Understanding UV Lash Technology: What the Safety Tests Mean and Why They Matter

The professional lash industry is constantly evolving, from popular lash trends, to even techniques and products. In the last few years, UV lashing has not only been a controversy, it’s been greatly misunderstood.

When PLA’s founder and CEO, Michelle Nguyen, began her deep dive into UV lashing, it wasn’t simply to launch another product. It was to understand the technology from the ground up: how it works, how it benefits lash artists, and most importantly, how it could be improved. At her core, Michelle is a product innovator who believes there is always a better way.

As UV systems have become more widely adopted in our industry, many artists are still asking important questions:

• What safety testing should a UV lash light undergo?

• What do terms like RG1 and RG2 actually mean?

• What is “exempt”?

• How do I know if a UV curing system has been properly evaluated?

Obviously, the cat is out of the bag: PLA has officially launched our Soft Cure UV Lash System. But beyond introducing innovative products, our goal is to help lash artists truly understand UV technology.

We want you to feel confident reading test reports, understanding safety classifications, and comparing different UV systems so you can make informed decisions for your business.

What Is a UV Lash System?

A UV lash system uses a specialized light source and UV-curing adhesive to instantly cure lash adhesive during application. It’s what we love to call “cure on command.”

Unlike traditional lash adhesives that rely heavily on humidity and environmental conditions to cure, UV adhesives cure when exposed to a specific wavelength of light.

The PLA Soft Cure UV Eyelash Extension Light emits light primarily between 400-410 nanometers (nm), with a peak wavelength of approximately 403-405 nm. This wavelength range is specifically designed to activate compatible UV lash adhesives and create a rapid cure in approximately 1 second.

Because UV technology involves light exposure near the ultraviolet spectrum, proper safety testing is essential.

What Is IEC 62471?

IEC 62471 is the internationally recognized standard used to evaluate the photobiological safety of lamps and lighting systems.

In simple terms, this standard measures whether a light source poses potential risks to the eyes or skin.

Testing evaluates several categories including:

• Ultraviolet exposure

• Blue light exposure

• Infrared radiation

• Thermal effects on the eye and retina

The results are then assigned a risk classification known as a "Risk Group."

Understanding Risk Groups: RG0 Through RG3

One of the most misunderstood parts of Lash UV light testing is the Risk Group classification system.

Risk Group0: RG0 – Exempt Risk

This is the lowest classification.

An RG0 light source poses no photobiological hazard under normal conditions of use.

Examples: many household lighting products, like nightlights

Risk Group1: RG1 – Low Risk

RG1 means the light source produces measurable optical energy but remains within internationally recognized safety limits during normal use.

A product classified as RG1 is considered low risk when used as intended.

This does not mean the light produces zero energy, it simply means exposure levels remain well below established safety thresholds.

Examples: ring lights, vanity lights

Risk Group2: RG2 – Moderate Risk

RG2 does not mean a product is unsafe.

It means the light source is bright enough that prolonged direct staring should be avoided.

Many professional lighting products, curing systems, examination lights, ring lights, and industrial lighting systems can fall into this category.

The key distinction is that normal use remains within accepted safety limits, but users should avoid intentionally staring directly into the light source.

Examples: nail lamps, dental lamps, UV lash lamps 

Risk Group3: RG3 – High Risk

RG3 represents high-intensity light sources that can present hazards even during brief exposure.

These products require significant protective measures and are generally not used in professional lash applications.

Examples: welding arcs, surgical lasers

Exempt Light Devices

The phrase “Exempt” refers to a light being Exempt from RG1, RG2, or RG3, falling into the RG0 classification. Exempt lights are those that you can look into without any risk. An example of an Exempt Light would be a nightlight you plug into the wall.

What Tests Were Performed on The PLA Soft Cure UV Eyelash Extension Light?

The PLA Soft Cure UV Eyelash Extension Light underwent multiple independent evaluations to assess both performance and safety.

Test 1: Radiometric Blue Light Testing

This radiometric test was performed by Solar Light Co., Inc. to measure the actual light output and wavelength characteristics of the PLA Soft Cure UV Eyelash Extension Light. Unlike IEC 62471 certification reports, which evaluate overall photobiological risk, this assessment focused on the lamp's spectral output, intensity, and blue-light exposure levels at the recommended working distance of 200 mm (approximately 8 inches). PLA opted for additional testing conducted at 300 mm (approximately 12 inches) to evaluate performance under varying working conditions.

Performed to measure:

• Actual wavelength output

• Light intensity

• Blue light exposure levels

• Overall optical performance

Testing was performed at the manufacturer's recommended working distance of approximately 20 cm (8 inches) from the client's face. PLA’s light has a Phosphor coating to make our light appear to be white. All tests were conducted with the Phosphor on.

