Danish environmental agency finds allergens in all tested nail and lash glues

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency has found allergy-inducing acrylates in all 27 clear adhesive products tested for artificial nails and eyelashes, the agency reports.

Several of the products also release formaldehyde gas, with two emitting levels high enough to trigger allergic reactions and chronic sensitivity, according to the agency.

Once sensitized, even small exposures can cause new reactions, said Sandi Muncrief, head of office at the agency, who advised users to follow instructions and discontinue use if irritation, redness, itching, or swelling occurs.

Though often perceived as cosmetics, these adhesives are not classified as such under current regulations, meaning they are not subject to the same labeling and content restrictions. If they were, about a third would require formaldehyde warnings, and one product contained borane trifluoride, a substance banned in cosmetics.

The agency will forward its findings to EU authorities for potential regulatory review.