If you spend any time in lash social groups, you already know the latest drama sending lash artists into a spiral: the distilled water debate. All it takes is one post, and suddenly there are hundreds of comments, some insisting you must rinse lashes with distilled water, others claiming it makes lashes crisp and brittle, and a handful arguing that saline is the “safer” choice.
This kind of misinformation spreads fast, facts get lost, opinions get louder, and lash wearers are left wondering what’s actually true. That’s precisely where our education protocol steps in to cut through the noise and provide clarity.
Here’s the truth: distilled water is not the villain.
It’s not dangerous, it’s not stripping the lash line, and it’s definitely not ruining retention.
Distilled water is essential in lash cleansers and cosmetic formulations, especially when you’re mixing Prolong Lash Cleanser Concentrate, because it’s precisely what cosmetic chemists recommend for stability, safety, and purity.
But using distilled water as your rinsing step? That’s an entirely different story!
Let’s talk about why with facts, no drama, just real science explained in a way that makes sense, even if you skipped that chemistry class.
Why Distilled Water Belongs in Lash Shampoo: but Not on Your Lash Line
Distilled water is absolutely the right choice, and that's why Prolong Lash Cleanser, whether you're using the pre-mixed Foaming Pump, the Cleanser Concentrate to mix your own, or our White Label formulations, all use it as a core building block.
Why? Because of these reasons:
- Keeps the formula free from bacteria.
- Creates a stable, long-lasting product.
- Helps maintain pH balance
- Ensures the cleanser stays safe on the shelf for months.
- Meet strict cosmetical, ophthalmology, dermatology, and global compliance standards.
In a bottled formula, purity matters! But what your cleanser needs in the bottle is not the same as what your lashes need when you rinse them.
And that’s where the misunderstanding begins.
Why Rinsing with Distilled Water Causes: Crispy, Crunchy, Clumpy Lashes
It was recently reported on socials that someone had used and tested rinsing with distilled water for two whole weeks, and the results of that report spread through lash groups like wildfire: They reported that:
- Lashes felt hard.
- Extensions became "crispy".
- The lash line felt dry.
- Lashes started clumping.
- Softness and flexibility were gone.
- The Lashes looked damaged.
Here’s why that happens: Distilled water has zero minerals:
Distilled water contains no minerals, which is precisely why cosmetic labs use it. It keeps formulas stable and prevents the mineral buildup that can occur with tap water. Distilled water itself does not dry out lashes, damage the hair shaft, or affect lash extension fibers. The real issue happens when someone tries to clean lashes with distilled water alone.
Extension fibers are made from PBT, which is non-porous on the surface, so they do not absorb water in the way natural hair does. They are designed to resist water absorption but can hold oil, debris, and surfactants on the surface.
Water cannot break down oil, sebum, sunscreen, or makeup, so residue clings to the lash line and traps debris between the natural lash and the extension. That buildup is what causes clumping, stickiness, and poor retention. A balanced cleanser like Prolong Lash solves this because its surfactants and humectants do what water can't. They lift oils, clear residue, and keep the lash line lean without irritation.
That buildup is what causes clumping, stickiness, and poor retention. A balanced cleanser like Prolong Lash solves this because its surfactants and humectants do what water cannot. They lift oils, clear residue, and keep the lash line clean without irritation.
Pure distilled water does not harm the lash line, but it also does not support it on its own. The lash line’s microbiome stays balanced through natural oils, lipids, and thorough cleansing, not minerals in water. Distilled water contains no minerals, buffers, or ingredients that help maintain moisture or pH. So when someone tries to clean lashes with only distilled water, it rinses the surface without removing the things that actually cause problems.
What stays behind:
- oil
- sebum
- makeup residue
- sunscreen
- daily debris
That build-up coats the natural lash and prevents the adhesive from bonding cleanly. It can also make lashes feel:
- tight
- rough
- crunchy
- stiff
This is where the “crispy lash” rumor comes from. The issue is not distilled water. The problem is incomplete cleansing. A balanced cleanser like Prolong Lash adds the surfactants and humectants that distilled water alone lacks. This is what keeps the lash line comfortable, maintains a healthy microbiome, and ultimately helps show clients how to make lash extensions last longer.
So, What Should You Use to Rinse Lashes? Tap Water! YES, Really!
This is the part many lash artists overthink. Tap water is safe for rinsing because its job is simple. It washes away the cleanser, taking the oils, sunscreen, and makeup with it. You are not storing it, bottling it, or turning it into a cosmetic product. You are using it briefly, then it is gone. For this reason, fresh tap water is entirely appropriate.
Here is why tap water works:
- It washes away the cleanser efficiently.
- It lifts oils, sunscreen, and makeup as the cleanser rinses off.
