1. Chemistry of Mascara
By: Caylee Cantrell

2. What is mascara?
Definition of Mascara-
“Mascara is a type of cosmetic applied to the eyelashes. It serves to
thicken and define the eyelashes and may also color, lengthen, or curl
them, depending upon the type. It's usually sold as a liquid cosmetic in a
tube and applied with a round brush called a wand. However, cream and
cake versions also exist.”
History of Mascara-
Surprisingly mascara has been around since
ancient times. Even Ancient
Egyptians and Romans have been known to
be the first to ever use mascara. A sanskrit
called the Kama Sutra from the fourth
century contains an eye makeup recipe that
they used in the same way we continue to do
today.

3. Main Ingredients
Iron Oxide
Chromium Oxide
Carbon Black
Beeswax

4. Iron Oxide
Iron oxides may have the chemical formula of FeO (Iron
II Oxide) or Fe2O3 (Iron III Oxide), depending on the
charge of the iron atoms. Balancing these compounds
based on the charge of the atom is something that we
have learned to do in class this year.
Iron Oxide is made through oxidation,
something that we have also studied in
class. The oxidation occurs when the iron
is exposed to the air.

5. Chromium Oxide
Chromium (II) Oxide (CrO) is an inorganic
compound made up of oxygen and chromium. This
compound is made by heating chromium hydroxide
(Cr(OH)3). Chromium oxide is a black powder until it
crystalizes in the rock salt structure and is used in
mascara.

6. Carbon Black and
Beeswax
Carbon Black (CH4) is also a fine black powder
used in mascara. This compound is formed by
incomplete combustions of hydrocarbons.
Carbon black is not only used in mascara but
also things such as printer ink, tires, and many
rubber products.
Beeswax (C15H31CO2C3H61) is a big ingredient
is mascara as well. Beeswax is made up of
alkyl esters and carbohydrates such as
glucose and sucrose.

7. Chemistry
Another way that chemistry ties into mascara is the way
that there are two types of mascara.
Mascaras that are “hydrophilic”, which are soluble in
water, are not water proof. These types of mascara have
weak hydrogen bonds.
The other type of mascara is “hydrophobic” which
means this type of mascara is waterproof. This type has
strong hydrogen bonds and is non polar.

8. Works Cited
Kolberg, Rebecca. "The Chemistry of Cosmetics." World Book Student. World Book Student. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.worldbookonline.com.candycorn.lipscomb.edu/student/media?id=sr396021&st=mascara>.
Menlo's Sun Server. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
• <http://sun.menloschool.org/~dspence/arda/chem_project/web_malladi/cosmetics3.htm>.
Ritter, Gina. "Common Mascara Ingredients." Wise Geek. Ed. Jenn Walker. Conjecture, 26 Jan. 2013. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
• <http://sun.menloschool.org/~dspence/arda/chem_project/web_malladi/cosmetics3.htm>.