It's me (prostaglandins, parabens, hormones, alcohol, and oils). Hi. I'm the problem, it's me.
⚖️ Not all lash serums are created equally:
You may have had a bad reaction to one in the past, or simply even heard of some class-action law suits that were filed by consumers of popular brands like GrandeLash or Rodan and Fields for using ingredients that can cause potentially serious side effects, like iris discoloration. Even a former cult-favourite, EyEnvy, was recalled by Health Canada in 2022, and the company has closed its doors for good. If you want to read up on all the tea, we included some links for you to check out the deets.
📖 Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist (Add these ingredients to your Burn Book):
Lucky for Canadians, Health Canada has strict cosmetic ingredient regulations. You can review Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist here for a list of nasty, harmful ingredients that you should double check are not included on the labels of your fav beauty products.
Don't worry, we've done the work for ya' with our Pretty Please lash enhancing serum. Countless hours of R&D have been dedicated to creating a safe and effective formula. We are proud to have meticulously crafted a scientifically-backed, gentle formula using a powerful blend of potent botanical ingredients.
🚫 Some common ingredients for your no-no list:
In a lash serum, you want ingredients that nourish and promote lash health without any potential side effects. Choosing natural, gentle, and non-irritating ingredients can lead to better results and support the overall well-being of your lashes and delicate eye area. With that said, steer clear of:
- Parabens: These are preservatives that are used to extend the shelf life of products. However they have been associated with potential hormone disruption and have raised concerns about their long-term effects on health.
- Commonly used parabens in cosmetic products include:
- Methylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Prostaglandins (Bimatoprost): Some lash serums may contain synthetic prostaglandins, which can promote lash growth. However, these ingredients may also have side effects like eye irritation, redness, and discolouration of the iris.
- Here is a list of the banned prostaglandin ingredients by Health Canada (i.e. these ingredients are on your HELL NO list):
- Alprostadil
- Bimatoprost
- Cloprostenol
- Dinoprostone
- Epoprostenol
- Fluprostenol
- Latanoprost
- Misoprostol
- Tafluprost
- Travoprost
- Treprostinil
- Unoprostone
- Dehydrolatanoprost
- Ethyl Travoprostamide
- Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide
- Isopropyl Phenylhydroxypentene Dihydroxycyclopentylheptenate;
- Isopropyl Cloprostenate
- Other ingredients to watch out for: they may contain preservatives like benzalkonium chloride or edetate disodium.
- Sulfates: Sulfates are cleansing agents that create a lather in many beauty products. They can be harsh on delicate skin around the eyes, and may lead to dryness and irritation, leading to potential lash damage.
- Synthetic Fragrances: Often added to cosmetic products for a pleasant scent, synthetic fragrances can be irritating to sensitive skin and eyes, leading to discomfort and potential allergic reactions.
- Silicones: Silicones are synthetic compounds that are often used to create a smooth and silky texture, as well as to provide a protective film or coating on the lashes. While they can offer temporary benefits like softness and shine, they can actually accumulate on the lashes leading to a build-up that will make your lashes appear weighed down, clumpy, and less voluminous. Additionally, the silicone film on the lashes may create a barrier that prevents essential nutrients from being absorbed into your lash follicles, hindering natural lash growth, and they can even cause allergic reactions to those with silicone sensitivities.
⚠️ Other important stuff to watch out for:
- Avoid alcohol-based serums, as they will dry out your lashes, can strip away your natural oils, and leave your lashes brittle and prone to breakage. Also, it may seem like a no-brainer, but the skin around or eyes is sensitive and delicate. Alcohol can be harsh and irritating, leading to redness, itchiness, and discomfort. Avoid the drama that comes with alcohol, at least on the eyes!
- Avoid lash serums with heavy oils. Not only can they make your lashes feel weighed down and clumpy, but heavy oils have a higher likelihood of clogging hair follicles and lash roots, which can lead to clogged tear ducts, discomfort, and irritation.
- We love our fur-babies, so for us, testing on animals is an absolute no for us, dawg.
If you are looking for an alternative to serums like Latisse, GrandeLash, The Ordinary, or Rodan and Fields, Pretty Please lash enhancing serum is a safe, effective, vegan and cruelty-free formula.