Are Eyelash Growth Serums Safe?

Updated on February 25, 2021

First of all, what do we know about eyelash serums? They are merely lash conditioners which help prevent lashes from breaking and falling out, it works the same way your hair conditioner does except you use it on your lashes instead.

Eyelash enhancers are usually fortified with beneficial ingredients like nutrient abundant botanical (like grape stem cells, red clover, and green tea), lash enhancing peptides, anti-breakage B vitamins (Panthenol and Biotin) and also a derivative of calcium that works to hasten the growth of the lashes.

These components are approved by the FDA for use in consumer products. Of course, all FDA approved products are considered safe for use. To be sure, read “Five Factors to Consider Before Buying a Lash Serum”.

What are the risks?

Not many manufacturers would want to pitch all the things that could go wrong with their product. That’s why I’ve written this post to give you all the information you need to know before rushing out to purchase the next eyelash serum that comes to sight.

There are certain risks associated with any type of treatment used near the eye area. This is because the exposed skin around the eye is hypersensitive. Excess use of the serum and application on other areas of the eye aside from the lashes could trigger an adverse reaction like itchy red eyes.

 One of the ways to avoid these adverse reactions is to use a moderate amount of the product. Another precautionary measure will be to test the product on a small patch of skin and observe for any abnormalities. If you experience breakouts after this test, it is advised that you do not continue with the product. You should do this skin test before using any new cosmetic product.

Studies have shown that less than 5% of users will experience adverse reactions while using this product.

Much of the unpleasant side effects seen in eyelash enhancersis linked to the addition of a prostaglandin called Bimatoprost.  Bimatoprost is the active ingredient found in eyelash enhancersthat increase the length of the lashes (thosethat do not contain Bimatoprost work by conditioning the lashes and preventing breakage).

Latisse is a popular lash serum that contains this prostaglandin and should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription. Bimatoprost is used in the treatment of glaucoma and could cause severe damages to the eye.

Some of the adverse effects associated with the use of Bimatoprost containing serums include hyperpigmentation of skin around the eyelids, a permanent discoloration of iris and over time one could experience hair growth on unwanted areas where theserum has regularly come in contact with.

For your safety, if you choose to use an eyelash booster containing Bimatoprost, it is advised that you do not use it for more than 6 months.

Generally, eyelash serums free of this prostaglandin are safe products that will help enhance your lashes. The market is filled with many of these products, and that makes it quite a task to decide on which one to buy. We have featured one of these products based on reviews by customers, click here to view it. 

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.