Need a lash serum without prostaglandin? Learn how it works, what to expect, and how to read labels for healthier, thicker lashes.
I am imagining what you are thinking right now when you wake up at 7:00 AM. You have looked in the mirror in your bathroom. The eyelid of your left eye is swollen and reddish. It feels like you have been hit on the side of the head by a tomato. Not only is it swollen and red but it is also very itchy. you wish to scratch or rub your eye. But, you know better than to do so. The reason why your eyelid became swollen and itchy is due to a product named “Lash Serum”. The manufacturer states that “Lash Serum” will produce “model-length lashes in six weeks”. Instead of producing long lashes, this product caused irritation to your eyes for a complete week. Additionally, you were so uncomfortable during a video conference call that you pretended your eye was simply fatigued.
That morning took me into a rabbit hole. The first major discovery I made during that time was a word that I had never paid much attention to before – prostaglandin. When you arrived at this page looking for a lash serum without prostaglandin, it is most likely because you experienced some type of wake-up call, or you are taking preventive measures to avoid having to experience one. Whatever your motivations, take a moment to sit down. I’d love to share with you all of my practice and failures I’ve experienced.
What Is Prostaglandin, and Why Is It in Lash Serums?
Why Is A Beauty Product Made With Prostaglandin Analogs? It all began when beauty manufacturers learned about the side effects of using prostaglandin analogs to treat intraocular (eye) pressure. In the process of treating patients for elevated intraocular pressure, doctors discovered that prostaglandin analogs not only lowered intraocular eye pressure, but also made eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker. A prostaglandin analog may go by other names, like bimatoprost, isopropyl cloprostenate, travoprost, or latanoprost. Sometimes, the name of the active ingredient is embedded beneath advertising language and branding, so try to keep reading the product label.
Prostaglandin is like your car’s turbo.
. It will certainly make everything run faster. However, you are also placing more stress upon the engine. Unfortunately, not all engines (or eyelids) can handle that type of additional pressure.
Why Do So Many People Want to Avoid It?
Here is the deal: Many individuals utilize prostaglandin-based serums without experiencing negative effects. However, there are also many of us who choose not to utilize prostaglandin-based serums, and we have common reasons why we do so:
• Because the skin surrounding your eyes is so delicate and thin, it is easily irritated and will turn red.
• Changes in skin tone. Some people who used this product for an extended amount of time have noticed that the skin on the top of their eyelid and/or other areas around their eyes became darker.
• Eyes that are sensitive to things like dust and/or you use contact lenses. If you have sensitive eyes that cannot tolerate even a tiny piece of dust, then using a very strong product near the base of your lashes might not be the most appropriate choice.
• Pregnant/Nursing Women: Most people err on the side of caution and do not use Prostaglandins when they are pregnant or nursing.
If that’s you, please discuss with your doctor before you rely on a blog (even a nice one).
• Eye disorders. If you are currently experiencing any type of eye disorder, or if you are using eye medications, please consult with an eye care specialist prior to introducing any other products to your eyes.
In my case, it was just plain sensitivity. However, to be completely honest, once I knew what was inside the container, I realized how ridiculous it would have been if I didn’t check.
So What Do Prostaglandin-Free Lash Serums Use Instead?
This is where things get interesting. Serums that do not contain prostaglandins use a more gentle and “nourish the lash” method than forcing the lash cycle. The most common ingredients in these types of serums are:
• Peptides that help maintain the structural integrity of your eyelashes (since your eyelashes consist of keratin, it would be logical to assume that these peptides will work to support that).
• Biotin is a very common hair and nail vitamin. It may assist with growing a full head of healthy looking eyelashes.
Provitamin B5 (Panthenol) is a moisturizer that can help to protect against hardening and lash breakage.
The application of botanical extracts and oils (e.g. castor oil, green tea, ginseng) is frequently recommended to help improve hair condition.
Hyaluronic Acid- this will help to hydrate the area and get those lashes looking thicker.
Prostaglandins are your lash “garden” being fertilized with a ton of fertilizer.
. Using prostaglandin-free products would be more like regular watering, using quality compost, and removing unwanted plants from your garden. It takes longer for the garden to grow when you do this. But it is much easier on the rest of the garden.
Do They Actually Work? The Honest Answer
I promised myself I would be honest with you about this, and now I’m being honest with you. Prostaglandin-free serums are typically going to give you more subtle effects than other serums. Your lashes won’t likely be double in size. It is reasonable to anticipate seeing lashes which appear healthier, lashes which are stronger, lashes which are less prone to breakage, and lashes which gradually become slightly thicker.
