Eye Doctor Reviews Eye Lash Growth Serums Without Prostaglandin

👁As someone who spends plenty of time around eyes, one topic that always comes up is eyelashes.

👁Everyone wants long, luscious lashes and now there’s plenty of ways to get them without extensions or falsies! Here’s a little guide to some of the most popular ones people love. Read on for products for the best ophthalmologist approved lash serums, including some that are FDA approved.

🚨Make sure to test all products for allergy on a small area of your skin 24 hours before applying it to your face!

The Best Eyelash Serum Without Prostaglandin

After reviewing numerous products, our top pick for the best eyelash serum without prostaglandin is LASHFOOD’s Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer. This serum offers significant lash growth and fullness, is free from prostaglandins. Read on to understand why this is our top pick and the comparison to other eyelash growth serums.

Allergan – Latisse

Latisse is a prescription-only eyelash growth serum that’s FDA-approved. The active ingredient in Latisse is a prostaglandin called bimatoprost (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%) is a version of the prostaglandin glaucoma drug Lumigan (bimatoprost 0.01%). When it was introduced, eye doctors and their glaucoma patients noticed a side effect of the eye drop was eyelash growth and fullness over time. So bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analogue, was believed to prolong the growth phase of eyelashes. The development of Latisse followed.

Pros:

✅The most effective product for lash growth
✅Only FDA approved lash growth product
✅Works quickly, growth begins in as little as 4 weeks
✅Clinical studies – after 16 weeks user’s reported lashes were:

• 106% fuller
• 25% longer
• 18% darker
• 78% overall increased in prominence

Cons:

❌Prescription required
❌Rare (0.05%) PERMANENT side effect of eye color changes. Has been shown to discolor green and blue eyes with brown pigmentation.
❌Rare non-permanent side effects of eyelid skin darkening and hair growing where it shouldn’t.
❌Lashes return to pretreatment appearance after Latisse is discontinued.
❌Latisse is not approved for people under the age of 18.

Latisse Alternatives on Amazon

While Latisse has been a popular choice for many seeking fuller lashes, there are numerous alternatives available on Amazon. These products offer similar benefits without the need for a prescription. They are a bit more affordable to the brand-name product (about $120 vs $140) but still pricey. The effectiveness and safety of generic versions can vary, and they may not be FDA-approved. There are several generic alternatives to Latisse on Amazon but be careful before you make your selecton.

Note: these generic Latisse still require a prescription on Amazon.

Read on for Latisse alternatives that don’t require a prescription.

Grande Cosmetics – GrandLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum

Pros:

✅This lash enhancer works well – lash appearance improvement noticed in 4-6 weeks in terms of length and thickness
✅Cruelty-free
✅Ophthalmologist tested and approved
✅Prostaglandin-free
✅Research results in a 12 week study, of the users:

• 97% reported they had more visible lashes
• 94% reported healthier lashes
• 91% reported longer looking lashes

Cons:

❌Contains Isopropyl Cloprostenate: a form of prostaglandin analogue
❌Rare side effects of eye irritation and iris discoloration
❌it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

LASHFOOD – Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer – Personal Favorite 💁🏻‍♀‍

Its powerful, proprietary blend of organic medicinal herb extracts has been scientifically demonstrated to support stunning eyelash growth. So it’s a natural, eco-certified option.

Pros:

✅No prescription required
✅Drug-free, prostaglandin-free and irritant-free, making it a great choice for those with sensitive eyes.
✅Dermatologist tested & approved
✅Ecocert certified, vegan, non-GMO and cruelty free (great for those with ethical concerns)
✅Clinical Studies -in 16 weeks most saw some changes in lashes:

• 85% noticed visible improvement in fullness and texture
• 100% noticed improvement in thickness and density
• 0% noticed irritation

Cons:

❌Does NOT work as well as Latisse
❌Results are not very noticeable until 16 weeks

RapidLash – Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum

RapidLash is a popular over-the-counter option that promises noticeable results within 60 days. It uses a blend of polypeptides, biotin, and panthenol to enhance both lashes and brows.

Pros:

✅Works well – lash appearance improvement noticed in 4-6 weeks in terms of length and fullness
✅Paraben-free, fragrance-free, no animal testing
✅Ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested
✅Safe for contact lens wearers

Cons:

❌Contains Isopropyl Cloprostenate, a prostaglandin analog
❌Rare side effects of eye irritation and iris discoloration
❌Prolonged use can dry out the lashes

Revitalash advanced eyelash conditioner

Ophthalmologist-developed eyelash enhancer that enhances the appearance of lashes and protects against breakage, while boosting health, flexibility, and strength, for naturally thriving lashes. It uses a BioPeptin Complex to deliver results.

