If you’ve ever dreamed of having long, voluminous lashes, you’ve likely considered using a lash serum. These beauty elixirs promise the lush lashes you see on glamorous runway models, but there's often more than meets the eye—literally. Prostaglandin-based lash serums have become a hot topic, thanks to their potent promise of impressive lash growth. Yet, amidst all the allure, there’s a storm of controversy brewing.
More Than Meets the Eye, Literally
Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that originally gained attention in the medical field for treating eye conditions, with longer lashes as an unexpected bonus side effect. However, their entry into the beauty industry has not been without complications.
One of the key ingredients, isopropyl cloprostenate, a synthetic prostaglandin, has been linked to a series of significant side effects. Users have reported everything from minor eye irritation and changes in pigmentation to potentially more serious issues like altered eye pressure.
Lashes and Lawsuits
These concerns have escalated into legal battles, where numerous lawsuits have been filed against cosmetics companies offering these serums. Consumers who have experienced adverse reactions claim they were not adequately informed about the risks associated with isopropyl cloprostenate, leading to calls for greater transparency and accountability in the beauty industry.
Following a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturer of a lash serum product containing isopropyl cloprostenate, the manufacturer offered to pay approximately $38 million to its consumers. Others have been settled and others are still ongoing.
These legal actions serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety and informed consent when it comes to beauty products that make bold but unsubstantiated claims.
Why Are There So Many Prostaglandin-Based Lash Serums Still on the Market?
Despite multiple recalls, many lash serum products containing synthetic prostaglandins are still available on the market. Consumers may not even realise that a product contains prostaglandin.
To recognise common synthetic prostaglandins, look for these ingredients on product labels:
- Isopropyl cloprostenate
- Bimatoprost
- Latanoprost
- Dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide.
Choosing the Right Serum for You
When it comes to beauty, the pursuit of perfection should never come at the cost of health and wellness. As consumers become more informed and vigilant about what they put on their bodies, the demand for safe and effective alternatives is on the rise.
While prostaglandin-based lash serums might appear to be a quick and easy fix for achieving the lashes of your dreams, it’s crucial to be fully aware of the potential consequences and risks involved before making that final purchase decision. This article by Good Housekeeping Institute was updated in 2022 to remove five previously recommended lash products that contain isopropyl cloprostenate.
Always consider consulting with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist to explore safer, natural options such as peptide-based lash serums, and weigh the pros and cons carefully before embarking on your lash-enhancing journey.