For many women, having long lashes is a constant desire. But, no matter how great a lengthening mascara is, it can only take you so far. Lash serums have been the buzz for a few years within the beauty industry.
So, when applying anything near your eyes, it’s only natural to have some concerns and questions, such as What is a lash serum? What lash serum ingredients should you look for? And, Are lash serums effective?
What is a lash serum?
A lash serum is a formulation that boosts and provides stimulation for lash growth. The purpose of the serum is to make the lash hair follicles healthier. Most lash serums are full of peptides and fatty acids, which condition the lashes, causing lash growth.
The way to apply a lash serum is along the upper lash line with a fine tip applicator or by a mascara wand through the lashes for fullness and length.
Often, many lash serum brands promote their products to make the lashes longer. However, many have ingredients that will only condition the lashes to be more vital and healthy, therefore, less breakage.
It’s important to note that over-the-counter lash serums have not been FDA tested or approved. The only clinically proven lash serum to stimulate lash growth is Latisse.
While beauty stores sell many lash serums, Latisse is an FDA-approved drug that an optometrist or dermatologist can only prescribe. So before you ask for a Latisse prescription, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about any potential side effects and proper usage.
What Lash Serum Ingredients Should You Look For?
Eyelash serums can bring strength and fullness to lashes by combining ingredients that include oils and vitamins. Most lash serums on the market have biotin as one of the ingredients.
The reason for this is because of its ability to create fullness to the lashes. Castor oil is an additional ingredient that many lash serums use to condition and stimulate growth.
A B5 vitamin derivative such as panthenol is a common ingredient that is in a lash serum. The purpose of this vitamin is to get deep into the hair fibers of the lash and strengthen.
Peptides are vital ingredients because they can grow from within the follicle and make the growth cycle time longer. In addition, hyaluronic acid is a significant hydrating component found in a lash serum as well.
There are ingredients in lash serums that you should be aware of. Not every component that is listed in a lash serum is suitable for your lashes and overall health. For example, Latisse has a formulation that includes a synthetic hormone named Bimatoprost. It has been clinically proven to be effective in lash growth. However, some people can have some side effects such as :
- Stinging, burning, and painful eyes
- Blurry Vision
- Darkening of the skin around the eyelids
- Inflammation of the eye
- Eyelid drooping
Many over-the-counter lash serums use synthetic prostaglandins (hormones). Brands often use this ingredient so that their product can be categorized as a cosmetic and not a drug. Unfortunately, lash serums with this ingredient can have side effects as well. Some common ingredient names that have synthetic prostaglandins are:
- Dechbro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethyl Cloprosten
- Isopropyl Cloprostenate
- Trifluoro Methyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide
Other ingredients that can be toxic are:
- Boric acid
- Triethanolamine– This ingredient can cause harmful effects on the immune system and the sensitive skin around the eyes.
- Sodium Borate– Known to be a toxic cosmetic ingredient. As a result, many countries restrict the usage of sodium borate in cosmetics.
Are Lash Serums Effective?
Lash serums are popular because of the claims that a product can make your eyelashes longer and fuller. However, not all work well. Many are a waste of money or, as mentioned in this article, full of toxic ingredients.
It all comes down to quality. Latisse is the only FDA-approved lash serum on the market. Because Latisse is proven to grow and volumize lashes, giving hope that the results will be good. At the same time, many people see great results with Latisse; it’s not for everyone.
One of the top-selling over-the-counter lash serums and budget-friendly is the Neutrogena Healthy Lashes Lash Enhancer Serum. It is infused with ingredients such as peptides and biotin. As a result, many reviewers claim that they have seen a positive difference in their lashes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lash serums with ingredients such as peptides, biotin, botanicals, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and castor oil, if anything, will improve the health of your lashes by providing hydration, strength, and conditioning your eyelashes. Are lash serums effective?
It depends on each person’s results. Some people may see excellent results with thicker and longer lashes. In comparison, other people may only notice that their lashes are less dry and brittle.
Do your research, and it’s essential to look at the ingredients in the lash serum you are considering buying. If you decide to try Latisse, talk with your doctor to see if it’s a good option for you.
Disclaimer: None of the products mentioned are affiliated or sponsored.
Digest of Beauty 