Are UV and LED Lash Extensions Safe?

IEC 62471 and UV Lash Safety Explained

How to read an IEC 62471 report, understand the key parts, and make sure that your lash tools are safe for you and your clients.

 

Introduction

While lash extensions have been a booming business since the 1960s, the industry has undergone significant transformations over the years. From innovative UV lash glues to advanced application techniques, this beauty treatment has evolved into the thriving market we know today. One of the most noteworthy advancements in this field is the introduction of LED and UV lashes, which have sparked both excitement and debate among lash artists.

Soo-Jin Yang, the CEO and Founder of illumino, first had the idea for LED lash extensions in 2012 when a client with poor lash retention made her consider what could be done differently (read the origins of LED lashes and Lynk-Gel here!). Skip forward many, many years of testing, trials, and upgrades, and illumino now has the world’s first and safest patented LED lash technology on the market.

But how do you know that LED lash extensions are safe for you and your clients? How does Lynk-Gel compare to other LED or UV lash systems? And why is this information crucial for you and your clients? The answers lie in understanding lab testing and safety reports. By examining accredited test reports, comparing key data, and applying critical thinking (and a bit of common sense), you could save your eyes and your career. Together we will delve into one of the primary safety standards relevant to our industry today: IEC 62471. Throughout this blog, we’ll be examining the safety of UV/LED lights for lash extensions. We’ll be focusing specifically on the Lynk-Gel Device and referring its IEC 62471 report. Please contact us if you would like to see a copy of our IEC 62471 report for yourself!

What is IEC 62471?

IEC 62471 is a standard that focuses on the photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems. According to the IEC website, it is described as follows:

“Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems. Gives guidance for evaluating the photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems including luminaires. Specifically, it specifies the exposure limits, reference measurement technique, and classification scheme for the evaluation and control of photobiological hazards from all electrically powered incoherent broadband sources of optical radiation, including LEDs but excluding lasers, in the wavelength range from 200 nm through 3000 nm. This standard was prepared as Standard CIE S 009:2002 by the International Commission on Illumination.” (source: https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/7076)

Can you say that again, but in English?

Okay, to break it down, IEC 62471 is a test that a laboratory with special equipment conducts to determine if a light source is safe. It focuses on the photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems to ensure they do not pose risks to human health. After testing, the results help provide guidance on how to use the light safely and what warnings and labeling the product should have. Remember, these tests are done at 200mm (20cm or about 8 inches) which is how far you should keep the light away from either your, or your clients’, eyes.

Specifically, IEC 62471 outlines:

• Exposure limits: Safe limits for how much light people can be exposed to.
• Reference measurement techniques: Methods for accurately measuring light levels.
• Classification scheme: A system that categorizes light sources based on their potential hazards.

This standard applies to all electrically powered light sources, including LEDs, (excluding lasers) within the wavelength range from 200 nm to 3000 nm. Understanding IEC 62471 is crucial for lash artists using LED and UV lash glue, as it helps ensure the safety of both the artist and their clients.

All that testing comes together to classify the light into a risk group, which gives you an idea of its safety. You can compare it to other light sources in that risk group to get an idea of how safe it is.

Risk Groups: Understanding the Safety Classifications

What Are Risk Groups and why are they important?

Risk groups are classifications defined by IEC 62471 that categorize light sources based on their potential hazards to human health. These groups help assess how safe a particular light source is and guide lash artists in making informed choices when selecting products for their services. They also determine what kind of warnings and labels are required so you know what kind of risks are involved and what PPE to use to counteract those risks.

Examples of Risk Groups

1. RG0 (Exempt): Light sources in this category are considered safe under all exposure conditions. They do not pose any photobiological hazard, even with prolonged exposure.
• Examples: Many standard indoor lighting sources and some decorative LED lights fall into this group.
2. RG1 (Low Risk): This group includes light sources that pose minimal risk under normal use conditions. They are safe for most situations, although some caution may still be advised.
• Examples: Cell phone screens and LED TVs.
3. RG2 (Moderate Risk): Light sources in this category can pose a risk under certain conditions. Users should avoid staring directly at the light source for prolonged periods or using it in close proximity to the eyes.
• Examples: Flood work lamps and nail gel lamps.
4. RG3 (High Risk): This group includes light sources that present a significant risk. Proper protective measures must be taken to avoid exposure, especially for sensitive individuals.
• Examples: High-intensity UV lamps used in industrial applications and UV-C sterilizers.

