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Lash Serums 101: What You Need to Know About Prostaglandins and Their Alternatives

A woman using prostaglandins for hair growth

If you are looking for a way to enhance your eyelashes, you may have come across lash serums that claim to boost the length, thickness, and fullness of your lashes. But do you know what ingredients are in these products and how they work?

In this short post, we will review some of the most popular lash serums on the market and explain the role of prostaglandins and their analogs, which are often used as active ingredients in these products. We will also discuss the potential benefits and risks of using prostaglandin-based lash serums and some alternatives that may be safer and more effective.

What are prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogs?

Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that play a crucial role in the body’s inflammatory response, smooth muscle contraction, blood flow regulation, and various other physiological processes. They are derived from fatty acids and are produced by virtually all tissues in the body. The human body produces these substances primarily at sites of tissue damage or infection.

Lash Serums 101: What You Need to Know About Prostaglandins and Their Alternatives 1

Prostaglandins serve various functions in the body, including regulating inflammation, blood flow, and muscle contraction. They are also used in labor induction and some cases for cervical ripening. Their inclusion in medications depends on the specific therapeutic goals of the drug and its intended effects on the body.

Some people use prostaglandins for hair growth, as they can stimulate the hair follicles to enter the growth phase and prolong the duration of this phase. This means that more hairs can grow longer and thicker.

Which lash serums contain prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogs?

The only FDA-approved eyelash growth serum on the market is Latisse, which contains bimatoprost, a type of prostaglandin analog.

Latisse

Latisse is a prescription medication that is intended to treat hypotrichosis, a condition of inadequate or not enough eyelashes. Latisse has been clinically proven to increase the length, thickness, and darkness of eyelashes after 16 weeks of use.

However, many other lash serums are sold as cosmetics and are not subject to FDA approval or safety testing like medications. These products often contain prostaglandin analogs that are similar to bimatoprost but are not approved for eyelash growth.

Some of these products include:

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Revitalash

Revitalash contains a synthetic prostaglandin analog called dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide, which is believed to promote hair growth by extending the growth phase of hair follicles. This may result in thicker, fuller-looking lashes and brows for individuals seeking enhanced hair growth in these areas.

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GrandeLash

GrandeLash features cloprostenol isopropyl ester, a synthetic prostaglandin analog known for its potential to extend the growth phase of hair follicles. This extension can lead to longer, thicker lashes and brows, making GrandeLash a popular choice for those aiming to enhance hair growth in these areas.

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RapidLash

RapidLash contains key ingredients such as biotin, panthenol, amino acids, and a polypeptide complex, which work together to nourish and strengthen lashes. While it doesn’t contain synthetic prostaglandin analogs like some other lash growth serums, its formula is designed to support the natural health and growth of lashes, promoting the appearance of longer, thicker, and fuller lashes over time.

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Rodan + Fields Lash Boost

Rodan + Fields Lash Boost incorporates isopropyl cloprostenol, a synthetic prostaglandin analog known for its potential to enhance lash growth. By stimulating the hair follicles, this ingredient can lead to longer, thicker lashes over time, making Rodan + Fields Lash Boost a favored option for individuals seeking noticeable improvements in lash length and fullness.

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Babe Lash

Babe Lash utilizes isopropyl cloprostenate, a synthetic prostaglandin analog, to promote lash growth by extending the growth phase of hair follicles. It is often chosen by individuals seeking to achieve noticeable improvements in lash length and volume.

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NeuLash

In 4-6 weeks, neuLash helps to enhance the appearance of lashes with its unique blend of peptides, proteins, and hydrating extracts. It is a popular choice for individuals seeking to enhance the natural beauty of their lashes.

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LiLash

LiLash features isopropyl phenyl hydroxypentane dihydroxycyclopentyl heptanoate, a synthetic prostaglandin analog, as a key ingredient. This compound is believed to extend the growth phase of hair follicles, promoting longer, thicker, and fuller lashes over time.

What are the benefits and risks of using prostaglandin-based lash serums?

Prostaglandin-based lash serums can be effective at enhancing the appearance of your eyelashes, as they can stimulate the growth of more and longer lashes.

