When you get eyelash extensions, the tech has to leave a tiny gap between the lash line and the extensions. If you don’t take the time to clean your eyelids, dead skin, dirt, makeup, and oil get trapped in the gap. That’s gross to think about, but the consequences are worse. The buildup can lead to an eye inflammation like blepharitis which swells the eyelids and feels quite nasty.
On the bright side, if you use one of the best eyelash extension cleansers, it only takes a few seconds to clean your eyes. You’ve already experienced how it works because the lash technician cleansed your eyelids with eyelash extension shampoo before working on you. Now, it’s up to you to wash them every day.
Why use eyelash extension cleanser instead of micellar water or baby shampoo?
So, do you need a professional eyelash extension cleanser or can you use something like micellar water or baby shampoo? That’s a good question and here’s the answer. If you’re in a pinch because you don’t have any extension cleanser on hand, don’t skip cleaning your eyes. Using micellar water is better than nothing even though it may not be as effective at getting rid of the bacteria that gets trapped along the lash line. However, baby shampoo (even though it’s tear-free) may dry out your eyelids and dissolve the lash glue. We wouldn’t recommend it.
The best choice is to select an oil-free eyelash extension cleanser that’s been tested for sensitive eyes. It’s straightforward to use. If you get an eyelash extension cleanser kit, it may come with a lash foam brush to make sure you remove all the leftover makeup and dirt.
How do you use an eyelash extension cleanser?
Make it part of your daily routine at bedtime.
After using makeup remover to take off mascara, wet your eyelashes with water. Apply a small amount of cleanser to a soft cleansing brush. Gently lather the cleanser through the lashes down to the eyelid – this should take about 5 seconds. Rinse, pat dry, and use a clean mascara wand if you want to shape and groom the lashes.
Choose one of the best eyelash extension shampoos below and take good care of those gorgeous eyes and lashes.
| The best eyelash extension cleansers | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| Eyelash Extension Shampoo Stacy Lash + Brush |
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| Chrissanthie Eyelid Cleanser with Tea Tree & Citrus Extracts |
|
| Prolong Lash Eyelash Extension Shampoo & Brush |
|
| MELAO Eyelash Extension Cleanser Eyelid Foaming Cleanser |
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| Lashfresh Foaming Clean Wash for Eyelash Extensions |
|
| GLADGIRL WASH AND WINK EYELASH SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER |
|
| Falscara DIY Eyelash Extension Remover |
|
Best Eyelash Extension Cleansers in 2024
Eyelash Extension Shampoo Stacy Lash + Brush
Stacy Lash is one of the top eyelash extension brands, so it’s not surprising that they make our favorite lash shampoo. Not only is it safe for sensitive eyes, but it’s also gentle on eyelash extensions and adhesive.
The formula won’t make your eyes sting or dry out your eyelids. It’s oil-free, too. (Not only that, the mild cleanser doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, gluten, phthalates, fragrances, or artificial color, plus it’s vegan and cruelty-free).
Reviewers say this lash cleanser is excellent even for volume lashes because it prevents the fans from sticking together and doesn’t cause the lashes to fall out.
This particular shampoo is designed for home use and comes in a ready-to-use kit with a brush. Give it a try – if you don’t love it, it also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Home use kit with shampoo and brush from a professional lash extension brand
- Gentle and effective for cleaning all types of eyelash extensions
- Doesn’t sting eyes, dry the skin, or make lashes fall out
- No parabens, oil, phthalates, fragrance, artificial color, gluten, or sulfates
- Comes with a money-back guarantee
Cons:
- None – it’s not even expensive when you realize how little you need to use each day
Chrissanthie Eyelid Cleanser with Tea Tree & Citrus Extracts
If you have inflamed eyelids that are itchy, crusty, dry, or swollen, this cleanser might just save the day. It was designed by an ophthalmologist as a double-duty face wash and eye makeup remover. However, it’s safe for eyelash extensions because it doesn’t harm the adhesive.
How does it work? Tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial that kills the tiny mites that sometimes cause eyelid inflammation. And don’t be fooled by the “oil” in the name, this isn’t an oily cleanser and won’t leave a residue. You can even use it to clean makeup brushes.
The brand says that one tube can last for three months. Plus, the formula is safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Although it is not fragrance-free or sulfate-free, it contains no parabens.
Reviewers say that if you get the cleanser in your eyes, it will sting, so it’s best to keep the eyelids shut while washing with it. Just a tiny amount of cleanser is enough for both eyes.
Pros:
- Helps prevent and clear up blepharitis (crusty, swollen, itchy lids)
- Designed by an ophthalmologist to remove eye makeup, wash the face, and cleanse extensions
- Naturally antimicrobial
- Multipurpose cleanser also cleans makeup brushes
Cons:
- Will sting the eyes, so please don’t open them until you’ve rinsed completely
Prolong Lash Eyelash Extension Shampoo & Brush
This eyelash extension cleanser comes from Australia. It was created by the founder of a professional lash studio for clients to use at home. The kit includes a pump bottle with shampoo and a lash brush. It has a pleasant fragrance and doesn’t sting the eyes.
