Lash-Growth Serums: The Eye Color and Eyelid Warnings You Should Know
HairArticleLashes often thin after 50, and lash serums promise fuller ones. The one FDA-approved lash treatment, a prescription prostaglandin solution, warns of darkened eyelids, possibly permanent browning of the iris and stray hair growth. If a cosmetic serum lists a prostaglandin-like ingredient, ask about the same risks.
In this article
Thinner, shorter, lighter lashes are common with age. The only FDA-approved treatment for sparse lashes is a prescription prostaglandin solution (bimatoprost 0.03%) applied to the upper lash line.1 Its label is the best guide to what can happen when this type of ingredient is used near the eye.
What the prescription label warns
- Darker eyelid skin. Pigment around the eyes can darken; this usually fades after stopping.1
- Browning of the iris. Eye color can become more brown, which is likely permanent and may take months to years to notice.1 This matters most for light-colored eyes.
- Hair where you don’t want it. Hair can grow where the solution repeatedly touches skin, such as the cheek.1
- Glaucoma drops. If you use prostaglandin drops for eye pressure, using a lash product too may make your glaucoma treatment less effective.1
- Eye inflammation or past eye surgery call for caution; the label mentions uveitis and macular swelling.1
- Common side effects: itchy eyes, red eyes and skin darkening, each in about 3% to 4% of users.1
How the prescription is applied
Once nightly, on clean skin with makeup and contact lenses removed, using a sterile applicator along the upper lash line, then blotting any excess.1
Checklist for cosmetic lash serums
- Read the ingredients. If a serum lists a prostaglandin-like ingredient, often with “prost” in the name, the risks above may apply.
- Tell your eye doctor, especially if you have glaucoma, light-colored eyes or past eye surgery.
- Apply to the upper lash line only and blot excess.
- Stop and get checked for eye pain, redness or vision changes.
- Take photos of your eyes and eyelids before starting so you can spot color changes.
Our guides to prescribed lash treatment, lash extension glue, thinning eyebrows and dry eyes after 50 cover related decisions.
Try: “I have hazel eyes and use glaucoma drops. Is a lash-growth serum safe for me, and which ingredients should I avoid?”
Hair, Everywhere includes a Hair Check and a monthly Hair Log. Use them to photograph your lashes and eyelids monthly while trying any product. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. Eye pain, vision changes, light sensitivity or a red, painful eye need prompt care. If you have glaucoma or have had eye surgery, talk with your eye doctor before using any lash product near the eye. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. This article discusses a prescription medicine's label and general product-safety checks. It does not evaluate any particular brand or product. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- DailyMed, National Library of MedicineBimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% (eyelash hypotrichosis): prescribing information (opens in a new tab)abcdefgh
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll check it.