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However, they also come with possible side effects, some of which can be permanent. The most common adverse events from prostaglandin lash serums are:

  • Itchy eyes
  • Dryness
  • Darkening of the skin around the eye
  • Darkening of the eye color
  • Eye inflammation
  • Swelling of the retina
  • Fat atrophy around the eye

These side effects are more likely to occur if you use the product more frequently than recommended, apply it to the lower lash line, or get it into your eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop using the product and consult your doctor.

Another risk of using prostaglandin-based lash serums is that they are not regulated by the FDA, which means that their safety and efficacy are not guaranteed. The companies that sell these products as cosmetics do not have to disclose the concentration or purity of the prostaglandin analogs they use, nor do they have to conduct extensive clinical trials to prove their claims. This makes it hard for consumers to know what they are putting on their eyes and whether it is worth the risk.

What are some alternatives to prostaglandin-based lash serums?

If you are looking for a safer and more natural way to enhance your eyelashes, you may want to consider lash serums that do not contain prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogs. These products usually use peptides, antioxidants, vitamins, and plant extracts to nourish and strengthen the lashes, without causing irritation or discoloration.

Some of these products include:

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Borboleta Lash Serum:

Borboleta Lash Serum contains a blend of beneficial ingredients including biotin, peptides, keratin, and plant-based stem cells. These ingredients work synergistically to nourish and strengthen lashes, promoting overall lash health. While it doesn’t contain synthetic prostaglandin analogs like some other lash serums, Borboleta Lash Serum’s formula is designed to support the natural growth and vitality of lashes, resulting in the appearance of longer, thicker, and healthier-looking lashes over time.

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Lancôme Lash Revitalizing Serum:

Lancôme Lash Revitalizing Serum is formulated with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and arginine. These ingredients are known for their hydrating, soothing, and conditioning properties, which can help improve the overall health and appearance of lashes. It is designed to provide nourishment and support to lashes, promoting the look of longer, thicker, and more resilient lashes over time.

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Vichy Eyelash Growth Serum:

Lancôme Lash Revitalizing Serum is formulated with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and arginine. These ingredients are known for their hydrating, soothing, and conditioning properties, which can help improve the overall health and appearance of lashes. It is designed to provide nourishment and support to lashes, promoting the look of longer, thicker, and more resilient lashes over time.

These products may not be as potent as prostaglandin-based lash serums, but they can still improve the health and appearance of your lashes over time, with less chance of side effects. They are also more affordable and accessible than prescription medications like Latisse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are prostaglandins in lash serums?

Prostaglandins are natural substances that are produced by the body and have various functions, such as regulating inflammation, blood pressure, and hormone levels. Prostaglandins also play a role in hair growth, as they can stimulate the hair follicles to enter the growth phase and prolong the duration of this phase. This means that more hairs can grow longer and thicker.

Are there prostaglandins in Lash Boost?

Yes. Lash boost contains isopropyl cloprostenate, a synthetic prostaglandin analog.

Does Revitalash contain prostaglandins?

Yes. Revitalash contains dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide, a synthetic prostaglandin analog.

Does Latisse contain prostaglandins?

Yes. Latisse contains bimatoprost, a type of prostaglandin analog.

Does the ordinary lash serum have prostaglandin?

No. The ordinary lash serum does not contain prostaglandin or prostaglandin analog. It contains myristoyl pentapeptide-17, a peptide that may help with lash growth.

Does UKLash serum have prostaglandin?

No. UKLash serum does not contain prostaglandin or prostaglandin analog. It contains biotin, panthenol, ginseng, and other natural ingredients.

Does Babe Lash have prostaglandin?

Yes. Babe Lash contains isopropyl cloprostenate, a synthetic prostaglandin analog.

Does Lash Therapy Australia have prostaglandins?

No. Lash Therapy Australia does not contain prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogs. It contains peptides, amino acids, and vitamins.

Final Thoughts: Key Points

  • Lash serums can be a great way to enhance your eyelashes, but you should be aware of the ingredients and the potential side effects of the products you use.
  • Prostaglandin-based lash serums can be effective, but they can also cause irritation, discoloration, and permanent changes to your eyes.
  • If you are looking for a safer and more natural alternative, you may want to try lash serums that do not contain prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogs, and use peptides, antioxidants, vitamins, and plant extracts instead.
  • These products can nourish and strengthen your lashes, without causing harm to your eyes.

I hope you found this post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading! 

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