Traditional false lashes tend to be made from PBT (polybutylene terephthalate, which is a non-biodegradable plastic), or mink fur (bred and killed for the product). As you can imagine, neither of these options are cruelty-free or good for the environment. In fact, both of these products contribute to harmful pollution, which has devastating effects on the planet and our health. The good news is that traditional false lashes can be a thing of the past; vegan lashes replicate the luxurious look and ultra-soft feel of mink, without the plastic or mink (and the cruel processes that these necessitate).
Let’s delve deeper into why you should make the switch to vegan lashes.
Mink
Mink fur is the highest-selling fur in the world, with Danish fur farms alone producing about 15.6 million minks a year. To fulfil this demand, more than 50 million minks are bred worldwide every year, mostly for their fur. Housed in small, confined wire cages, and recklessly bred for human beauty products, minks often live short and painful lives.
Cruelty aside, the processes to make mink fur are also harmful to the environment. As well as the large quantities of feed that have a significant environmental footprint, on average, producing 1 kg of mink fur equates to 110 kg of carbon dioxide gases released into the atmosphere.
Faux mink lashes, on the other hand, are made from synthetic and vegan materials that replicate the look and feel of real mink — no cruel or harmful processes in sight.
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)
PBT chemicals are not just toxic, but as a single-use plastic, remain in the environment for long periods of time, are not readily destroyed, and build up or accumulate in body tissue. In short, these non-biodegradable lashes will end up in our oceans, soil and water systems, and eventually be consumed (as microplastics) by aquatic wildlife and humans. That should be enough to put you off for life.
Vegan, zero-waste and/or biodegradable false lashes are the alternative. Offering a wide range of styles (natural to not-so-natural lengths), with the same level of high-quality glam, there is no reason you shouldn’t make the switch to vegan lashes.
Packaging
Lots of beauty products come with a lot of waste: plastic containers, single-use brushes, and unnecessary packaging further contribute to their negative impact on the environment. With vegan false lashes, you can expect to see less plastic and waste, and more reusable, recyclable or recycled boxes.
Serum
It doesn’t stop at the lashes either. Look for a serum that promises longer, thicker lashes, but is vegan, cruelty-free, made from natural ingredients, and free from parabens and other harmful chemicals.
A sustainable serum is better for your eye health, as well as the planet.
Glue
Don’t forget to switch glue, too! Much like the serum, you can swap your current eyelash adhesive to a more sustainable, vegan one, like the DUO Brush-On Adhesive.
This is like the original DUO formula, but comes with a brush applicator tip for easy application, and contains added vitamins to promote lash growth. You can’t go wrong with a formula that is quick-drying, long-lasting and sustainable.
I’ve been using the DUO formula for years for this reason. It’s inexpensive, and you can choose from a wide-range of applicators and finishes.
More and more people are switching to vegan lashes — and for good reason! If it’s not yet clear, vegan lashes are sustainable, healthier, and an all-round better option for the planet and its people. Wave goodbye to toxins and cruel processes, and embrace guilt-free lashes.
Eni Lashes is a luxury vegan false eyelashes and makeup brand with a focus on enhancing eyelashes and empowering people. We sell only cruelty-free and vegan products — because you don't have to be cruel to be kind.