Toxicological Effects of Polyacrylate-Based Eyelash Glue on Tear Cytokine Levels: A Quasi-Experimental Study

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Published: Sep 17, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.60787/nijophasr-v14-i3-625
Keywords:
cosmetic safety, eyelash extensions, ocular immunology, polyacrylate adhesive, tear cytokines

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Ayodeji Ige
a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:45:"DEPARTMENT OF OPTOMETRY, UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN";}
Oluwasola Ojo
Chukwuma Ezeaku

Abstract

Background: Polyacrylate-based eyelash glue, widely used for aesthetic eyelash extensions, may pose ocular health risks by altering tear cytokine levels. This study aimed to evaluate its toxicological effects on tear cytokines in young Nigerian women. 


Methods: A quasi-experimental study involved 10 healthy females (aged 18–24 years) with no prior glue exposure. Tear samples, collected at baseline and after one month of daily polyacrylate-based glue application, were analysed for IL-1?, IL-6, and IL-10 levels using ELISA. Paired t-tests and ANOVA assessed changes (p < 0.05). 


Results: IL-6 levels significantly decreased from 35.45 ± 21.31 pg/ml to 8.21 ± 4.31 pg/ml (p = 0.0028; ANOVA p = 0.000914). IL-1? (338.64 ± 174.69 to 230.02 ± 109.49 pg/ml, p = 0.1163) and IL-10 (44.13 ± 27.52 to 40.01 ± 12.31 pg/ml, p = 0.6736) showed non-significant reductions. Conclusion: Polyacrylate-based eyelash glue selectively suppresses tear IL-6, potentially increasing ocular infection risk, necessitating safer adhesives and stricter cosmetic regulations in Nigeria.


Keywords: cosmetic safety, eyelash extensions, ocular immunology, polyacrylate adhesive, tear cytokines

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How to Cite
Ige, A., Ojo, O., & Ezeaku, C. (2025). Toxicological Effects of Polyacrylate-Based Eyelash Glue on Tear Cytokine Levels: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Applied Science Research, 14(3), 54–57. https://doi.org/10.60787/nijophasr-v14-i3-625
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Vol. 14 No. 3 (2025): September: Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Applied Science Research (NIJOPHASR)
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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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