Do you want to know the truth about the ingredients in your mascara? There’s a persistent rumor that resurfaces every so often that mascara is full of bat poop. You can’t help but wonder whether it’s a rumor or does mascara have bat poop in it?
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Does Mascara Have Bat Poop In It?
Despite what you may have heard, mascara does not contain bat poop. This rumor likely started because some early mascara formulas did contain truly bizarre ingredients like mercury and even crocodile dung.
However, these days mascara is made with relatively mundane materials like petroleum jelly, waxes, and pigments. So while your mascara may not be the most exciting thing in your makeup bag, you can at least rest assured that it doesn’t contain any animal waste.
Why Do People Say There Is Bat Poop In Mascara
Ah, the age-old beauty question: why do people say there is bat poop in mascara? It’s a common claim, but is there any truth to it? Let’s take a closer look.
Mascara is made from a variety of ingredients, including pigments, oils, waxes, and synthetic fibers. The vast majority of these ingredients are safe and non-toxic.
However, one of the main ingredients in mascara used to be carbon black. Carbon black is a fine black powder that is used as a pigment in many cosmetic products. It is also known as “lampblack” or “soot.” And yes, it is derived from the burning of animal fats. In the past, lampblack was often made from the fats of slaughtered bats. However, today most carbon black used in cosmetics is produced synthetically.
Terminology Mix-Up
Just like with people believing that there is whale sperm in lip gloss, this situation may be due to a simple terminology mixup. Bat guano refers to bat feces. You likey won’t find it on the ingredient list of your favorite tube of mascara.
However, guanine is used in cosmetics. It’s used as a colorant. Guanine is commonly used in mascara to make them appear glossy, which we all love. Guanine doesn’t come from bats, or bat feces, though. It is created from fish scales.
What Is Mascara Made Of
Mascara is typically made from a combination of waxes, oils, pigments, and preservatives. The main ingredient is usually beeswax, which helps to thicken and lengthen lashes. Other ingredients like oils and pigments help to give mascara its color and consistency. And finally, preservatives are added to help keep the mascara from going bad. Next time you’re reaching for your mascara, take a moment to think about the complex concoction of ingredients that makes this product so special.
A Few Of Our Favorites
Big Mood Waterproof Mascara by e.l.f. ($8)
This waterproof mascara is perfect for all-day use and is 100% vegan. It plumps and curls your lashes, keeping them lifted to give your eyes a more dramatic look. It’s smudge and flake resistant and easily applicable; give your lashes one brush stroke to give them a bright, bold look.
Highlights
- Waterproof
- Voluminizing
What You’ll Love
- Defining
- Smudge-free
- Paraben free
- Sulfate-free
Splashes & Spills UV Glow Blacklight Eyeliner and Mascara Duo ($22.97)
These colored mascaras come in bright, bold colors such as orange and pink to yellow or green. It’s easy to apply, providing maximum coverage with one brush stroke. These mascaras are perfect for creating fun, colorful looks and moisturize your lashes.
Highlights
- Blacklight
- Wide variety of colors
What You’ll Love
- Pigmented color palette
- Easily applicable
- Bold
- Naturally moisturizing
- Maximum coverage
Unlashed Volume & Curling Mascara by Wander Beauty ($26)
This volumizing mascara is the perfect product for curling and extending the length of your lashes. This product contains essential ingredients such as Vitamin E and licorice root extract; it nourishes your lashes while extending them with every brush swipe. The wand’s tip is dome-shaped, making it perfect for gripping onto the tiniest lashes and curling them upward.
Highlights
- Long-lasting
- Curling
What You’ll Love
- Increases length
- Volumizing
- Nourishing
- Contains Vitamin E
- Cruelty-free
So now that you know a bit more about the ingredients in your mascara and what they do, we hope you’ll take a closer look at the labels of all your cosmetics. You may be surprised at what you find! If you want to learn more about everything beauty related, check out the rest of the blogs. Until then- stay beautiful!
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