What Is Mascara Made Of?

Mascara is a cosmetic that has been used for thousands of years to thicken the lashes. Originally mascara was made from soot or charcoal. Through the years mascara has been made from various materials, but within the U.S., only natural and inorganic pigments are allowed. The FDA no longer allows the use of tar or coal since it is hazardous.

Colors

Many mascaras contain the color carbon black (black pigment). Ultramarine blue provides for blue mascaras, and iron oxide for brown mascaras.

Oils

Oils offer lubrication for the mascara. They may consist of mineral oil, linseed oil, castor oil, or lanolin.

Guanine

Most mascaras contain guanine (found in nucleic acid) to give it shine.

Waxes

Mascaras contain waxes such as beeswax to bind the formula and hold it to the lash better.

Misconceptions

It was once believed that mascara contained bat droppings since guanine is found in the droppings. This is not true.

Types

Most mascaras are either a water-based (anhydrous) product or lotion-based.

Resources

• Mascara Composition
• Mascara and Bat Droppings
• Gaunine