The Keratin Lash Lift vs. a Lash Perm | Which Is Better?

And even though the YUMILashes formula claims not to contain formaldehyde, an Allure.com interview with, Randy Schueller, cosmetic chemist and editor of TheBeautyBrains.com warns, "Just because a stylist or hair-care company says a hair-smoothing treatment is formaldehyde-free, doesn't mean it is."

"No hair treatment will technically contain formaldehyde (because — a little more chemistry for you — it's a gas). What they can contain are methylene glycol, formalin, methanal, and methanediol — ingredients that release formaldehyde when heated or mixed with water. Because salon treatments don't require FDA approval, you need to do your own due diligence if you want a formaldehyde-free service. Ask your stylist if the treatment contains formaldehyde (or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients). If they say no, then ask them what exactly will be smoothing your hair. Remember: Keratin (or peptides or silk proteins) is not an acceptable answer. If a treatment is going to defrizz your hair for any length of time, it needs to contain an ingredient that releases the f word or a chemical that permanently breaks the bonds in the hair (see number two). Or it could contain the new smoothing ingredient on the scene."

And as Randy Schueller says, YUMILashes might contain some new "ingredient on the scene." But we don't know because we don't know what ingredients are in the YUMILashes formula.

So are keratin lash lifts safe? I can't tell!  Doctors don't seem to know. They do agree that allergic reactions are a possibility. Here are the answers I found:

Here's what Dr. Jacqueline R. Carrasco, an oculoplastic surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, thinks:

“If you’re using a chemical to paint the lashes, there are definitely risks of allergic reactions,” she says.

And here's what Michael J. Earley, Ph.D., doctor of optometry and associate dean of academic affairs at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, says:

"Although we have not observed specific incidents in which patients have had bad experiences with keratin lash lifts, we advise our patients to use caution when applying unknown formulations in or around the eyes.”

And then there's this 3rd opinion from Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City:

"Similar to the way a keratin treatment can change the configuration of the hair on your head, keratin can be applied to lashes and enhances natural lashes without the use of false lashes or glue. When performed by a trained professional, with proper care to ensure no harm to the eye, the procedure should be safe. The only caution would be a potential allergic reaction, which would be difficult to predict. However, if you generally have sensitive skin or eczema, I would stick to mascara."

YUMILashes includes a lash tint and the FDA hasn't approved that either:

"Don’t dye eyelashes and eyebrows. No color additives are approved by FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows. Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries."