If you’re in the market for a lash serum, you probably noticed that some of them contain prostaglandins while others don’t. Prostaglandin serums are effective but can cause some side effects, some of which are permanent.
Thankfully, peptides-based serums are an excellent alternative with less chance for side effects.
In this article, I compiled a list of popular eyelash growth serums and analyzed the ingredients to know if they contained prostaglandins or not. That way, you can choose the product that’s right for you!
Let’s dive into it!
Listen while you read: In this In this Video, I’ll share with you what prostaglandins are, why they’re included in certain lash serums, whether or not they’re safe to use, and my list of products with and without prostaglandins.
Why You Should Care About Prostaglandins
Latisse is the only FDA-approved eyelash growth serum on the market. The active ingredient is bimatoprost, a type of prostaglandin.
Now, because of the extensive clinical studies that were done, we know that Latisse is effective at growing your eyelashes, but we also know that it comes with possible side effects.
Therefore, any other eyelash serum that uses a prostaglandin analog compound is subject to the same side effects.
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
So what’s the problem?
Except for Latisse, prostaglandin-based lash growth serums are sold as cosmetics and are not subject to FDA approval like a medication would.
This means that the companies don’t have to do extensive safety testing like they would for a drug.
That’s a big issue.
In reality, these products should be treated as medication since they use an active ingredient.
That’s why deciding whether or not you are okay with the potential side effects of a prostaglandin analog eyelash growth serum is so important.
Lash Serums With Prostaglandins
| Eyelash Serum | Contains Prostaglandin? | Active Ingredient | Ingredient List |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latisse | Yes | Bimatoprost | Active ingredient: bimatoprost Inactive ingredients: benzalkonium chloride; sodium chloride; sodium phosphate, dibasic; citric acid; and purified water. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH. The pH during its shelf life ranges from 6.8 – 7.8. Source: https://www.latisse.com/pdfs/LatisseProductInformation.pdf |
| GrandeLASH | Yes | Isopropyl Cloprostenate | Water/Aqua/Eau, Panthenol, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Alanine, Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Arctostaphylos Uva URSI Leaf Extract, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Calcium Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Metricaria) Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Glycine, Hexylene Glycol, Histidine, Honey Extract/Mel/Extrait de Miel, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Isoleucine, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, PCA, Phenylalanine, Polysorbate 20, Proline, Propylene Glycol, Serine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Threonine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Leaf Extract, Valine, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite Source: https://grandecosmetics.com/products/grandelash-md |
| R + F Lash Boost | Yes | Isopropyl Cloprostenate | Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Biotin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Octapeptide-2, Allantoin, Panthenol, Copper Tripeptide-1, Pantethine, Polypeptide-23, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract, Glycerin, Sea Water, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rhizobian Gum, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, PVP, Lecithin, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide Source: https://www.rodanandfields.com/en-us/shop/r-f-lash-boost/p/ENHLSH01 |
| RevitaLash | Yes | Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide | Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Biotin, Cellulose Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium Phosphate, Phosphoric Acid, Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide, Butylene Glycol, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Extract, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Swertia Japonica Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Protein, Pentylene Glycol, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Octapeptide-2 Source: https://www.revitalash.com/products/revitalash-advanced-eyelash-conditioner |
| neuLASH | Yes | Isopropyl Cloprostenate | Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Rhizobian Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biotin, Panthenol, Pantethine, Allantoin, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sea Water (Maris Aqua), Octapeptide-2, Copper Tripeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-1, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Alcohol, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Oleate, Dicalcium Phosphate Source: https://skinresearchlabs.com/products/neulash-lash-enhancing-serum |
| RapidLash | Yes | Isopropyl Cloprostenate | Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, HydroxyethylcelIulose, Octapeptide-2, Copper Tripeptide-1, Biotin, Panthenol, sh-Polypeptide-1, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed, Glycosaminoglycans, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Pantethine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sea Water (Maris Aqua), Glycerin, Rhizobian Gum, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Phosphate, Ethyl Acetate, Sodium Oleate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Alcohol Denat., lsopropyl Cloprostenate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Potassium, Sorbate, Disodium EDTA Source: https://rapidlash.com/products/rapidlash-eyelash-serum |
| Babe Lash | Yes | Isopropyl Cloprostenate | Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Citrate, Leuconostoc / Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Alanine, Alcohol, Arbutin, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Biotin, Calcium Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Glycine, Hexylene Glycol, Histidine, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Isoleucine, Sodium Lactate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, PCA, Valine, Phenylalanine, Polydextrose, Polysorbate 20, Proline, Propylene Glycol, Serine, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Yeast Extract, Sodium PCA, Threonine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite. Source:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2460/2627/files/2022_BabeOriginal_Mobile_FullWarnings-Ingredients_f4ee9a0a-5b20-4dc7-b9a6-85ab031040d4.pdf?v=1655400590 |
| Uklash Serum | Yes | Isopropyl Cloprostenate | Aqua, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Panthenol, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate Source: https://www.uklash.com/products/eyelash-serum |
Bimatoprost is not the only prostaglandin analog you can find! When analyzing the ingredient list, you can find synthetic prostaglandin compounds such as:
- Isopropyl cloprostenate
- Isopropyl phenyl hydroxypentane
- Dihydroxy cyclopentyl heptane
- Dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide
So it’s important to be aware of these other names when reading the label.
Lash Serums Without Prostaglandins
- Lash Luxury
- LASHFOOD Serum
- Adoreeye lash serum
- Vegamour GRO lash serum
- The Ordinary lash serum
- Forever Lash
- Velour Lash Serum
- ForLash Serum
Most of these serums are peptides-based which means they stimulate the growth of your own lashes by promoting the production of keratin. Most of these serums will support your eyelashes during the 3 phases of the growth cycle:
- Anagen (active growth phase)
- Catagen (transition phase)
- Telogen (resting phase)
Yes, they have fewer clinical studies to back them up. However, they are much less likely to cause side effects. At the end of the day, you have to make the decision and accept the risks that come with it.
