to condition your lashes, but some are better than others. 

In this article, we will cover why eyelash conditioners are necessary, how to condition your lashes effectively, and what to look out for when purchasing (or making) an eyelash conditioner. 

Why Condition Your Lashes?

Just as heat tools and hair dye can damage the strands on your head, so too can mascara, make-up, and makeup remover damage and dry out your lashes. According to New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner in Well and Good Magazine, “Our eyelashes help protect our eyes from dirt in the air, and applying and removing makeup can dry out lashes leading to breakage. It can even lead to lashes falling out in extreme cases.”

Conditioners help lashes the same way that they help our hair on our heads. By softening the hairs and smoothing out the hair shaft, our lashes can be protected from day-to-day damage. Seeing as almost everyone is using mascara these days (and even more extreme treatments like falsies and eyelash extensions), all of our lashes could probably use a little bit more support. 

Now, it's important to note that conditioning lashes and promoting lash growth are two different things. Eyelash conditioners are meant to provide an ideal environment for lash growth. Eyelash growth serums usually have peptides and other nutrients that create lash growth. Most products don’t do both, but if you can find a superior lash growth serum that does both, then you are in good shape! 

How to Apply Eyelash Conditioner Effectively

Typically, one should apply their eyelash conditioner before bed, after they have cleansed their faces. It is generally advised to use a gentle cleanser or an oil cleanser. If your makeup cleanser/remover is too harsh, you may be unnecessarily drying out your lashes. 

Make sure your lashes are all the way clean. Try to use an oil-based serum that has oils such as Castor Oil, Vitamin E, or Coconut Oil. These oils will soothe your lashes, while simultaneously breaking down any other make-up still left on your face. Talk about a win-win situation. 

It’s important to note that your eyes are extremely sensitive. When applying anything around your eyes, make sure to read the ingredients list. It’s always good to ensure that your beauty products are paraben-free, to ensure that you are not putting harmful chemicals on your skin. 

Additionally, when applying anything to near or around your eyes, make sure to spot-check and definitely discontinue use if you experience any redness, burning, stinging, or other sensitivities. If you experience any of these things, immediately was the product or oil off of your skin. Protect those beautiful eyes of yours! 

What To Look For in An Eyelash Conditioner

When looking for the perfect eyelash conditioner, there are a few things you will definitely want to watch out for, including oils and ingredients used. Whether you are making your own or purchasing one from a store, here are the criteria that you’ll want to check for. 

Oils

It is important to pay attention to the oils being used. Vitamin E and Coconut Oil are both good oils as a base. You can make your own lash conditioner with these oils, and simply swipe them on before bed. 

These oils are great, but the best oil overall for Eyelash conditioners is Castor Oil. Not only does this oil condition and moisturize the lash, but it has also been a well-documented aid in accelerating lash growth. 

Remember what we said above: Eyelash conditioner and eyelash growth serum are typically two different things. This natural eyelash serum uses Castor Oil and is considered both an eyelash conditioner AND and eyelash growth serum. Sign me up! 

Paraben-Free

Just as we mentioned above, when purchasing ANY product for your eyes or face, it is important to make sure that the serum or oil is paraben-free. 

According to Live Science, “Parabens are synthetic chemicals that are used as preservatives in a variety of products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food.” They are used to make sure that products have a longer shelf life and do not mold. The most common types of parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropyl paraben, and isobutyl paraben. 

According to the non-profit Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) in The Scientific American, “Parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. Parabens mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells.”

You will want to make sure that your eye products are paraben-free and without any other harmful chemicals! 

Growth Serum

The last thing to look for, if you are also trying to achieve length with your lashes, is if your conditioner doubles as a growth serum. Most growth serums on the market are only for growth, while most lash conditioners are just for moisturizing and softening the lashes.

ForLash contains Castor Oil, sugar cane extract, and other specially-derived plant minerals to condition the lash AND support lash growth. ForLash is also 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free. 

To use ForLash, simply swipe across your lash line once a day, after you have cleansed your face (preferably with a gentle cleanser). You should start to see lash growth in as little as 3 weeks, and smoother, healthier lashes in as little as one week.