What Are the Dangers of an Eyelash and Eyebrow Serum?

Prostaglandin and its derivatives are growth hormones. Originally, prostaglandin was an active molecule present in certain eye drops to treat glaucoma. It was then observed as a side effect that it was able to make the eyelashes grow visibly. As a result, Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff, an American ophthalmologist, came up with the idea of using prostaglandin in eyelash booster serums.

Although this ingredient confers the desired results, it is not without side effects: redness and swelling, chronic eye irritation, dark line at the base of the eyebrows, itchy and watery eyes, hyperpigmentation of the eyelids, decrease in eye pressure, increase in pigmentation of the iris permanently, undesirable hair growth in areas besides the eyelashes and eyebrows, especially where the treatment has been in contact with the skin.

In America, the use of prostaglandin in eye care is banned by the FDA. In 2018, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) found that prostaglandin derivatives for eyelash growth pose a health risk, even at concentrations applied in cosmetics.

In 2020, the European Commission initiated a "call for data" in order to collect all scientific information about these actives. Recently, in early 2022, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded that the use of prostaglandin derivatives in cosmetic products may pose a health risk to the consumer.

To locate these ingredients in INCI lists, look for the five letters "prost": isopropyl cloprostenate, ethyl tafluprostamide, dehydrolatanoprost, bimatoprost, cyclopropylbimatoprost etc.

Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative, known by the acronym EGPhE, which is becoming increasingly controversial. Indeed, this compound can cause skin allergies, neurological disorders, as well as effects on reproduction. Moreover, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products attributes to this preservative side effects such as moderate to severe eye irritation. Given these arguments, it is preferable not to opt for an eyelash/eyebrow serum that contains phenoxyethanol.

Made with 96% natural ingredients, this strengthening serum does not contain phenoxyethanol or any prostaglandin derivatives. Based on pea peptides and castor oil, it nourishes, strengthens, and promotes the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows, naturally. Non-tinted, it should be applied preferably in the evening, after make-up removal and facial cleansing on clean and dry skin. If you apply it in the morning, wait a few minutes before putting on your mascara and eyebrow pencil, just long enough for the treatment to reach the hair follicles.