Test 1 Results: Radiometric Blue Light Testing

• The following hazard categories qualified as Exempt, meaning they were below the threshold considered hazardous under the IEC 62471 evaluation criteria:

• Actinic Ultraviolet Hazard (ES)

• Near-UV Hazard (EUVA)

• Retinal Thermal Hazard (LR)

• Infrared Radiation Hazard for the Eye (EIR)

• The lamp's peak output occurs between 403-405 nm, confirming operation within the intended wavelength range for UV adhesive curing.

• Testing was performed at the lamp's highest power setting and narrowest focus position to represent a worst-case exposure scenario.

• The lamp achieved a Risk Group 1 (RG1 – Low Risk) classification for Blue Light Hazard at all tested power levels and distances.

Key Takeaway from the Radiometric Blue Light Testing

The testing confirmed that the PLA Soft Cure UV Eyelash Extension Light emits light primarily within the 403-405 nm range and achieved a Risk Group 1 (Low Risk) classification for Blue Light Hazard under all tested operating conditions. In addition, all other evaluated hazard categories qualified as Exempt. In simple terms, the lamp produced the light output necessary for curing UV lash adhesives while remaining within established safety limits for its intended professional use.

For full Radiometric Blue Light Test Results, please refer to our full report.

Test 2: IEC 62471 Photobiological Safety Testing

The PLA Soft Cure UV Eyelash Extension Light was independently tested by both Intertek and SGS laboratories to the IEC 62471 standard, which is the internationally recognized safety standard used to evaluate the potential effects of light exposure on the eyes and skin. This testing measures ultraviolet (UV), blue light, infrared, and thermal emissions to determine how a light source should be classified for safe use. All IEC 62471 testing was conducted on PLA’s light with the Phosphor on.

This testing evaluates:

• Ultraviolet hazards

• Blue light hazards

• Infrared hazards

• Thermal hazards

Test 2 Results: IEC 62471 Photobiological Safety Testing

Intertek & SGS Test Results at 200mm distance:

• Exemptions:

  • • Skin Thermal Hazard (EH): EXEMPT

    • Retinal Thermal Hazard (LR): EXEMPT

    • Retinal Thermal Hazard – Weak Visual Stimulus (LIR): EXEMPT

    • Infrared (IR) Eye Hazard (EIR): EXEMPT

• Maximum Power Setting: Risk Group 2 (Moderate Risk)

• Minimum Power Setting: Risk Group 1 (Low Risk)

Key Takeaway from the IEC 62471 Photobiological Safety Testing

The PLA Soft Cure UV Eyelash Extension Light successfully passed IEC 62471 photobiological safety testing and was classified as either Risk Group 1 (Low Risk) or Risk Group 2 (Moderate Risk) depending on the operating conditions tested. These classifications indicate that the device is suitable for its intended professional use, provided standard precautions are followed, such as avoiding prolonged direct viewing of the light source and following all manufacturer instructions.

For full Radiometric Blue Light Testing, please refer to our full reports:

• SGS Laboratories Test Results

• Intertek Test Results

What Does This Mean for Lash Artists Wanting to Use UV Lash Systems?

Exempt RG1 or RG2 isn’t a classification for “good” or “bad” products, it truly indicates how you should be using the product safely.

The same safety recommendations apply to many professional-grade lighting products used daily across beauty, medical, and dental industries, all with their own safety standards. 

For UV lash systems, proper usage remains essential:

• Keep clients' eyes fully closed throughout the service.

• Position the light approximately 8 inches from the eye area.

• Position the lamp over lashes, never angled toward the open eye or sclera

• Avoid unnecessary exposure times.

• Never intentionally stare directly into an active curing light.

• Follow recommended cure time – more is not better.

How To Know If a UV Lash System Has Been Properly Evaluated?

For a brand, it’s one thing to say your light has been tested. But being transparent with test results is key for building trust with your customers and community. PLA invested in getting our lights tested before bringing them to market to ensure that they meet the safety standards we put forth for everything we do.

Our test results can be found within this blog post, but we are also here to answer any questions you may have about our system. You can always reach out to us directly at customerservice@plapro.com with any concerns or questions.

UV Lash Testing: The Bottom Line

UV lash technology is changing the way lash artists work by providing fast curing, greater consistency, and reduced dependence on environmental conditions.

When evaluating a UV lash system, artists should look for:

• Independent safety testing

• IEC 62471 evaluation

• Wavelength verification

• Clear manufacturer safety guidelines

• Documentation from accredited testing laboratories

The PLA Soft Cure UV Eyelash Extension Light was independently tested for photobiological safety and radiometric performance. Testing confirmed operation within the intended curing wavelength range of approximately 403-405 nm and achieved a Blue Light Hazard classification of Risk Group 1 under evaluated operating conditions, with additional IEC 62471 classifications ranging from RG1 to RG2 depending on power settings and test parameters.

As with any professional tool, education and proper usage are the keys to both performance and safety.