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.
I bought Olaplex 2 days ago (on a Saturady). I used it twice. It’s been approximately 36 hours since my first use. Today (Monday) my vision is so blurry that I’m scared. That’s the only thing I can think of that may have caused my extreme vision change. Do you have any intel on this product?
Hi ConSyderate,
The list of ingredients on their website is prostaglandin-free. Having said that, your side effect is real and it would be best to pause it to assess the situation with a DR.
I’ve been using Agelyss lash and brow serum for about 3 weeks now. I did check the ingredients and it seems to be free of anything harmful, but would very much like your opinion to validate it, if you could. I will add their website is fantastic and they do have clinical trials to back up their products, but would still very much like your input.
Hi Carol,
I couldn’t find the ingredient list on their website. If you know where I can see it please let me know.
Hi Asako – If you go to the Lash and Brow Enhancer page, it’s posted right underneath the picture – there’s a box with tabs and one of them says ‘Ingredients’.
Thank you Carol. From what I see, it doesn’t seem to contain prostaglandins.
I used Latisse eyelashes serum. After reading the possible side effects I realized that my tongue feeling too fat and kept biting my inside cheeks was listed . Took more than 3 months to feel better. After a year all side effects are gone.
Hello!
I recently purchased the E.l.f Enhancing Lash & Brow Serum and I’ve been skimming through a handful of negative reviews regarding dark circles (and things regarding the tingling I feel on my lash-line after application) and was wondering if it could be the cause of prostaglandins 😮
Here’s the ingredients list :
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Glycine, Sodium Nitrate, Zinc Chloride, Glyoxal, Tromethamine, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Thanks!!
Yep it seems prostaglandins-free.
Asako,
OMgoodness the research to find a safe and affordable serum is just daunting and overwhelming – not to mention if it’s legit or not so THANK YOU so much for providing this information on your site. It is very helpful and appreciated.
Of course Facebook ads have tons of top 5 eyelash serums and they all have a different top one which makes it tough to know as well.
I’d like to try your top choice but it’s a bit too costly on a teachers salary. Can you give me your honest opinion for Lash24 and for LaVaye Show Lash please.
Hi Tami! Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 Yes the world of lash serums can feel like a jungle. I’ll add these two to my list to review! But I can tell you that Lash24 is free of prostaglandins while Levaye does contain one called Methylamido Dihydro Noralfaprostal.
Hi! does Honest eyelash serum contain prostaglandins? i’ve been having trouble finding out if this serum is safe.
Hi Asako. Can you tell me if VieBeauti eyelash serum contains any harmful analogues? I have some on order from Amazon but didn’t know about the potential dangers of prostaglandins until just today. I don’t know whether to use it or not. Thanks
I couldn’t find their full list of ingredients on the Vie Beauti official website. That’s a red flag.
Hi Ellie! Thanks for dropping by 🙂 Nop the Honest lash serum doesn’t have any.
Hello, do you know if any of the lash serums that are more safe that you recommended ship to Europe and more particular Sweden, because I can’t find any information regarding it??
Hi Denise,
Sorry I don’t know. But just give it a shot during the check out process! You can also email the brand directly to see if they would make an exception.
Can you tell me if Beauty pie lash fuel contains prostaglandins?
Thank you in advance
Renate
Hi Renate. I looked at their ingredients on their site and that one is prostaglandin-free.
Yes please I would like to know this too. Particularly because I’m pregnant. According to the (British) website the full ingredients are:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Biotin, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Collagen, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexapeptide-9, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-3
Thank you so much!
Hi Sophos,
Yes, thank you. I updated my comment above. This list doesn’t have a prostaglandin or derivative.
Hi, Asako,
I started using Liaison Lash and Brow Bond serum and found it really made my eyelashes grow, but over time I noticed that my eyelids were going a reddish brown colour, so I stopped using it and tried UKLashes. This also worked well on eyelash growth but the discolouration continued so I decided to stop using serums, much as I liked the way my eyelashes looked. I’ve always had fairly long lashes – just as well as my eyes are quite small! – but now, several months after stopping serum use, I’ve noticed that my eyelashes are shorter than they have ever been! I’ve tried different mascaras, but no! My eyelashes are now definitely quite short for the first time ever! I’m thinking about finding another serum without the ingredients you mention which can cause the discolouration problem, but I’m concerned that use of any serum could be what has caused my eyelashes to almost disappear! I’d really be very grateful for your thoughts about this, Asako. It has really upset me and I’d be very glad to have eyelashes again!
Hi Anna,
Thank you for your message. The symptom you described can typically be attributed to prostaglandins. I’ve personally had great success with prostaglandin-free serums. The results are slower but safer. It’s quite normal for your eyelashes to get shorter after you stop using the product. They should go back to their original state. I haven’t seen lashes getting shorter than their original state after discontinuing the serum thought.
Does nulastin contain prostaglandin?
Thank you!
Yes, Cloprostenol is a synthetic prostaglandin analog.
What about Lushful Lash? Does it contain the bad ingredients?
I couldn’t find the ingredient list on the official site. I hope I just didn’t look at the right place…
Hello, I would like to ask you if “SINS ‘N LASHES LASH.SERUM” has prostaglandin. The last ingredient on the list looks suspicious, Right? .ingredients: Purified Water(Aqua), Hyaluronate(Hyaluronate), Pentylene Glycol(Pentylene Glycol), Ginseng Extract(Panax Ginseng Extract), Blue Marsh Star Extract(Swertia Japonica Extract), Pumpkin Seed Extract(Pumpkin Seed Extract), Calamus Extract(Acorus Calamus Extract), Panthenol(Panthenol), Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Oligopeptide-10, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Oficinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Biotin, Ethyltafluprostamide.
Thanks!
You are correct. That last ingredient is a prostaglandin.
Thanks!
My pleasure!
Hello,
I have a question!
if i switch from revitalash to the serum that doesn’t contain prostaglandins (the Ordinary eyelash serum), can I maintain the length of the lashes? I don’t want to lose all the progress.
Hi Tonija,
It’s hard to say. But for sure you should expect more modest results that will take more time.