Impeccable hold from morning to evening or express makeup removal without a struggle in the shower? For years, mascaras have forced you to choose sides, between almost indestructible waterproof formulas and versions that are easy to remove but which sag in the middle of the day. In laboratories, this equation is almost like a chemical puzzle.
The Shiseido group claims to have found a middle way with a next-generation washable mascara technology: Washable Lock Technology™. This innovation promises both long-lasting retention of eyelash curl and removal simply with hot water, without oily makeup remover. It should arrive in February 2026 in new Majolica Majorca and Ettusais mascaras, laying the foundations for a new family of hybrid formulas.
Washable Lock Technology Shiseido: inside the new mascara film
At the heart of Washable Lock Technology™ is a film-forming polymer developed by Shiseido’s R&D teams. Applied to the eyelashes, this film surrounds each fiber to maintain curl and resist sebum, humidity or tears during the day. And then, once exposed to hot water, it swells and softens, which allows the mascara to come off more easily, as explained in the brand’s technical documents.
This film is based on an optimized polymer, polyacrylate-51, developed from carefully studied monomer ratios to reconcile properties long considered incompatible. As summarized by Toshihiko Matsukura, of the Brand Value R and D Institute at Shiseido: , he explains in an interview relayed by Industries Cosmétiques. The challenge is to maintain good grip on the eyelash while programming the ability of the film to disintegrate under the effect of lukewarm water.
Waterproof performance, but removes makeup with hot water
Tests conducted by Shiseido show that formulas incorporating Washable Lock Technology™ maintain eyelash curl equivalent to that of traditional water-resistant mascaras. During wear, the film remains stable, even in the event of humidity or contact with sebum, which limits the risk of smudging. In hot water makeup removal tests, it expands and softens, then comes off with just a light rub, without requiring an oil phase.
This approach addresses what Shiseido describes as a long-standing technical challenge in eye makeup: until now, formulas have prioritized either performance (tenacious waterproof) or ease of removal. By combining the two functions in the same polymer film, Washable Lock Technology™ challenges the traditional definition of waterproof mascara and could, in practice, shorten makeup removal time while limiting mechanical friction on the eyelashes.
Majolica Majorca and Ettusais, first showcases of this washable technology
Shiseido plans to deploy this technology in new mascaras from its Majolica Majorca and Ettusais brands, with launches announced for February 2026. These products aim to hold the curl throughout the day while simply removing with hot water, which positions them as alternatives to traditional waterproof for consumers who do not like oily makeup removers.
Beyond these first mascaras, Shiseido presents Washable Lock Technology™ as a milestone in its research in cosmetic materials science. The results obtained are considered promising for other categories of makeup, in particular eye products and certain foundations, where the balance between long wear and comfort of makeup removal remains a central subject. The brand indicates that it is already working on these expansion avenues.
What is Shiseido Washable Lock Technology?
Washable Lock Technology™ is a proprietary polymer-based mascara film technology that provides long curl retention while being washable in warm water.
How does this technology differ from a classic waterproof mascara?
Unlike traditional waterproof, Washable Lock Technology™ resists oil and humidity during the day, but its film swells and softens under hot water for easy removal.
How to remove mascara enriched with Washable Lock Technology?
Tests show that you simply moisten the lashes with warm water, allow the film to soften, then massage gently so that the mascara comes off.
When will the Majolica Majorca and Ettusais mascaras using this technology be released?
Shiseido announces that the first mascaras equipped with Washable Lock Technology™ from Majolica Majorca and Ettusais will be launched in February 2026.
