📃 Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Serum For You

Choosing the right lash serum is the key to unlocking those luscious lashes you've been dreaming of. Let's dive into the world of lash serums and find the perfect fit for your fabulous peepers.

• Another quick tidbit about prostaglandins having various medical uses is that prostaglandins can be used to induce labor or an abortion. Interesting flex, prostaglandins. 
  
  
• K, but so why is Latisse® used, but other prostaglandin serums have a *bad reputation*? (Cue the T. Swift, Taylor’s version, obvs):
• Latisse® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is an approved prescription medication for the treatment of inadequate eyelash growth, also known as hypotrichosis, by Health Canada and the FDA (America’s version of Health Canada). As we already explained, Latisse® contains the prostaglandin analog bimatoprost, which is the active ingredient responsible for promoting eyelash growth.
• The reason why Latisse® is allowed and has gained Health Canada/FDA approval while some other prostaglandin serums may have a bad rap is likely due to the following factors:
  
  1. Clinical Trials and Safety Data: Latisse® underwent extensive clinical trials to demonstrate its safety and effectiveness for eyelash growth. Health Canada and the FDA evaluate the results of these trials before approving a medication. The safety data and evidence of efficacy are critical in determining whether a drug can be approved for public use.
  
  2. Specific Formulation: The formulation of Latisse® and its concentration of bimatoprost have been carefully studied and standardized to provide the desired eyelash growth effects while minimizing potential side effects.
  
  3. Medical Supervision: Latisse® is a prescription medication, meaning it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This ensures that patients are properly informed about its usage and potential side effects.
  
  4. Manufacturing Standards: FDA-approved medications, including Latisse®, adhere to strict manufacturing standards to ensure product quality and consistency.
  
  On the other hand, some non-Health Canada/FDA-approved prostaglandin serums may not have undergone the same level of rigorous testing, and their formulations may vary widely. As a result, there could be concerns about their safety, efficacy, and potential side effects. Additionally, some of these non-approved serums may be sold without proper medical supervision, which can increase the risk of misuse and adverse effects.

Botanical and Peptide-Based Serums:

• Botanical serums are typically plant-based and utilize natural extracts to nourish and strengthen lashes.

• The botanical ingredients work by providing essential nutrients to the lash follicles, promoting natural growth and overall lash health.

• Peptide serums utilize powerful peptides, which are short chains of amino acids, that nourish and strengthen your lashes from the roots by stimulating lash follicles, promoting natural lash growth and thickness.

• Results: While results may take a little longer to show, the advantage is a gentler formula with fewer potential side effects. Patience is key! Peptide and botanical-based serums are a fantastic choice for those with sensitive eyes or seeking a more natural approach.

• Common ingredients: Look for nourishing botanical extracts like ginseng root, pumpkin seed extract, biotin (Vitamin B7), and panthenol (Vitamin B5). These natural goodies provide essential nutrients to your lashes, promoting their strength and overall appearance. Peptide-Based Serums feature a variety of natural ingredients that work together to enhance lash health. Some of the proven peptides with clinical studies are Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 and Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1. 

• When choosing your lash serum, steer clear of harmful ingredients like prostaglandins, parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and heavy oils. These ingredients can cause irritation, clog hair follicles, or weigh down your lashes, which defeats the purpose of your lash care journey.

• Often, serums containing some questionable ingredients are easily accessible at local drug stores with various affordable options. Some brands have reported noticeable lash growth results. But, effectiveness varies among brands, and results may be inconsistent.

• A “big yikes” is that a lack of regulation allows for potentially harmful ingredients beyond the banned in cosmetics sneaking into these types of serums.

• Other not-so-cool things may include a risk of eye irritation, redness, burning, itching, swelling, and blurred vision, which are common due to chemicals. Yuck. If you had a bad experience with a prior drug store lash serum, or heard a horror story of a friend using one from a big beauty retailer that rhymes with Schmefora, chances are it had one of the icky ingredients we’ve mentioned; those ingredients are notoriously B.I.G. for flaring up sensitivities or allergies. 

• Additionally, they may contain bad preservatives like benzalkonium chloride or edetate disodium. Keep an eye out for those ingredients! Preservatives in cosmetic products are common, and not all preservatives are “bad”. So, don’t automatically panic if you learn that your products contain a preservative.

If you're seeking a safe, effective, and vegan formula, look no further than Pretty Please Lash Enhancing Serum. Our meticulously crafted serum utilizes the magic of both botanical extracts and peptide-powered ingredients with scientifically-backed research to promote healthy lash growth without any harmful side effects. A little patience is the key to expect fluttery, fabulous lashes. Before you know it, you'll have luscious lashes, all while supporting a cruelty-free brand dedicated to making your lash journey a breeze!