Assuming you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the eyelash extension cleanser you use. But what if I told you that there are actually a few different types of eyelash extension cleansers on the market, and some of them can actually loosen your lash extensions making them fall out prematurely?
That would be a disaster!
Don’t worry, I’m here to help you sort through the different types of eyelash extension cleansers and figure out which one is the best for you and your lash extensions.
Here are my top picks:
Stacy Lash
This oil-free and non-irritating formula makes it one of the best lash extension shampoos on the market. The 1-gallon size is ideal for professional lash artists.
Breylee
A suiting lash extension cleanser that comes at a fraction of the price without compromising quality or performance, Breylee is a Lash Cleanser that gets the job done.
Melao
The Melao lash shampoo is hypoallergenic and safe for people with sensitive eyes. It is specifically designed to offer a deep clean without causing any irritation.
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Why You Can Trust Me
Hi! My name is Asako and I am the owner of Divine Lashes. I opened my first studio back in 2012 and never looked back!
I love everything about lashes and regularly write on my blog which now reaches 1+ million yearly visitors!
Over the years, I purchased several eyelash extension cleansers from different brands. I wanted to write this article to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Let’s get started!
What Are the Best Cleansers for Eyelash Extensions?
Check out the cleansers specially made for eyelash extension wearers below to learn more about my top picks and what sets them apart. I’ve highlighted what are the key points for each product and why I think you’ll enjoy using them.
1. Best Overall: Stacy Lash Shampoo
If you’re looking for an all-around great eyelash extension cleanser, go with Stacy Lash. This product is designed to remove dirt and oil from your lashes without stripping away the lash adhesive.
Stacy Lash is a water-based product, so it’s gentle enough to use on a daily basis. I also like that it comes in a convenient pump bottle.
If you’re planning on cleansing your lashes daily (which you should!) you’ll be happy to know that this product comes in a standard 50 ml size, but you can also go for the value and get the generous gallon instead.
So what makes this product so great for eyelash extensions? All the things it doesn’t have!
It is oil-free, sulfate-free, color-free, paraben free, and fragrance-free.
Lastly, it comes with a handy brush to make lash cleansing even easier.
2. Best Budget: Breylee Lash Cleanser
This eyelash shampoo specifically made for eyelash extensions provides more bang for your buck than any other product on the market.
The Breylee Lash Cleanser is a budget-friendly option that does an excellent job of cleansing your lashes. I was really impressed with how well this product removed makeup and dirt from my lashes without drying them out.
This product is also oil-free, sulfate-free, and fragrance-free. Plus, it comes with a handy brush AND a mascara wand to comb through your lashes and remove any buildup.
3. Best for Sensitive Eyes: Melao Lash Shampoo
If you have sensitive eyes, you’ll want to choose an eyelash extension cleanser that is specifically designed for gentle cleansing.
The Melao Lash Shampoo is a great choice for those with sensitivities to common cosmetic ingredients. This product is hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist tested, so you can be sure it won’t irritate your eyes.
This product is also sulfate-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free. Plus, it comes with a nice brush to make cleansing your lashes a breeze.
4. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested: Lyon Lash Cleanser
If you’re looking for an eyelash extension cleanser that is ophthalmologist tested, the Lyon Lash Eyelid Foam Cleanser is a great option.
This product is designed to gently cleanse your lashes and remove any dirt or makeup buildup. I like that it is oil-free and non-irritating.
It is a little on the premium side when you compare the price of this cleanser vs others but it also comes with a mascara wand and a brush to apply the product on your lash line.
Lastly, it is a fan favorite when looking at the several thousand positive reviews on Amazon.
What Is an Eyelash Extension Cleanser & Why You Need One?
An eyelash extension cleanser is a special type of cleanser that is specifically designed to cleanse your lashes without damaging or loosening your lash extensions.
They generally are a foam type of cleanser that can be applied to a lash brush. The brush is then used to gently brush the lashes and remove any dirt, makeup, or oil build-up.
