Eyelash serums have been around for a while now and there are many different lash serums on the market, all claiming to nourish and lengthen your lashes. But what works and what doesn’t? What should you look for in an eyelash serum? The key to the answers lies - as so often – in the details: the ingredients.

There are 4 basically different types of eyelash serums:

1 – Eyelash serums with Isopropyl Cloprostenate

2 – Eyelash serums with peptides

3 - Eyelash serums with oils

4 - Eyelash serums with bimatoprost (!)

In this blog post, we explain the differences between the four types of eyelash serums. Find out which eyelash serums work, which ones are safe to use and which lash serums you should refrain from.

Best value for money: Eyelash serums with prostaglandin, such as Aphro Celina

Eyelash growth serums such as Aphro Celina Eyelash contain the active ingredient Isopropyl Cloprostenate. This ingredient is highly effective and responsible for lash growth. Clinical studies have proven that this ingredient (re-) activates the lashes and lengthens the eyelash growth cycle. Isopropyl Cloprostenate makes your eyelashes longer, fuller, thicker and stronger. Isopropyl Cloprostenate is approved as an ingredient in cosmetic products in the EU.

Applying an eyelash serum is very easy. Simply apply the lash serum daily (ideally before going to bed) just like an eyeliner on your lash line. You will achieve best results after 6 weeks of daily application.
The eyelash growth serum Aphro Celina Eyelash has been dermatologically tested, is cruelty fee and vegan. With Aphro Celina you will achieve amazing results for a fraction of the cost of more expensive serums. We were so amazed by the results that the Aphro Celina eyelash growth serum delivers, that we decided to add it to our product range in the online shop long time ago.

Safe bet: Eyelash serums with peptides, such as Revitalash or Rapidlash

The manufacturers of these products use so-called peptides in their lash serums. Customers who have used these lash serums claim in their reviews that their lashes look longer and more healthy. We, however, have not heard of any clinical studies that prove the effectiveness of peptides in lengthening eyelashes. We regard lash serums with peptides rather as an intermediate product between a lash conditioner and an eyelash growth serum. Lash serums with peptides are allowed in the European Union and the US.

Low cost: Eyelash Serums with Nourishing Oils, such as Mavala

Many eyelash serums do not contain prostaglandin or peptides. Instead, those lash serums contain various oils and other nourishing ingredients. Lash serums with nourishing oils will make your lashes and brows more beautiful. Your lashes and brows will look healthier and have a natural glow. These products cannot activate eyelash growth, however. That’s why we call these products lash conditioners instead of lash growth serums. Lash conditioners are a very good alternative to those rather expensive lash serums containing peptides.

Mavala Double Lash & Browis an example of a very good lash conditioner. This all-natural product is an organic, nourishing lash serum that gives your lashes a healthy beauty boost! Its organic ingredients are full of nutrients, boosting both your eyelashes and eyebrows. This conditioner is made from 100% natural oils and herbs. It is anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamin E and anti-oxidants. Of course, this all-natural lash serum is also approved as a cosmetic product in the EU and the US.

Do not consider: Eyelash serums with Bimatoprost, e.g.  FEG Eyelash Enhancer

When developing a new medicine against cataract, the pharmaceutical company Allergan discovered that the medical substance Bimatoprost has a side effect: it caused eyelashes to grow longer, darker and thicker. Within the European Union, eyelash serums containing this ingredient are banned. Bimatoprost is not authorised as an ingredient for cosmetic products in the EU. In the EU, products with bimatoprost are prescription-only. Bimatoprost is an ingredient intended for medical application and can have the following side effects: brown pigmentation of the iris (change in eye colour), discoloration of the skin around the eyes and hazy vision. Eyelash serums such as the FEG Eyelash Enhancer contain bimatoprost and are thus banned in the EU and the US.

Which eyelash serums are safe to use?

Many people ask us whether eyelash serums are safe. There seems to be quite some misconception around this topic. The eyelash serums mentioned above, containing prostaglandin (1), peptides (2) and oils (3) are absolutely safe. All ingredients are authorised for cosmetic use.  Eyelash serums with bimatoprost as their active ingredient are NOT authorised in the EU and the US. This is why we strongly advise AGAINST any lash serum containing bimatoprost.

When NOT to use a lash serum

Although the risks are minimal, we generally advise NOT to use a lash serum when pregnant or breastfeeding. Children and anyone currently undergoing chemotherapy should also NOT use lash serums. Better safe than sorry…

Can an eyelash serum have side effects?

If you have very sensitive eyes, the skin around your eyes or your eyes can be irritated when using an eyelash serum. Those irritations are usually caused by the glycerin in eyelash serums. This conditioning agent is added to make the lash serum more easily applicable. Glycerin can cause light irritations but is not harmful to your eyes or skin. When suffering from an eye infection you should refrain from using an eyelash serum.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about eyelash (growth) serums, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help you.