What is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde:

Noun:  Simplest aldehyde, chemical formula HCHO. Formaldehyde (37%) in water solution, called formalin, is used as a preservative, an embalming agent, and a disinfectant. Large amounts of formaldehyde are used in the manufacture of various familiar plastics. Bakelite (the first completely synthetic plastic) is the trademark for formaldehyde and phenol polymer, and Formica is the trademark for formaldehyde and urea polymer. The reaction of formaldehyde with proteins (called amino formylation) leads to its use in the tanning industry and for treating various vegetable proteins to render them fibrous.

Formaldehyde is a HUGE problem with the eyelash extension industry. This ingredient is mainly found in most eyelash extensions adhesives, including some sensitive. Formaldehyde is an agent that is used to preserve dead organisms......imagine that on your eyes! That's like using acrylic or acetone on your eyes instead of yours nails! I stumbled upon a blog from a lash tech who was featured on "Good Morning America." She stated,"“formaldehyde based adhesive.” Let’s clarify – A formaldehyde based adhesive is one that was used in the Red Cross trailers that were donated to hurricane Katrina victims, which ended up making them terribly sick. There is a big difference between that and what we use as eyelash technicians for applications. I think we all know that using formaldehyde “based” adhesive for eyelash extensions would be complete taboo; no adhesive we use on people’s eyes should contain formaldehyde as a base. Precisely what I meant when I responded with “adhesives should not contain formaldehyde.” "
We 100% agree. 
She also stated, "cyanoacrylate based adhesive, which CAN omit a barely undetectable amount of formaldehyde into the atmosphere if combined with certain ingredients, or if the adhesive is not properly purified. Personally I believe Sophy Merszei, Founder of Novalash and chemist and molecular biologist, was being straightforward when she explained that adhesives must be properly purified and bottled correctly in order to prevent formaldehyde from forming. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t think she was just trying to sell her adhesive." 

Even though Sophy Merszei had received some criticism, later on, by claiming that adhesives used for eyelash extensions shouldn’t necessarily contain formaldehyde. Is still up for debate. We believe eyelash extension adhesive should be formaldehyde free. 

No Thanks.

Most lash extension adhesives are not medical grade and contain at least a small trace/amount of formaldehyde. From what I've seen in the last 2 years, most local lash boutiques (in Orange County, CA) purchase cheap product, pr product that contains a small amount of Formaldehyde (JB Lashes being on of the vendors) and either re-label, or go through private labeling. When re-labeling, they take off the original label, including the ingredients list. Frustrating, since most techs in orange county don't have a clue of what is in there adhesive. Sad. It's disappointing to have a brand such as JB Lashes, who is so well known and local to the OC, contain such a disgusting ingredient. After speaking to a JB Lash Rep, they had said there is NO formaldehyde in the list, however the product is manufactured in a factory where there is a small trace of formaldehyde.
I decided I would NOT take any chances.

The label is not the original.

If you ask you lash tech which product line they use and they say, "it's our own products", they could be doing private, or re labeling. Ask them about ingredients in the adhesive to verify. If the tech is unsure, or they have purchased from a private label or mystery label, make sure to ask the brand first, before a service.

No Labels. Manufacture in S.K.

 Formaldehyde is a dangerous substance. I believe some clients forget how toxic this ingredient can be, since there are levels of formaldehyde we are surrounded by every day. The toxic substance has been linked to causing cancer and has been the culprit of many irritants and health issues.
Take Brazilian Blowout or Johnson and Johnson "No More Tears" Baby Shampoo. Both phased out or reformulated after high levels of the toxic problem being detected.

Do your body and health a favor, and check for formaldehyde.

Refrences
 http://damage-free.com/real-answers-on-cyanoacrylates-and-the-f-word/
 http://www.novalash.com/
 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formaldehyde
 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/formaldehyde
 http://www.cbsnews.com/news/johnson-johnson-to-phase-out-potentially-harmful-chemicals-by-2015/
 http://www.womensvoices.org/avoid-toxic-chemicals/cosmetics-salons/hair-straightening-products-containing-formaldehyde/
 http://professional.jblashes.com/