How to Use This Information

There are multiple different reasons that a light could be classified into different risk groups. However, the risk group is always classified as the highest risk for any of the reasons. For example, the Lynk-Gel Device is considered Exempt for Actinic UV, Near UV, Retinal thermal weak visual stimulus, Retinal thermal, and IR Eye. However, it is Risk Group 1 (see page 5) because it is RG1 for blue light hazards (like your cell phone). Even though it is exempt for all the other categories, it is still considered RG1 because of the blue light hazard. It is essential to consider the risk group classification when selecting LED and UV curable products. Here are some tips to ensure safety:

• Check the Risk Group: Always look for the risk group classification on the product packaging or test report.
• Use Protective Gear: For RG2 and RG3 products, consider using protective eyewear to shield yourself and use eye gel pads on the closed lids of your clients to keep them safe from potential exposure.
• Educate Your Clients: Share information about the safety of the products you use with your clients to help them feel more comfortable and informed.

By understanding risk groups and choosing products accordingly, lash artists can ensure a safer experience for themselves and their clients. Check out the table below for the PPE recommended for each RG.

How to Read IEC 62471 and Find the Important Information

Looking at one of these reports might make your eyes glaze over but knowing where to look can help you understand which LED or UV lights for curable products are safest to use. Don’t worry—by focusing on the most relevant sections, you can make informed decisions quickly.

Where to Start: Test item particulars (Page 5)

This section is key! Here, you’ll find whether the light source was tested as pulsed or continuous, which risk group it falls into, and why. You’ll also see the verdicts (Pass, Fail, or Not Applicable) for the tests and details like when the test was conducted. This will give you a quick snapshot of what the findings of the test are, but you can move through the test for additional details of how they got those results. On Page 6 in our test, you’ll also see how the test was run. The information in this section varies between reports. But on our report it tells us that the light was measured at 200mm (20cm)—the standard distance for this type of test. Fun fact: We also passed a similar test (ANSI RP-27) at just 1.2cm from the eye! So, passing at 20cm was expected.

Skip to Section 4 (Page 7)

Here, you’ll find a bunch of technical wording about exposure limits and measurements, but don’t stress! All you need to check are the verdicts on the side:

• P (Pass)
• F (Fail)
• N/A (Not Applicable)

These will let you know if there are any tests that the light didn’t pass and should pay attention to. If you don’t see any fails, you can just skip to the next area. Most of the technical details presented are summarized in a later table, so for now, you can move ahead to Section 6 (Page 11)—the Lamp Classification.

Focus on Lamp Classification (Page 11)

This is where you’ll find the risk group (RG) classification. You’ll see which hazards (like retinal blue-light) the light source passes for each group, but only in the section it was tested as – either continuous or pulsed. In our example, the Lynk-Gel was tested as continuous and passes for most of the Exempt (RG0) criteria, but not for retinal blue-light hazard, which puts it in RG1 (Low Risk) for that category. The rest of the risk group tests will show as N/A if they’ve already passed in lower risk groups. These findings are also going to be presented in a future table, which we’re going to skip to right now.

Finally, the Important Data: Table 6.1 (Page 16)

Skip forward to Table 6.1 for the results that matter. This is the most important page of results for the test because it puts everything together in one easy to read place. This table shows the limits for each risk group, alongside the actual test results (often shown in scientific notation). You can convert these results using an online calculator if you want them in real numbers, but the key takeaway is where the light source sits in each risk group.

For our example with Lynk-Gel, you’ll see most of the results are in the Exempt group, except for blue light, which is in Low Risk (RG1). There are no results in the Moderate (RG2) or High Risk (RG3) categories. That’s because the Lynk-Gel Device already passed those sections at a lower RG.

How to Verify the Legitimacy of IEC 62471 Reports

Navigating the world of light safety reports can be a bit overwhelming, but knowing how to spot a legitimate IEC 62471 report is essential for keeping your lash services safe. Here’s a handy guide to help you ensure you’re relying on credible information when choosing products.

1. Look for Accredited Labs

First things first, always check if the report comes from an accredited laboratory. These labs meet strict standards and follow specific protocols, meaning their testing methods are reliable. If the report is from a well-known lab, you can feel more confident in the results. You can check IECEE.ORG to see if the lab is accredited. However, reports can still be faked or doctored, so this is only the first step and cannot be used as conclusive proof of whether it’s safe or not.

2. Dig into the Test Details

Legitimate reports should be transparent about how the tests were done:

• Test Methodology: Find out if the tests were conducted under standard conditions, like the distance measured and whether the testing was continuous or pulsed.
• Light Source Specifics: Ensure the report tests the exact light source you’re using. If it’s different, the results might not apply to your product.

3. Examine the Results Closely

While a passing grade is a good sign, don’t stop there! Check the details:

• Risk Group Classification: Look for the risk group classification and what it means for your safety. If a product claims to be safe but is in a higher risk group, approach with caution.
• Verdicts for Each Test: Check out the verdicts (P, F, N/A) for different tests. A clear report should highlight any areas where and why the product didn’t meet safety standards.

4. Use Common Sense for Comparisons

When evaluating a product's claims, trust your instincts. Does what you see match the reported results?

• Compare Similar Products: If a product claims to be safe but when you compare it to other sources it doesn’t match the reported findings, it's time to question its credibility.
• Consult Other Sources: If possible, cross-check with other IEC tests results or ask for customer reviews to get a fuller picture of the product's safety.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently navigate IEC 62471 reports and make informed choices for your lash services. After all, your clients' safety—and your peace of mind—is worth the extra effort!

 

Best Practices for Using IEC 62471 Results

Now that you know how to read and verify IEC 62471 reports, let’s talk about how to use this information to keep your UV lash services safe and effective. Here are some best practices to implement in your daily routine:

1. Use Products as Directed
• Always check the instructions on how to use your products safely. This includes the distance it should be used at, the power setting (if applicable), and any other directions included.
2. Choose Products Wisely
• Always select products with clearly defined risk groups. Favor those in RG0 (Exempt) or RG1 (Low Risk) whenever possible to minimize any potential hazards. Use your common sense when deciding if a product is really in the risk group it claims.
3. Educate Yourself and Your Team
• Share your knowledge about IEC 62471 with your colleagues. Host a lash training session or create an easy reference guide so everyone is on the same page about product safety.
4. Communicate with Clients
• Transparency is key! Let your clients know about the safety measures you’re taking. Explain the risk groups of the products you use, so they feel comfortable and informed.
5. Implement Protective Measures
• For products that fall into RG1 for UV, IR, or Thermal Hazards, RG2 (Moderate Risk), or RG3 (High Risk), ensure that you and your clients use appropriate protective gear (PPE), such as safety glasses or eye gel pads as shields.
6. Stay Updated
• The world of light safety is constantly evolving. Keep an eye out for new studies, updated reports, and emerging technologies. Regularly check your favorite product brands for new IEC 62471 reports to stay informed about the latest safety findings.
7. Review Your Practices Regularly
• Periodically assess the light curable products you use and their corresponding IEC 62471 classifications. If a product no longer meets safety standards, look for safer alternatives.

By following these best practices, you can create a safer environment for your clients and yourself while ensuring that you’re using the best products available. Remember, safety is a continuous journey, and staying informed is key!

 

Conclusion

Navigating the world of LED and UV curable products doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the IEC 62471 standard and how to read the reports, you’re already on the right track to ensuring safety in your LED/UV lash services.

Remember:

• Use your products as directed.
• Always verify the legitimacy of the reports you rely on.
• Choose products wisely based on their risk group classifications.
• Stay educated and keep your clients informed.
• Implement protective measures and regularly review your practices.

By making informed decisions and prioritizing safety, you’ll create a better experience for your clients and a more secure work environment for yourself. Remember to always be an illuminerd – stronger, safer, faster, and (most importantly) smarter.

If you would like a copy of our safety reports, fill out a contact form.

And if you want to make the most out of our certifiably and tested safe method, sign up for a certified training! You’ll get the best price available on our in-depth training (Lynk-Gel Kit included!) for experienced professionals. We go over safety, proper use, tips and tricks, all sorts of additional information and more during your personalized training. Then after you get additional training modules for free, discounted glue prices, a spot on our lash artist directory, early access to sales and discounts, behind the scenes info on what’s going on at illumino, use of our logos and trademarks, and even the ability to be a Lynk-Gel Ambassador to get free products! With our online and in-person training options, there’s an option that works for everyone and we can’t wait to help you offer your clients an upgrade to the best LED lashes on the market!

Check out our training options here!