Are you below the age of 18 and wondering if it’s safe to start using an eyelash serum? Heck, some of your friends might have used one and you’re tempted to jump on that bandwagon.
If you landed here, it means you want to do your due diligence and that’s a very responsible thing to do.
Let’s dive in!
Latisse Age Requirement
Latisse is approved by the FDA for patients 18 years of age and older. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been studied and established.1
In addition, Latisse states on its solution label: “Use in pediatric patients below the age of 16 years is not
recommended because of potential safety concerns related to increased pigmentation following long-term chronic use.“2
It’s worth noting that Latisse is a medication used to treat hypotrichosis, which is a condition characterized by insufficient or lacking lashes. As such, it requires a prescription from a physician and will not be given to patients under the age of 18. Latisse is also the only FDA-approved eyelash serum on the market.
Other Lash Serums’ Age Requirement
Ok. so you’ve heard about Latisse but you also know there’s a plethora of lash serums out there that do not require a prescription.
What you need to know is that these products are marketed as cosmetics and not as medications.
So what’s the difference?
A medication is a drug that had to go through rigorous testing to get approval from the FDA. A cosmetic, on the other hand, does not need approval from the FDA.
These cosmetic growth serums do not require a prescription, but they may not be as effective as Latisse. They also don’t have the same clinical studies to back up their safety and efficacy.
Technically and legally speaking, you can buy a cosmetic serum at your local pharmacy if you’re a minor. Having said that, it’s better to be safe than sorry, consult with your doctor, and wait until you’re 18 years old to use any type of lash serum.
Why Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Use a Lash Serum?
The minimum age requirement is in place to protect minors from any potential side effects. These products often contain active ingredients called prostaglandins that can cause irritation, redness, and other side effects. Some of these negative events can be serious and even lead to long-term damage.
Even cosmetic lash serums can be found with prostaglandin analogs (the same active ingredient found in Latisse). Therefore, it’s important to err on the side of caution and avoid using lash serums if you’re under 18 years old.
FAQs
Can a 12-year-old use lash serum?
Can a 13-year-old use lash serum?
Do lash serums have side effects?
The Bottom Line
I hope this article has been helpful in answering your questions about age restrictions before trying out a growth serum. Remember, if you’re under the age of 18, it’s always best to consult with a physician before giving this a try.
Let me know your experience in the comments below!
– Asako 🙂
Additional Readings on DivineLashes.ca: If you want to learn more about your eyelash growth serum before trying it out, check out my articles on the possible side effects, why it might stop working, and which ones are ranked the highest.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Approval Letter. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2008/022369s000_Approv.pdf [Accessed 21st September 2022].
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic) solution label. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/022369s005lbl.pdf [Accessed 21st September 2022].
