As lash professionals, our work takes place directly beside one of the most delicate areas of the human body, the eyes. Clients trust us not just with their lashes, but with their eye safety. Choosing an eyelash extension cleanser must go far beyond marketing language and cover verifiable clinical evidence.
In this blog, I’ll break down what real independent testing looks like, why it matters, and how Prolong Lash™ set the benchmark by choosing the harder but safer path: independent, human-based clinical testing, and reveal the Prolong Lash "Science Behind The Marketing" facts.
Why So Many Lash Products Make Claims They Can’t Prove
Cosmetic regulations in most countries do not require brands to prove their marketing claims before selling their products. That means a cleanser can legally claim to be “safe for eyes” even if it never comes into contact with a human eye in a clinical setting.
Here’s how most lash cleansers enter the market:
- A brand buys a ready-made formula from a cost-effective manufacturer (often overseas).
- The manufacturer verbally assures them it’s “eye safe.”
- The brand prints that claim onto the label.
- No controlled testing is ever performed.
The result? A product that looks professional, same-looking foaming pump, same “sensitive eyes” claims, but with no scientific testing evidence behind the messaging.
Many brands avoid proper testing for two reasons:
- They do not want scrutiny on ingredients that may be harmful, banned, or non-compliant in certain countries.
- Clinical testing forces accountability; if they fail, they must reformulate, remove claims from packaging, or knowingly sell an unsafe product.
For many, it’s easier, faster, and cheaper to skip testing and hope no one asks for proof or evidence of independent testing.
What a Lash Cleanser MUST Be Tested for to Prove it's Safe
When a product sits directly on the lash line, its safety requirements are much higher than those for regular skincare products. A professional lash shampoo or lash cleanser should be able to show results for these tests at a minimum:
- Ophthalmology Testing: Supervised by an ophthalmologist to confirm that the cleanser does not sting, irritate, redden, or harm the eyes. Most lash cleanser brands skip this test entirely.
- Dermatology Testing: Ensures the formula doesn’t cause dryness, itching, or irritation. Essential for clients with sensitive skin or eczema.
HRIPT Allergy Testing: The gold standard for detecting allergic reactions and sensitisation over repeated exposure. - Microbiology; Stability Testing: Determines whether harmful microbes can grow in the formula and ensures the product remains safe and stable throughout its shelf life, especially important for items stored in warm, humid environments like bathrooms.
- Global Compliance: Documentation such as FDA MoCRA registration or EU/UK Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSR) confirms the product has a verified safety file.
If a brand can’t specify which tests were conducted or provide results, the safety claim is unverified, regardless of how confident its branding or marketing is.
Breaking Down the Science: Using Prolong Lash as the Example
Ophthalmology Testing: Proven Safe for Sensitive Eyes
What the test is: For ophthalmology testing, Prolong Lash Cleanser was applied around the lash line and lash base on 30 participants for 14 days. An ophthalmologist supervised the process and monitored for any discomfort, including stinging, burning, watering, redness, or visible changes in the eyes. The group included contact lens wearers and people with sensitive eyes, reflecting a realistic client base.
Result: Zero stinging, burning, watering, redness, or changes to the eye surface.
Why it matters: This verifies proper eye safety, not an assumed claim.
Dermatology Testing: No Irritation Across All Skin Types
What the test is: For dermatology testing, dermatologists repeatedly applied Prolong Lash Cleanser to volunteers' skin, observing for signs of dryness, irritation, or inflammation over a specific duration. This tested the cleanser’s effects on different skin types, including sensitive skin.
Result: No irritation, redness, or dryness, even on sensitive skin.
Why it matters: Eyelids are thin and reactive; irritation can cause long-term sensitivity.
HRIPT: The Gold Standard in Allergy Testing
What the test is: 71 participants wore patches containing the cleanser repeatedly over three weeks, followed by re-exposure to detect delayed allergic responses.
Result: Zero irritation and zero allergic sensitization.
Why it matters: HRIPT results showing no reactions confirm that the cleanser is exceptionally low risk.
Microbiology Testing: Safe From the First Pump to the Last
What the test is: For microbiology testing, each batch of Prolong Lash Cleanser undergoes ISO 17516 microbial analysis. Preservative challenge testing is performed by deliberately introducing specific microbes, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus brasiliensis, to ensure the preservative effectively eliminates them and keeps the product safe throughout its shelf life.
Result: Routine testing shows 100 CFU/g (essentially sterile). All microbes introduced during challenge testing were eliminated within days.
Why it matters: Lash cleansers live in bathrooms. They must genuinely resist contamination.
Ingredient Integrity: Clean, Lash-Safe, and Backed by Testing
Prolong Lash Cleanser formulation facts:
- Over 95% naturally derived ingredients
- Naturally derived surfactants
- No synthetic fragrance (scent from steam-distilled rose water)
- No sulphates, parabens, or phthalates
- Oil-free and extension-safe
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
Why this matters: Many brands use synthetic fragrance to mask chemicals, harsh surfactants, or oils that can irritate the eye or hinder cleansing. Clean, validated ingredients protect lashes, extensions, and eye hygiene.
Where Marketing Language Goes Wrong
Common red flags to watch out for when sourcing cleanser:
- Lab tested: vague and meaningless comment
- Gentle formula: without dermatology testing evidence
- Trusted by Lash Artists, but no safety file listing exists
- Lash-safe: without ophthalmologist testing evidence
- Hypoallergenic: without HRIPT report evidence
Brands are always looking for ways to “stand out,” so many lean into gimmick-style marketing, using cute or catchy names to make their products sound new, fun, or more advanced than they really are. Terms like whipped lash shampoo, bubble lash cleanser, lash bath foam, eyelash cleaning solution, and lash cleansing foam are just buzzwords. They might sound impressive, but without clinical independent testing evidence, that’s all they are: clever and creative marketing, not backed by independent, laboratory-verified results.
So that being said, don’t ever be afraid to ask for clinical proof - you and your clients deserve it!
Why Prolong Lash Chose the Harder Road
Since 2008, Prolong Lash has taken a science-first approach. If it’s not validated, it’s not claimed. Prolong Lash testing includes:
- Full ophthalmology testing
- Full dermatology testing
HRIPT allergy testing - Microbiology + challenge testing
- Global compliance Safe for sensitive eyes
Zero synthetic fragrance
This level of documented evidence is rare, not because it’s optional, but because most brands lack it.
Choosing a cleanser backed by real, independent testing protects your clients, your reputation, and your brand's professionalism. Prolong Lash resellers, distributors, and dedicated users, whether selling or using our pre-mixed branded cleanser or mixing your own foaming pumps, know that you rely on the integrity of the Prolong Lash formula.
For more facts on "How Prolong Lash Cleanser Stops the Growth of Harmful Bacteria," I'm sure you'll find this article informative.
And we wouldn’t have it any other way!
If you’re not using Prolong Lash Cleanser, are you really prioritising lash health?
