Does Eyelash Glue Expire? All About Eyelash Glue Expiration

Does Eyelash Glue Expire?

If you’ve ever reached for a bottle of adhesive and wondered if it’s still good, you’re not alone. Like most beauty products, lash adhesive has a shelf life and eyelash glue expiration isn’t one size fits all.

Here are a few common questions we hear amongst lash artists:

“Does eyelash glue expire?”
“Does unopened eyelash glue expire?”

“How long does eyelash glue last?”

But does eyelash glue expire and when is it time to toss that bottle? In this blog, we’re going to answer all your questions about when does eyelash glue expire, when it’s time to get a new bottle, or whether or not your glue has expired at all. 

How Long Does Eyelash Glue Last?

When stored and handled properly the window can vary depending on the formula, humidity, and how often the bottle is opened and closed. Unopened lash glue, on the other hand, can last up to 6 months when kept in a cool, dry place. To get the best results and maximum retention, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines—and when in doubt, toss it out. Fresh glue = flawless lash sets.

Factors That Affect Lash Glue Longevity

Does unopened eyelash glue expire? Of course, but there are other factors to consider when it comes to eyelash glue expiration.

Manufacturers provide guidelines for eyelash glue expiration, but a lot of other things other than the shelf life of an unopened bottle can determine its lifespan.

Ingredient Composition

When does unopened eyelash glue expire? The answer to this question has a little to do with ingredient composition. The ingredient composition can affect lash glue longevity — in some cases if a different polymer or stabilizer is used, the longevity and shelf life can be affected. Some adhesives, like our Matrix and Flex adhesive have an added ingredient that can keep it stable for longer.

In simpler terms, the ingredients used can determine how long your adhesive will last, but we recommend checking where you purchased your adhesive to better understand its shelf life.

Exposure to Air and Moisture

Checking the expiration date of your glue is important, but does eyelash glue expire before that if stored improperly?

Exposing your eyelash extension glue to air and moisture can cause it to cure inside the bottle, or on the nozzle, which can in turn shorten its shelf life.

Remember, humidity cures your adhesive, causing it to dry faster. Especially in more humid areas, you want to be sure you are closing your bottle as soon after dispensing as possible.

Storage Conditions

How you store your adhesive is just as important as the type of adhesive you buy. Your eyelash glue expiration may be further off if you’re storing it in proper conditions. We recommend storing your adhesive in a cool dark container, out of UV light.

So, When Does Eyelash Glue Expire?

It’s best to check where you purchased your adhesive to find out your eyelash glue expiration. Eyelash glue expiration varies depending on whether your adhesive is opened vs. unopened, and the shelf life length. Standard adhesive can be stored for up to six months unopened and can last 4-6 weeks once opened, but some better quality adhesives can last up to a year unopened and up to 3 months opened.

Shelf-Life of Other Common Lash Supplies

Much like adhesive, other similar eyelash extension supplies have a shelf life, too. Don’t just ask yourself how long does eyelash glue last — make sure you’re asking the same questions about bonder, primer, and other liquids.

Signs Eyelash Adhesive Has Gone Bad

Even the best quality adhesives will go bad over time. Instead of only asking yourself when does eyelash glue expire, it’s important to look for signs that your adhesive is starting to get old. Recognizing the signs of eyelash glue expiration can prevent issues before they start.

If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to replace your glue.

Thicker or Clumpy Consistency

Fresh adhesive should have a smooth texture. Once your glue starts feeling thick, stringy or clumpy, it’s likely getting old. This can make dispensing, dipping, and applying more difficult, which may impact your retention.

Ingredient Separation

On the other hand, if your adhesive seems too thin, opaque or watery even after shaking, the ingredients might have been separated beyond repair.

A standard black lash adhesive has 3 components: stabilizer, cyanoacrylate and carbon black. If your adhesive isn’t thoroughly shaken before dispensing, the components could be dispensed unevenly, causing ingredient separation.

If you are noticing your adhesive being too watery, it may be time for a new bottle.

Weak Bonding Power

If you’re experiencing poor retention, eyelash glue expiration might be the culprit. If your clients are experiencing premature shedding or you’re noticing your fans aren’t holding well, your adhesive might be past its prime. A fresh adhesive should create a strong bond, and if you’re noticing the opposite, you might want a new adhesive. (If your adhesive is new and you’re still experiencing poor retention, check out lash retention tips.)

Longer or Uneven Drying Time

When your lash adhesive is in top condition, it should cure consistently with its specified drying time listed by the supplier. If you notice a longer drying time than usual, it could be a sign of eyelash glue expiration, meaning it's time to replace your adhesive for better performance.

Unpleasant Odor or Discoloration

A slight chemical scent is normal, but if you are noticing a strong, unpleasant odor or change in color, it’s definitely time to get a new bottle.

