The sources place other lash products in separate groups. An FDA page states that cosmetic products and ingredients, with the exception of color additives, do not require FDA approval before they go on the market. The FDA eye cosmetic safety page says it considers eyelash extensions cosmetic products. The latanoprost studies in alopecia areata are non-randomized or experimental, and they report different results. This guide reports each source and does not rank or recommend any product.
Bimatoprost 0.03% as the reference point
The Latisse prescribing information describes Latisse (bimatoprost 0.03%) as a prostaglandin analog indicated to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their growth including length, thickness and darkness. The claims below do not compare the other products with Latisse.
Cosmetic lash serums
| Question | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Do cosmetics need FDA approval before sale? | An FDA page on cosmetics versus drugs states that, under the FD&C Act, cosmetic products and ingredients, with the exception of color additives, do not require FDA approval before they go on the market. |
| Can a claim change a product's status? | An FDA page on cosmetics and U.S. law states that claims that products will restore hair growth, reduce cellulite, treat varicose veins, or revitalize cells are examples of claims that establish the product as a drug, because the intended use is to treat or prevent disease or otherwise affect the structure or functions of the human body. |
| What does a 2024 review say about eyelash serums? | A comprehensive review of eyelash serums states that current United States law also requires no efficacy or safety assessments by the Food and Drug Administration before approving products for consumer use, potentially posing health risks for patients seeking over-the-counter eyelash enhancements. |
| What does a 2011 review say about over-the-counter products? | A review of eyelash enhancement options states that some over-the-counter (OTC) products may contain prostaglandin analogs that can affect eyelash growth, but neither the safety nor efficacy of these OTC cosmetics has been fully studied. |
These sources describe cosmetic and over-the-counter products as a group. The claims name no individual serum and give no trial results for one.
Eyelash extensions
The FDA eye cosmetic safety page states that FDA considers false eyelashes, eyelash extensions, and their adhesives to be cosmetic products, and as such they must adhere to the safety and labeling requirements for cosmetics. A 2019 literature review of ocular cosmetic procedures reports that the most common complication associated with eyelash extensions was allergic blepharitis (79%). The claim does not say what the 79% is a percentage of.
Latanoprost, another prostaglandin analog
A 2009 report of an experimental study describes latanoprost as an analogue of prostaglandin F(2alpha) which is used to treat glaucoma. It states that increases in eyelash number, thickness, and pigmentation have been reported as latanoprost side effects. In that study, in alopecia areata of the eyelashes and eyebrows, only one of the latanoprost-treated cases showed partial hair regrowth on the treated side. The relationship between regrowth and latanoprost application was not statistically significant (P = 1) by Fisher test.
A 2010 report describes a 2-year prospective, non-randomized study of latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution applied to the eyelid margins nightly in people with eyelash alopecia areata. The reported results were complete regrowth in 17.5%, moderate regrowth in 27.5%, slight regrowth in 30% and without response in 25%. The claim does not give the number of participants.
Prostaglandin analogs reviewed together
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of topical prostaglandin analogs for hair loss says its results showed the analogs could significantly improve hair length and density (p < 0.001). It concludes that the optimal dose and frequency of the experimental treatment require further studies. The title does not limit it to bimatoprost or to eyelashes. As far as adverse events are concerned, it reports no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group. The claims do not give event rates.
What this does not tell you
No source here compares cosmetic serums, extensions, latanoprost and bimatoprost with one another, so this guide cannot say how they differ in effect or risk. The two latanoprost reports use a non-randomized design and an experimental design, are in alopecia areata, and report different results. The FDA statements describe product categories, not any one serum. Latisse statements describe Latisse, not a compounded bimatoprost serum, and the FDA states that compounded drugs are not FDA-approved. A licensed provider decides what is suitable for a given person.