Ever dream of having those stunning, naturally long lashes and full brows? Many of us do! The market is flooded with products promising just that, from a new eyelash serum without prostaglandin options to effective brow gel products. But not all serums are created equal, and it's essential to know what you're putting near your eyes.
This short article will break down the science behind lash and brow growth serums, what to watch out for, and how you can achieve the look of beautiful volume lashes safely.
The Controversy: Prostaglandin Analogues in Eyelash Serum
We've all heard the buzz about ingredients that make lashes grow almost magically. Often, that magic comes from prostaglandin analogues. These are synthetic versions of lipids found naturally in your body that help control processes like blood flow and inflammation.
The Accidental Discovery
Prostaglandin analogs were first used in medicine to treat the eye disease glaucoma. Scientists noticed a surprising side effect: patients' eyelashes grew longer and thicker. That's how they found their way into many popular eyelash serum products.
The Risk of Side Effects
While the growth effects are real, so are the potential side effects. Unfortunately, prostaglandins aren't just a beauty booster; they can cause some serious issues, especially with long-term use.
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Permanent Eye Color Change: Perhaps the most alarming risk is the potential for prostaglandins to permanently change light-colored eyes (like blue or green) to brown. [1]
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Eyelid and Skin Discoloration: They can also cause a temporary or even permanent darkening of the eyelids and surrounding skin (periorbitopathy). [2]
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Eye Irritation: Other common, uncomfortable side effects include blurred vision, increased light sensitivity, stinging, itching, or a burning sensation, and redness and irritation (ocular irritation, blepharitis). [3]
As the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) pointed out, while the side effects are predictable in a group, the exact pattern for each person is not. You need to know the full list of potential risks before you start using them!
How to Spot and AVOID Prostaglandin Analogs
If you want to stick with a lash serum without prostaglandin—and avoid these side effects—you need to become an ingredient detective. Prostaglandin analogues hide behind complex names on ingredient lists.
Ingredients to watch out for:
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Bimatoprost (the only one FDA-approved for cosmetic eyelash hypotrichosis; requires a prescription).
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Latanoprost (primarily a glaucoma medication; eyelash growth is a major side effect)
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Isopropyl Cloprostenate (Synthetic Prostaglandin Derivative)
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Isopropanol Phenyl-hydroxy-pentene dihydroxy-cyclopentyl-heptanoate
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Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide (Synthetic Prostaglandin Derivative)
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Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide (Synthetic Prostaglandin Derivative)
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Methylamido Dihydro Noralfaprostal (Synthetic Prostaglandin Derivative)
Also, be sure to avoid known cosmetic irritants like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, as they can irritate your eyelids and disrupt your skin's microbiome, potentially worsening any inflammation.
Beyond Prostaglandins: What Else Works?
If you decide to ditch the drugs, what can you use to get healthier lashes and brows?
Supportive Ingredients
Many great ingredients are found in growth products, like hyaluronic acid, castor oil, and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5). These are excellent conditioners! They help strengthen your lashes and brows, making them less prone to breakage and giving them a fuller appearance, which contributes to the look of full volume lashes. Think of them as a deep conditioning treatment for your hair. You can also use a conditioning brow gel to immediately add fullness and shape. To achieve that thick, sculpted look, applying brow gel is an easy final step. However, these ingredients may not actually stimulate new hair growth on their own—their role is mainly to improve the health and strength of the hair you already have.
The Power of Prostaglandin-Free Eyelash Serum
Fortunately, there are alternatives that focus on a holistic approach to growth and health. A high-quality eyelash serum that is also a lash serum without prostaglandin uses ingredients your body recognizes.
For example, a modern, non-prescription eyelash serum might utilize:
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Growth Factors (like those naturally found in the body)
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Peptides (amino acid chains that support collagen production)
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Pro-collagen silk amino acids
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Biotin and Plant Extracts
A formulation like this—like Skinara® Eyelash & Eyebrow Growth Serum—is designed to nurture your lashes from the root to the tip, encouraging natural growth, thickness, and resilience without the risk of eye color change or irritation. This kind of eyelash serum prioritizes your eye health while helping you achieve the look of beautiful, naturally enhanced volume lashes. By consistently applying the serum, you are working toward the ultimate goal of volume lashes.
A Few Final Pointers
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You Must Keep Using It! Whether you use a prostaglandin product or a natural alternative, you have to be consistent. If you stop, the benefits (the new hair growth cycle) will eventually start to wear off.
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Check your country’s regulations: It is worth noting that some countries, like Australia, limit the continuous use of prostaglandin serums to no more than 12 months due to safety concerns.
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Alternatively, embrace the allure of natural beauty and experience genuine lash enhancement without compromise by choosing a safe, effective, and cruelty-free prostaglandin free eyelash serum or using a high-quality brow gel for instant fullness.
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‘Drug-induced irreversible iris hyperpigmentation: a case report of topical bimatoprost.’ Handa, S.; Handa, A. August 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34338908/
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‘Latanoprost-induced periorbitopathy.’ Tatham, A. J.; Sarangapani, S.; Sachdev, N. May 2008. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18427771/
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‘Adverse events of bimatoprost in the treatment of glaucoma.’ Li, N.; Lin, J.; Yu, C.; et al. June 2012. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3372138/
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