Back in 2020, I was using and loving my lash growth serum. Within a week of using the serum, I noticed some side effects, which I attributed to the product working. Later, after taking a deeper look into how these growth serums work, I realized what I thought was the result of the product working was actually a side effect and a red flag to stop using.
Weighing the risks vs. benefits, I decided to stop using prostaglandin analog-based lash growth serums.
Here’s what I want you to know.
A bit of history about lash growth serums:
Bimatoprost is an ingredient that the FDA first approved for the treatment of glaucoma in 2001. During the clinical trials, clinicians noted that patients were experiencing the side effects of longer, darker, and thicker eyelashes. Bimatoprost (and other prostaglandin analogs) work by targeting the growth phase (anagen phase) of the eyelash growth cycle. In 2008, Latisse was launched, with Bimatoprost as the active ingredient in their eyelash growth serum. The most recent data for 2020 of Latisse yield $659.1 million in sales.
How do Bimatoprost/prostaglandin analogs work?
Prostaglandins are naturally occurring compounds found in almost every tissue in the human body, and they control different processes depending on where their receptors are in the body.
A Prostaglandin analog is just a synthetic (artificial) form of prostaglandins.
Bimatoprost and other prostaglandin analogs can target a particular part of the eyelash growth cycle to encourage that hair follicle to stay in the growth cycle for an extended time. Prostaglandin analogs have significant effects, but they also have limitations. They typically have a short half-life, so they don’t last long in the body. This short-lived effect is why when you stop using the growth serums; your lashes will resort to their natural length, color, and volume.
Soon after the launch of Latisse, the cosmetic industry launched its versions of eyelash growth serums. Unfortunately, most brands failed to mention that the same side effects occurring with Latisse can also happen with the OTC versions. Because they are cosmetics, the FDA does not require that these side effects be listed for consumer awareness.
Side effects include:
Eye pain and irritation
Eyelid and scleral (white part of the eye) redness
Changes to the color of the iris, *This is a permanent side effect*
Itching
Unwanted hair growth
Decrease eye pressure
Increase risk of chronic dry eye *This is a permanent side effect*
Shrinking of fat pads around the eye area *This is a permanent side effect*
Helpful tip for spotting a prostaglandin analog in a cosmetic product: Look for ingredients with “prost” in the name. Isopropyl Cloprostenate is one of the most commonly used and found in several top-selling eyelash growth serums.
Fortunately, consumers can find lash growth serums on the market that do not contain prostaglandin analogs. These alternative formulations include polypeptides and amino acids that support follicle growth, thereby supporting the overall health and condition of the lashes.
And when weighing risks vs. benefits, is having the temporary effect of longer lashes worth the risk of potential permanent changes to the eyes and surrounding tissues?
My go to pick is Anteage! Their lash and brow serums have a unique formula that contains twelve hair growth factors and is free of parabens, prostaglandin, and fragrances. Shop here: https://www.thedeeperlayer.com/shop
Want a deeper look into consumer pushback? Check out this link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2021/07/08/more-trouble-for-embattled-skincare-firm-rodan--fields-its-insurer-is-suing/?sh=54ea0977a9e0
References:
Comments