Pros:

✅Prostaglandin-free
✅This eyelash serum improves flexibility and shine while strengthening and protecting against breakage.
✅Many users see healthier-looking, more luxurious lashes.
✅In general, Revitalash is less expensive than Latisse.
✅Also cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.

Cons:

❌Does not have as many clinical trials on this lash serum as a product like Latisse
❌Contains Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide, which is a synthetic prostaglandin analog

Skyorganics – Castor Oil Eyelash Enhancer Serum with Mascara Brushes

Skyorganics offers a natural, organic solution for lash growth. Their 100% pure, cold-pressed castor oil nourishes lashes and promotes growth.

Pros:

✅100% natural alternative to commercial eyelash serum
✅Free from prostaglandins and synthetic additives
✅Caster oil contains fatty acids (ricinoleic acid):

• May reverse hair loss and promote new eyelash growth
• May inhibit signaling molecules that play a roll in hair loss

Cons:

❌Functions more as a lash conditioner
❌Studies are new, more research needed for longterm results

Babe Lash Essential Serum for Eyelash & Brow for Natural, Fuller & Longer Looking Eyelashes

Babe Lash Essential Lash Serum - Fuller & Longer Looking Eyelashes, Lash... @ Amazon

Pros:

✅includes panthenol and biotin ingredients in its formula
✅safe to use on brows, lash extensions, and even strip lashes.
✅easy to apply

Cons:

❌Contains prostaglandins
❌Potential effects of eye irritation and redness

All these products aim to enhance lash growth, but they differ in ingredients, application, and potential side effects. Latisse and its generic version on Amazon contain bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog, and require a prescription. In contrast, GrandLASH-MD, LASHFOOD, and Revitalash are prostaglandin-free and can be purchased over-the-counter. RapidLash and Babe Lash, while available without a prescription, do contain prostaglandin analogs. Skyorganics offers a completely natural solution with its 100% pure castor oil.

Peptides as lash boosters

You may notice a few of these products use peptides as a key ingredient. Peptides are chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins, including keratin, which makes up our lashes. Peptide-infused lash serums work like skincare for your lashes, strengthening and conditioning them. They can help prevent lash breakage, leading to fuller, longer-looking lashes over time. Unlike PGAs, peptide-based serums typically don’t have severe side effects, making them a safer choice for many users.

Vitamins and botanical extracts as lash boosters

Vitamins and botanical extracts are also often used in lash serums for their nourishing properties. Vitamins like Biotin and Panthenol can help strengthen lashes and promote growth. Botanical extracts, such as pumpkin seed extract or green tea extract, can condition lashes and help protect against breakage. These natural ingredients can enhance lash health and appearance without the potential side effects associated with synthetic compounds like PGAs.

Eyelash serums are an effective way to grow thicker looking lashes. They can be used safely by those who want them. Talk to your eye doctor first before trying any products, and be aware of the following potential risks:

• Itchy, red eyes
• Darkening of the eyelids
• Reduced eye pressure, which could mask glaucoma
• Permanently increased iris pigmentation, which could irreversibly turn your light eyes brown, especially if your irises are hazel or green
• Unwanted hair growth in areas the product repeatedly touches

FAQs:

Q: Can lash growth serums change your eye color?

A: Yes, lash growth serums containing prostaglandin analogs can cause irreversible eye color change, particularly in individuals with light-colored eyes.

Q: Are peptide-based lash serums safe?

A: Yes, peptide-based lash serums are generally considered safe. They work by strengthening and conditioning the lashes, and they typically don’t have the severe side effects associated with prostaglandin analogs.

Q: Can I use lash growth serums if I have sensitive eyes?

A: If you have sensitive eyes, it’s best to choose a serum that’s free from prostaglandin analogs. Serums containing vitamins and botanical extracts are usually a safer choice.

Q: How long does it take to see results from lash growth serums?

A: It typically takes several weeks to see results from lash growth serums. Consistent application is key.

Q: Can I use lash growth serums with eyelash extensions?

A: It depends on the serum. Some serums may weaken the glue used for eyelash extensions. It’s best to consult with a professional or the serum manufacturer before use.

Parts of this article were taken from Cherie, Dr. Amanda Amberg, user @PrettyCare