What's in These Lash Treatment Products?

Eyelash enhancers may contain a variety of ingredients - depending upon the product. Some contain various combinations of vitamins - which the manufacturers claim creates a healthier environment for eyelash growth. Products containing only vitamins are unlikely to be harmful, but it's also unlikely that they'll have any real effect on eyelash growth - since vitamins have never been shown to stimulate eyelash growth unless there's a deficiency.

Some Are More Like Drugs

On the other hand, some unscrupulous companies are marketing lash growth treatments that contain prostaglandins. These are hormone-like chemicals that are naturally produced in the body and have a variety of functions - one of which is to lower the pressure behind the eye. Because of this property of prostaglandins - prostaglandin analogues are often used to treat glaucoma. One of the effects of using these prostaglandin analogues is increased eyelash growth.

Can Lash Growth Treatments Lead to Eye Damage?

Of course, the FDA doesn't allow prostaglandin analogues in cosmetic products because they can lead to eye problems. So, the manufacturers of these lash growth treatments are illegally marketing what's essentially a drug - as a cosmetic. So, you don't know what you're getting when you buy these lash treatments. Nevertheless, most don't work and when they do, it may be because they contain illegally added prostaglandin analogues.

Prescription Eyelash Enhancers

There is now a FDA approved lash growth treatment on the market called Latisse. Latisse is a product that also contains a prostaglandin analogue - but one that's been studied and cleared by the FDA. It can help people grow longer, thicker lashes, but it, too, has some drawbacks and side effects. For one, it's expensive. The cost of a month's supply of this lash growth treatment is $120.00 - not exactly chump change for most people. Plus, it can cause eye color to turn brown and the lids to darken. Some people also experience eye redness and irritation. On top of that, health insurance usually doesn't pay for this type of cosmetic treatment.

The Bottom Line

It's best to avoid cosmetic lash growth treatments since most are ineffective, and the ones that do work could contain illegally added prostaglandin analogues. Latisse is a prescription option that works for many people, but also has disturbing side effects such as eye and lid color changes. The best option? Stick with safer options such as lash extending mascaras.