The adhesive might still stick, but clients can be sensitive due to the higher odor levels, so it’s best not to risk it.

What Happens if You Use Expired Lash Glue?

Using expired lash glue might not seem like a big issue, but it can have significant consequences for your business, your clients and your reputation. That’s why asking yourself “when does eyelash glue expire?” is extremely important.

Let’s talk about what happens if you use expired lash glue, and why it’s important to replace it regularly.

Shortened Wear Time

One of the most common problems that is associated with expired lash glue is poor retention. If your lash sets aren’t lasting as long as usual, it may be time to ask, “does eyelash glue expire and lose its effectiveness?”

Knowing how long does eyelash glue last is key to ensuring the longevity of your lash sets and client satisfaction.

Eye Irritation and Allergic Reactions

More importantly, expired lash glue can pose a risk to your clients’ eyes. Again, expired adhesive can have an increase in odor, which is a direct result of an increase in fumes, which can cause irritation. This can cause redness, itching or discomfort with your clients, and in more severe cases, expired adhesive can trigger an allergic reaction.

If a client does experience irritation, a lash bath with eye safe cleanser, like PLA Pure Cleanser can help with exposure to fumes. Be sure to teach your clients how to do a lash bath at home for any irritation as well. For more severe allergic reactions, you may need to do a lash removal process on your client.

It’s important to monitor your eyelash glue expiration date and shelf life to prevent any health risks, and prioritize your clients’ safety. 

The Risk for Your Reputation as a Lash Artist

Your reputation as a lash artist is everything, and it’s built on providing high quality services and consistent results. Using expired lash glue can lead to visible issues like poor retention, lashes that are stuck together, and irritation, which can harm your reputation.

Clients may not return, and negative reviews could follow.

Tips to Avoid Eyelash Glue Expiration: Storage, Sourcing, and More

Adhesive is a crucial product for every lash artist but like all lash supplies, it has a limited shelf life. Does eyelash glue expire regardless of conditions? Yes, but you can always keep your adhesive in top shape in order to keep it fresher for longer. There are other things you can focus on, such as proper storage, and making sure you are getting your supplies at the right place.

Here are some tips to make your lash glue last longer and perform better.

Proper Storage for Longer Shelf Life

The way you store your adhesive plays a very important role in how long it lasts. To avoid early expiration upon opening, always store your glue in a cool dry place, keep it away from direct sunlight, extreme heat or cold, and humidity, as these factors can make your adhesive go bad faster.

Also be sure that the bottle is tightly closed after each use, to prevent exposure to air and glue caking on the nozzle. There are many eyelash accessories for proper storage of your adhesive, like PLA’s Airtight Adhesive holder.

Best Practices for Using and Handling Lash Glue

When wondering how long does eyelash glue last, and trying to delay eyelash glue expiration, cleanliness is key. Be sure to keep your nozzle clean by wiping it after every use. A dirty nozzle can get caked in dry adhesive, which will shorten the life of your adhesive, and may cause the lid to be glued shut.

If you get your nozzle dirty, you can wipe it using a foil wipe or lint free wipe. If the nozzle is dirty beyond repair, don’t worry, every PLA adhesive comes with an additional nozzle so you can change it out.

Keeping Track of Your Inventory

When delaying eyelash glue expiration, keeping track of the age of your adhesive is vital to ensure you’re always using fresh adhesive. Make it a habit to label each bottle with the date it is purchased, and then the date it is opened. This will help you monitor how long it has been since you purchased your product or since it’s been in use and will make sure you’re rotating your bottle properly.

Source Your Lash Glue Smarter

Not all eyelash glue is created equal. When looking for wholesale eyelash extension suppliers, choose reputable suppliers that provide high quality adhesive. Buying in bulk is cost effective, but make sure you are purchasing from trusted brands that are providing expiration dates, storage recommendations, and usage guidelines.

Trust PLA Pro for Long-Lasting Lash Adhesive!

At PLA, we are proud to prioritize the quality and longevity of our products, including our adhesives. With proper storage and care, some PLA adhesives have a 6 month shelf life unopened, and others have a one year shelf life unopened.

If you’re looking for private label lash suppliers with great quality adhesive, look no further. Trust PLA for a consistent adhesive, so you can focus on delivering beautiful lash sets without worrying about eyelash glue expiration.

Closing Thoughts on Eyelash Glue Expiration

Eyelash glue expiration is more than just the date on a bottle — it’s about ensuring the safety and results for your clients. While some unopened adhesives can last up to a year with proper storage, open bottles require close monitoring for changes in consistency and performance.

Knowing the bottle's expiration date is only half the battle. Paying attention to storage conditions and handling practices can prevent common adhesive issues and help you maintain your adhesive bottle as long as possible.