šŸ“ƒ Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Serum For You

Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Formula

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.

Getting Science-y | Lash Serum Options:Ā 

There are different types of eyelash serums available on the market:Ā Prostaglandin/Analog Serums and Botanical/Peptide Serums.

First, let's quickly chat about the back-story of prostaglandins.

Prostaglandin-based serums wereĀ 'discovered' by usingĀ ingredients (bimatoprost) that were originally used as glaucoma treatments.Ā In addition to treating glaucoma, bimatoprostĀ had a pleasant side-effect ofĀ growing and thickening eyelashes.

Itā€™s rare for the same medication to be used for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes.Ā Bimatoprost (also sold under the name brand LatisseĀ®)Ā is workin'Ā double duty.Ā Bimatoprost is in a class of medications calledĀ prostaglandin analogs.

LatisseĀ® enters the chat: fast forward, and now LatisseĀ® is a prescription treatment approved by Health Canada to enhance lashes. For our friends from 'Merica, LatisseĀ® is the only FDA-approved prostaglandin eyelash growth serum on the market.

Prostaglandin Analog Serums:
  • These types of serums contain synthetic prostaglandins and/or bimatoprost that work by extending the lash growth cycle (anagen phase), leading to longer and thicker lashes.
  • Often (but not always), lashes simulated by prostaglandin-based serums will tend to grow long,Ā thin, and wispy, resembling hairs and not typical eyelashes, like the image below. Pass this girl a Barbie brush and a mini-scrunchie for those lashes. Yeesh.Ā 

  • Once your lashes have adapted to this external hormone supply, they can shed more quickly when discontinue the product; this occurs because your lash follicles attempt to revert to their natural function without the hormones.Ā 
  • When transitioning from a prostaglandin-based serum toĀ Pretty Please, we advise waiting for at least 3 months before starting the new serum. This will give your lashes sufficient time to return to their normal state.Ā 
  • Expect to see noticeable results within 4 weeks of consistent use with prostaglandin-based serums. But beware, some may experience potential side effects like eye irritation or discoloration of the iris.
  • Bimatoprost is not the only prostaglandin analog creeping into some products. When analyzing the ingredient list of many of your cosmetic products, youĀ may find synthetic prostaglandin compounds such as:
    • Isopropyl cloprostenate
    • Isopropyl phenyl hydroxyl pentane
    • Dihydroxy cyclopentyl-heptane
    • Dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide
    • Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide
  • So, not to scold you, but itā€™s important to check ingredient labels and be aware of these other names.
  • Another quick tidbit about prostaglandins having various medical uses is thatĀ prostaglandins can beĀ used to induce labor or an abortion.Ā Interesting flex, prostaglandins.Ā 

  • K, but so why is LatisseĀ® used, but other prostaglandin serums have a *bad reputation*? (Cue the T. Swift, Taylorā€™s version, obvs):
    • LatisseĀ® (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 (Americaā€™s version of Health Canada). As we already explained, LatisseĀ® contains the prostaglandin analog bimatoprost, which is the active ingredient responsible for promoting eyelash growth.
    • The reason why LatisseĀ® 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: LatisseĀ® 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 LatisseĀ® 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: LatisseĀ® 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 LatisseĀ®, 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 ingredientsĀ 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,Ā 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:Ā 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.Ā Peptide-Based Serums feature a variety of natural ingredients that work together to enhance lash health.Ā Some of the proven peptides with clinical studies are Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 and Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1.Ā 

What to Definitely Avoid:

  • 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.Ā Some brands have reported noticeable lash growth results. But, effectiveness varies among brands, and results may be inconsistent.
  • A ā€œbig yikesā€ 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 weā€™ve mentioned; those ingredients are notoriously B.I.G. for flaring up sensitivities or allergies.Ā 
  • 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 ā€œbadā€. So, donā€™t automatically panic if you learn that your products contain a preservative.

Pretty Please Lash Enhancing Serum:

If you're seeking a safe, effective, and vegan formula, look no further than Pretty Please Lash Enhancing Serum. Our meticulously crafted serumĀ utilizes the magic of both botanical extracts and peptide-powered ingredients withĀ 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!

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