We love how this foaming cleanser also removes mascara and eye makeup which cuts down effort at the end of the day. It’s a generously-sized bottle, double the size of many other brands. Moreover, this is a cruelty-free, vegan product with no oil, parabens, sulfates, ethanol, glycerin, silicone, or petroleum.
There are two catches, however. First, don’t use this cleanser for twenty-four hours after getting extensions. Second, remember to shake the bottle before using the product.
Pros:
- Pump bottle of lash extension shampoo plus a cleansing brush
- Developed by the founder of a professional lash studio in Australia and designed for home use
- Cruelty-free and vegan with no harmful synthetic ingredients
- Doesn’t sting and has a pleasant fragrance
Cons:
- Can’t be used for twenty-four hours after getting extensions
MELAO Eyelash Extension Cleanser Eyelid Foaming Cleanser
Is this cheap eyelash extension cleanser worth it? When we saw so many positive reviews, we decided to give it a try. After all, it comes with a money-back guarantee and a two-year shelf life.
The first thing we liked is that it comes packaged in a pump-top bottle to keep the cleanser from getting contaminated. The kit includes a soft lash brush to help you shampoo the lashes and remove all the residue.
Next, we checked the ingredients and were happy to see that it’s fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and vegan. On the downside, if you get the foam in your eyes, it stings a little. But all in all, it seems to leave the lashes looking like new.
Pros:
- Vegan lash shampoo with no sulfates or artificial fragrance
- Includes a pump-top bottle and a lash brush
- Has a long shelf life
- Backed by a money-back guarantee
Cons:
- May sting the eyes
Lashfresh Foaming Clean Wash for Eyelash Extensions
Here’s an organic eyelash extension cleanser that’s based on aloe vera gel. It’s free from gluten, parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, and animal ingredients. It’s produced in small batches in an organic facility in California.
The foaming formula is mild enough for sensitive eyes yet strong enough to remove waterproof mascara. Reviewers who tried a variety of lash shampoos found it to be effective and gentle, even extending the time until they needed to get lashes filled again.
The package includes a silicone cleansing brush, which is adequate for the job. One reviewer preferred applying the gel cleanser with a fluffy makeup brush instead.
Pros:
- Vegan, organic eyelash extension cleanser based on aloe vera gel
- Simple formula made in small batches in an organic facility in California
- Mild enough for sensitive eyes
- Can remove waterproof makeup
Cons:
- Not everyone loves the included silicone brush
GLADGIRL WASH AND WINK EYELASH SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER
This oil-free lash cleanser is certified by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and it’s PETA-approved. With hydrolyzed silk protein, it’s ultra-conditioning for extensions and regular eyelashes.
The botanical formula features growth-stimulating ingredients like horsetail as well as anti-inflammatory herbs like goldenseal and lemongrass. It dispenses as a foam that gently washes away debris without causing dryness.
It contains no sulfates or artificial fragrance. On the downside, the package does not come with an eyelash cleansing brush.
Pros:
- Certified by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
- Cruelty-free, botanical formula stimulates growth and conditions the eyelids and lashes
- No artificial fragrance or sulfates
Cons:
- No brush included
Falscara DIY Eyelash Extension Remover
How can you remove the residue from an eyelash extension? Well, it depends on whether you’re trying to remove the adhesive residue after taking off the extensions or if you’re simply washing the extensions and want to clear off makeup and dirt. Up until this moment, we’ve reviewed six lash extension cleansers that are appropriate for maintaining eyelash extensions. Now, let’s discuss how to remove eyelash extensions completely.
If you leave lash extensions long enough, they will fall off on their own. But that’s not the recommended method as there may be leftover adhesive that will collect debris, oil, etc. on your eyelids. It’s much better to use a lash extension remover like this product.
It’s formulated to dissolve the bond and get rid of the adhesive so that the extensions come off painlessly without harming the skin. It won’t harm natural lashes, plus it calms the eyelid with rosewater.
How do remove eyelash extensions? Soak a cotton pad with this extension remover and press it gently to the eye for ten seconds. At that point, you should be able to wipe and peel off the glue. If not, don’t scrub. Make sure the pad is saturated and hold it in place for another ten seconds before wiping.
Pros:
- Professionally formulated for eyelash extension removal
- Dissolves the adhesive in ten seconds so you can wipe away residue
- Calms the skin with rosewater
- Doesn’t harm the natural lashes
Cons:
- Not for cleaning extensions as it will dissolve the bond
Conclusion
You’ve spent the time and money to have gorgeous lashes. Maintain them by investing in an eyelash extension cleanser that prevents inflammation and keeps them looking beautiful. It only takes a few seconds a day.
We hope our reviews helped you find the right eyelash extension shampoo for your needs today. If you love it, feel free to tell us about it in the comments below.
Source:
1. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/tea-tree-oil-demodex-mites Tea Tree Oil for Mites by Rona Z Silkiss MD FACS, published March 5, 2014