3 days ago
The shocking side effects of lash serums from eye colour change to undereye circles – and alternatives to try
Eyelash and brow serums can really be hit and miss, so when you find one that works for you, you want to cling on for dear life. But what if, as it lengthens your lashes, it causes irritation and changes to your eye area? Is it worth it? There has been chatter online for a while about the side effects of prostaglandin, a common ingredient found in many really popular lash and brow serums, but the conversations around it have bubbled up once more thanks to something that Molly Mae brought up in a recent vlog. Having discovered a lash serum that has really helped lengthen and strengthen her lashes, lately she had noticed that it's potentially started to irritate her eyes.
'I have a large dilemma at the minute,' she starts, 'and talking about it is going to make it real.' She goes on to say that in her previous video, she mentioned that she has some irritation around her eyes and that they looked 'really sore', 'really irritated and dark'. Following this, she received comments from viewers stating that their lash serums had caused the same effect on their eyes.
'I've been using these serums for about eight months now,' she notes and describes them as the 'most results-driven products' she has ever used. Despite this, she started to notice irritation weeks back and, in trying to work out and connect the dots, has noted that the serums she uses for her lashes and brows contain prostaglandins, which have had some backlash because of known side effects of continued use.
What is prostaglandin?
Prostaglandin is an ingredient often used in hair growth supplements that, when applied topically, stimulates hair follicles to trigger growth. In the UK, it can be found readily in over-the-counter products, but in other countries, it can be prescription only, because of its potency. But just because it's potent, it doesn't make products dangerous. 'Prostaglandin-based lash serums do work,' says Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, skin doctor and medical educator, 'and that's because they mimic hormone-like substances naturally found in the body. They bind to receptors at the lash follicle, extend the growth phase, and increase the number of lashes that grow. That's why results can be so dramatic.'
I love a prostaglandin-based serum – Revitalash – and have seen epic results thanks to its supercharged formula. I have never had any irritation from using it, and my hereditary dark circles were there way before I started using lash serums. What I will say, though, is that when I finish a tube of any brow or lash serum, I always break for at least a few months before using another, as I feel like it gives my lashes time to reset and just exist at a gorgeous fluttery length before I ply them with more growth juice.
What are the side effects of prostaglandin?
Like with any active ingredients in beauty, not everyone is going to experience adverse reactions to prostaglandin, but some side effects can be 'redness, pigmentation around the eye, or even darkening of the iris,' says Dr Fabusiwa. I have never experienced any of these side effects, but it's always good to be informed of potential reactions so you can note if something is potentially developing. Clare, our senior ecomm beauty writer, has tested many lash serums for Cosmo and has never had any adverse reactions either.
Are there prostaglandin-free lash serums?
Yes, there are prostaglandin-free lash serums on the market if you want to avoid the ingredient. The alternative ingredient to prostaglandin to stimulate growth, is a Peptide Lash Growth Serum
£33.60 at
Peptides work in a similar way but are gentler and often found in more natural serums. Because of their gentle nature, the results are slower to come and less dramatic, but great to have the option there.
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