There are several different cleansers on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is specifically designed for lash extensions. They can generally be categorized as:
- Oil cleansers
- Clay cleansers
- Gel cleansers
- Foam cleansers
- Cream cleansers
So why would you need one?
Well, even though you may be very careful with your lash extensions, they can still get dirty. Dirt and debris can build up on the lash line and if not removed, can cause poor retention of the extensions.
In addition, oil and makeup can also accumulate and create a perfect cocktail for an eyelash mite infestation. No thank you!
To keep your lash line clean, healthy and optimize your lash extension retention, I always advise my clients to cleanse their lashes once per day. The ideal time is before bedtime so you can remove all the dirt, makeup, and debris that has accumulated throughout the day.
How to Choose a Lash Extension Cleanser
There are many factors to consider when choosing a cleanser that will be ideal for your eyelash extensions.
- Ingredients: The ingredients in the lash cleanser are important. You want to make sure it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances that could damage or irritate your skin or eyes.
- Oils: You also want to avoid any cleansers that contain oils. Oils can break down the bond of the lash extension glue and cause your extensions to fall out faster.
- Foam: A foaming cleanser is ideal because you can easily spread it out over your lash line and use a brush to work it in. This will help remove any dirt or debris without being too harsh on your extensions.
- Price: Lash extension cleansers can range in price from around $10-$30. I generally recommend going for a mid-priced option so you don’t have to worry about the quality of the product.
- Size: The size of the bottle is also something to consider. You want to make sure you get a good-sized bottle so you don’t have to replace it too often.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Lash Cleanser?
There are both pros and cons to using a lash cleanser. Let’s take a look at some of them.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They help to keep your lash line clean and free of dirt, makeup, and debris. | They can be pricey. |
| They can help to increase the lifespan of your lash extensions. | You need to know which one to get or you could cause more harm than good. |
| They can help to prevent lash mite infestations. | Ads a step to your daily makeup routine. |
Overall, I find the money and time invested in a good eyelash cleanser well worth it. Not only will it help to keep your lash line clean and healthy, but it can also help to increase the longevity of your lash extensions.
When you consider the amount of money you’ve paid to get those beautiful extensions, it only makes sense to take care of them so you can enjoy them for as long as possible!
Eyelash Extension Cleansers FAQs
Now that we’ve gone over everything you need to know about choosing and using a lash extension cleanser, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about them.
How often should I use a lash extension cleanser?
Cleanse your eyelashes once per day. The best time to do it is before bedtime so you can remove all the makeup before you go to sleep.
Can I use a regular face cleanser with lash extensions?
No, you should not use a regular face cleanser on your lash line. Face cleansers are generally not as gentle as they need to be and can end up damaging your lash extensions.
Do I need to use a lash extension brush?
No, you don’t necessarily need to use a lash extension brush. However, it can help to get a more thorough clean and also help to remove any makeup that may be clinging to your lashes.
Can I use baby shampoo on my lash line?
Yes, you can use baby shampoo on your lash line. Just make sure to rinse it off thoroughly so it doesn’t irritate your eyes.
How long do lash extension cleansers last?
Lash extension cleansers generally last around 3 months. However, it is always best to check the expiration date on the bottle to be sure.
Final Thoughts
A good lash extension cleanser is an important part of any lash extension care routine. Not only will it help to keep your lashes clean and healthy, but it can also help to increase their lifespan.
When choosing a lash extension cleanser, be sure to look for one that is fragrance-free and oil-free. You also want to make sure it is gentle enough to use on a daily basis.
My personal #1 favorite is the Stacy Lash Shampoo. As a lash artist, I like to buy it in bulk (the 1-gallon size) because I always give a free lash bottle cleanser to my first-time clients. I go through it so quickly that it’s just more cost-effective for me to buy it in larger quantities.
Do you use a lash extension cleanser? If so, which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
– Asako
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