- It leaves no residue when used for a quick flush.
- It carries minimal microbial risk because it is not stored.
- It avoids the salt buildup that saline can leave behind.
So, the “tap water is unsafe for the eyes” debate comes from confusing two completely different situations:
- Using tap water temporarily to rinse off product.
- Using water in a formula, which must be sterile and cosmetic-grade.
- Using sterile water to rinse lashes and assuming “sterile” automatically means “better.”
When rinsing, any trace microbes in tap water are washed away instantly. They do not sit on the lash line, they do not affect the microbiome, and they do not interfere with retention.
This is why cosmetic chemists say it simply:
- Tap water is for rinsing.
- Distilled water is for formulating.
Clear, easy, and effective!
Why Saline Isn’t the Safer Alternative
Some lash artists pivot to saline because “it’s close to tears.”
But you wouldn’t wash your face with tears, and here’s why:
- Tears contain salt.
- Saline leaves residue and deposits.
- It can create dryness and irritation.
- It doesn't effectively remove oils or makeup.
- Salt buildup can disrupt the lash line’s natural moisture and barrier balance.
So saline isn’t safer. It’s simply another myth born from misinformation.
And Here’s the Good News: Prolong Lash Uses a Premium Grade Distilled Water
Now let’s clear up another misconception we've heard floating around discussion groups:
Not all distilled water is created equal.
Prolong Lash pre-mixed foaming pumps and white-label offering use steam-distilled water infused with a signature rose-vapour profile, exclusive to Prolong Lash.
What does this mean?
- Real rose petals.
- Pure steam extraction.
- No synthetic fragrance.
- No irritants.
Incredibly soft aromatic compounds suitable for the sensitive eye area.
Exclusive to Prolong Lash’s Hero Formula
That Prolong Lash rose scent isn’t off-the-shelf distilled water.
The light scent in Prolong Lash is not a synthetic fragrance. It comes from cosmetic-grade, steam-distilled rose water that is safe for sensitive eyes and is included only in the pre-mixed cleanser formula, not as rinse water. This natural hydrosol adds a clean, subtle aroma and provides mild soothing benefits. What some mistake as an “added scent” is simply the natural profile of the botanical ingredients used in our balanced cleanser, not artificial perfume.
If, after reading this, you still feel uneasy about (RINSING) with tap water, follow what so many lash professionals already recommend: add a Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) spray to your daily cleansing and post-lashing routine. HOCl is widely recognised in medical and clinical settings for its ability to neutralise bacteria, reduce inflammation, calm irritation, and maintain eyelid hygiene, with substantial evidence supporting its role in protecting the ocular surface and reducing common triggers of irritation.
Not sure where to start looking HOCI?
Try Dr. Janice Luk, Optometrist and founder of Eyethos Beauty www.eyethosbeauty.com. She is one of the lash industry's strongest medical advocates for safe lash-wearing. While many eye-care professionals still advise clients to avoid eyelash extensions altogether, Dr. Janice understands that lashes are here to stay, and instead focuses on supporting lash health through this evidence-based product.
She champions the use of HOCl spray, which does NOT replace daily cleansing but is an essential part of both daily lash hygiene and post-application care, helping clients maintain clean, balanced, irritation-free eyes without compromising their lash lifestyle.
The Final Word for Lash Artists and Clients
When the distilled water debate comes up in discussions, you now have the simple, evidence-based truth you can confidently share. These are the key points:
- Distilled water is standard in lash cleansers and cosmetic formulas.
- Tap water is the correct choice for rinsing lashes during and after correct cleansing.
- Distilled water and saline are not ideal daily rinses, because neither removes oils or debris.
- HOCI spray is a safe, optional finishing step many lash professionals now choose.
- Prolong Lash uses premium, steam-distilled rose hydrosol to create its subtle scent and added natural benefits, not a synthetic fragrance.
- Twice daily cleansing with Prolong Lash cleanser remains the clinically tested gold standard for lash hygiene and long-term retention.
So, there you have it! Clear, evidence-based guidance without the chemistry jargon. We hope these facts ease any lingering concerns in the lash community about the use of distilled water in a clinically formulated lash cleanser like Prolong Lash.
If you’d like further information on saline solution (aka salt water) then you may find this article from Healthline helpful. In summary, the article suggests the following:
- Occasional salt-water washes can act like a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and helping skin feel smoother, softer, and brighter.
- However, dermatologists quoted warn that frequent salt-water washing can strip the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, flaking, or even worsening of conditions like eczema or acne.
- The article concludes that if you try salt-water rinsing, it should be done sparingly and carefully, not daily, and only on skin that tolerates it, ideally followed by moisturizing.
For more useful myth-busting lash industry tips, check out our education hub here.