I was ready to quit my new routine in about three weeks. I didn’t see any changes in that time, and I considered returning to my old ways. However, within eight weeks, I noticed that my mascara didn’t clump as much, and I was losing less hair from my face. Around the 12-week mark, I started to notice that my lashes were feeling way softer and healthier than they had before I started this new routine. It wasn’t a huge change, but I definitely noticed it.
A few honest expectations:
Time lines: use between 8 to 12 weeks and then make a decision.
Please note: Individual results may vary. This depends on your: genetics, health of eyelashes, daily home care (e.g. eye rubbing, sleeping with your mascara, etc.)
It’s a marathon not a sprint: It’s going to take time.
If a brand claims that their product can achieve incredible results within two weeks and does not use prostaglandins, I will suspect that something may be amiss. In fact, I might be suspicious of the entire claim.
How to Read a Lash Serum Label Like a Pro
This simple practice would have saved me from the tomato-eyelid morning. Prior to purchasing a serum, check the back of the package for the ingredients that I listed above (bimatoprost, isopropyl cloprostenate, travoprost, latanoprost). If you see any of those listed, you are looking at a prostaglandin based product.
A few extra tips:
Do not use the front of the product package as your primary source of product information. The use of phrases such as “clinically proven” or “advanced growth formula,” will give you very little information about the product itself.
Check to see if the entire list of ingredients is available.Any operation not declaring all ingredients should be deemed a “red flag”.
Solutions for sensitive eyes you should always be on the lookout for substances that are irritating to the eyes, mostly if you have sensitive eyes. Fragrances or anything else we wouldn’t expect to see as a preservative may also be irritating to sensitive eyes.
Perform a test for allergies.
Put some of the product on the inside of your arm, and wait 24 hours before you put any of it around your eyes.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Over the months, I picked up a few habits that made a real difference:
• Apply to clean, dry skin along the upper lash line, usually at night.
• Be consistent. Missing days is the fastest way to stop progressing. I have my serum right beside my toothbrush and since then, I haven’t missed a day.
• Be gentle.Gently wipe off eye makeup and do not rub aggressively.
Don’t forget to treat your lashes. Replace old mascara regularly, and always remove your makeup before going to bed.
Be conscious of your body’s response to the product. Discontinue use if you experience any further redness of the eyes, swelling, or pain and see your doctor or optometrist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lash serums that don’t contain prostaglandins safe?
Generally speaking, they are seen as less harsh than other options. However, “safest” will vary depending on both the person and the particular product being used. Anyone may experience an allergic reaction to any ingredient, therefore it is recommended to do a skin patch test prior to using the product and also to examine the label.
Can I use them with contact lenses?
Most people apply the serum after taking out their contacts in the evening, however, it is a good idea to contact an eye doctor if you have any questions.
Are they okay during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Many individuals decide to utilize prostaglandin-free products while they are in this stage. Still, the ingredients of these products still vary. Talk to your doctor before trying out any of the new products.
How long until I see results?
Typically after 8-12 weeks of consistent use.
. A few individuals will see results more quickly, and some will take longer.
Do they work as well as prostaglandin serums?
Usually not as drastically. They are more concerned with the health of your eyelashes and their overall appearance, than with accelerating their growth, therefore they would be appropriate for those individuals that prefer the gentler approach over the quicker one.
My Final Thoughts
Looking back, that irritated eyelid was strangely one of the most positive things to ever occur with regard to my beauty regimen. It required me to take a step back, look at the ingredients listed on product labels, and be mindful of what I apply around my eyes.I would have really liked instant (and dramatic) eyelashes but a beautiful set of long lush healthy lashes and a non-inflamed eyelid is still a much better deal than having puffy eyes for a whole week.
Once you’re looking for a lash serum without prostaglandins, set realistic expectations, carefully study the product label, don’t rush, and observe how your eyes react.
Your eyes will typically provide feedback on whether or not they are comfortable with the product.
And, if there’s anything you learn from my tomato-eyelid story, please remember to always read the label.
*Disclaimer: The information provided within this article is solely for general health education purposes and does not take the place of professional medical consultation. Please consult with your primary care physician or eye doctor if you currently suffer from an eye disorder, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have experienced an adverse reaction to any of the products mentioned above.
Additional Resources:
- What You Should Know About Eyelash Growth Serums (American Academy of Ophthalmology) Explains that Latisse is the only FDA-approved lash serum, and that isopropyl cloprostenate, the prostaglandin analog common in over-the-counter serums, is not FDA approved. This supports your “What Is Prostaglandin” and label-reading sections. aao
- Are Eyelash Growth Serums (Not Latisse) Safe? (American Academy of Ophthalmology) An ophthalmologist answer saying prostaglandin-free over-the-counter serums are likely safe, but as cosmetics they lack studies proving effectiveness or safety. This backs up your honest-expectations section. aao