FAQ
What Are Prostaglandins in Lash Serums?
Are There Prostaglandins in Lash Boost?
Does Revitalash Contain Prostaglandins?
Does Latisse Contain Prostaglandins?
Do All Lash Serums Contain Prostaglandins?
Does the ordinary lash serum have prostaglandin?
Does UKLash serum have prostaglandin?
Does Babe Lash have prostaglandin?
Does Lash Therapy Australia have prostaglandins?
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right eyelash growth serum is not an easy task.
The problem is that most of them contain synthetic prostaglandins which can cause serious side effects BUT they haven’t gone through the same safety testing as a medication would.
I don’t want to seem pessimistic. You might not experience any adverse events with a prostaglandin serum.
I myself have used one for months. But at least, I knew what I was getting into and made that decision with all the information at my fingertips.
I hope this list helps you with your decision. Of course, it is not exhaustive and there might be other lash serums not mentioned here. If you want me to take a look at a particular serum, just drop me a comment below!
– Asako 🙂
Additional Readings on DivineLashes.ca: If you’re on the fence about which lash serum to choose, make sure to read my guides on the best eyelash growth serums available today, which one is FDA-approved, and their possible side effects.
Hello Asako,
I am using Bartslash. Could you please tell me if it contains prostaglandin analogs?
Thanks!
Hi Giang Dang,
I only found an amazon listing but couldn’t find a website or company. Can you put the link to their website? In general, I don’t check serums that are only listed on Amazon if I can’t find out a reputable company behind it.
Hi there! Do you know if the brand Scorolash contains prostaglandins? I’ve seen great before and after pictures and wanted to give them a try. Thanks!
Hi Andrea, looking at their ingredient list, this one looks free of prostaglandins!
do you know if elf lash serum contains prostaglandins?
This one seems prostaglandin-free. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Poppy Austin eyelash serum does not contain any real, artificial or analogous prostaglandins………..another goodie!!!
Does Quo Beauty lash serum have prostaglandins? Here are the ingredients: Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-7, Sodium Hydroxide, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Dextran, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract.
No it doesn’t seem like it.
Thanks for sharing that one 🙂
Does eye envy contain Prostaglandins?
Hi Sue,
To my knowledge, Eyenvy is no longer in business.
Hi, does Maybelline lash serum contain this ingredient or is it safe?
Hi Alyssa, no I haven’t seen a prostaglandin analog in their ingredient list.
Hi, Thanks for the info! Can you please tell me if Scoro lash is safe to use & not cause the sunken eyes / eyelid fat loss / aging & dark under eyes? They say their ingredients are all natural & do not contain the prostaglandins but I want to make sure. Please look at the full list of ingredients on their website & let me know if there is anything in there that will cause the same bad side effects as the other eyelash serums. Thank you!
Hi Katrina,
Yes, this one doesn’t have prostaglandin. I can’t really deep dive on all the other ingredients but if there’s one in particular let me know!
Hi thanks so much for these list! I just bought Augustinus Vader’s lash and brow serum without knowing all this information. Taking a quick look at the ingredients, I didn’t see the ones you listed. Would you be able to confirm? Thank you again!
Yes you’re right. I didn’t see prostaglandins in their ingredients.
Hi! I’ve been using Silly George. It’s also prostaglandin-free and works great!
Thank you for sharing your experience with that one!
Hi,
Could you please tell me if eyenvy has prostaglandins or isopropyl cloprostenate in the product? I know it was shut down in Canada for having isopropyl cloprostenate as an ingredient but I don’t think it contains this ingredient in Australia anymore as sites state their is no prostaglandins in the serum so I’m confused if it’s safe to use. Would love your help! x
You’re right, Eyenvy was shut down in Canada for using a prostaglandin. I’m not sure in Australia but I couldn’t even find the lash serum on their Australian site.
Hi, Asako! Do you know if Liaison Lash Bond is free of prostaglandins?
herliaison.com
Both my mother and I have used it twice, and the results were amazing!!
Thank you in advance!
Hey Jessica! I really like this one too and no it doesn’t contain prostaglandins.
Hello! Olaplex just came out with a lash serum, how does its ingredients look?
Hello Taryn, no it is free of prostaglandins.
interesting, tabs for educating us. I have bookmarked this page for reference. What about lash Friday ? I have been trying to look up reviews from a professional for this one but I cant find any, it must not be a very popular one. I have been using it for three months, it does darken my eyelashes and my eyebrows which concerns me a but I dont thin it has Prosts in it ?
Thank you.
Thank you Sophie 🙂 I’m really happy you found this helpful! I check Lash Friday and yes, it is without prostaglandin. The darker lashes are something you could ask them thought.
I started using Vegamour lash serum and my natural lashes stared falling out. Is this a just me issue?
I’ve never seen that happen with Vegamour, but certainly, you should listen to your body and find what could cause that.
Hi Asako thank you so much for bringing the risks to light. I’ve been using Lashaddict serum for some time and wondered if there are any prostaglandins in the ingredient list below. I don’t think there are but I could be wrong. Thank you for your wise words!
Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Glycerin, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dextran, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Trifolium Pretense Flower Extract, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Glycine, Sodium Metabisulfite, Zinc Chloride, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Malus Domestics Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sorbitol, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Allantoin, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Biotin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacin, Benzoic Acid
I don’t see prostaglandins on this list!