Eyelash Booster Serums: Is This Viral Beauty Trend Safe?
Dreaming of those long gorgeous doll-like eyelashes? If yes, then I’m sure you came across ~ the eyelash booster serums ~ the recent viral beauty product that promises to help you grow fuller and longer eyelashes naturally.
Yet, just like with many other beauty trends, as your conscious beauty advocate, I had to investigate if these products are worth the hype and even~ well, safe to use. So, in this article, I’m sharing all the deets you need to know to mindfully decide whether eyelash booster serums are for you.
What are eyelash booster serums?
Before we fully dive in, let’s get clear on what these magic serums actually are. According to what Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist and CEO of GFaceMD told Birdie “Lash serums are growth-enhancing formulas that stimulate lash growth. They extend the telogen phase of growth, lengthening the lash growth cycle.”
Thanks to their variety of ingredients “They nourish and boost lash thickness and growth." says board-certified ophthalmologist Diane Hilal-Campo, MD to Instyle. Going through these products, you may find some that you can apply along the upper lash line with a fine-tipped applicator or some that look and can be used like mascara.
The difference between OTC serums and prescription serums
But…There’s a catch of course.
The easily accessible over-the-counter serums act mainly as lash conditioners and don’t stimulate the growth cycle. They’re safe to use and…You can think of them as ~ lash food. They contain ingredients like Biotin, essential oils, and other products that truly nourish the lashes. As a result, your super healthy, well-nourished lashes might look fuller and longer and give you your desired look.
However, if you’d like to see a drastic change in your eyelash density you’ll need a serum like Latisse. These serums require a doctor's prescription and offer real change with real health risks. Plus, as soon as you stop using Latisse (or similar base serums), your lashes will return to their natural look whereas the potential eye damage isn’t reversible.
Are the horror stories about these products true? (Spoiler: it depends)
So, you’ve heard dramatic stories (like the one below) of women needing surgery after using eyelash serums and wondered if they could be true... Well, according to my research and what professional ophthalmologists say: They most probably are. But. As I mentioned above, the dangerous side effects are an issue of the prescription-only lash serums and not the OTC ones.
This is because prescription-only lash serums like Latisse contain a powerful hormone that jumpstarts your lash growth but can also permanently change the color of the iris, cause chronic dry eyes, redness, blurry vision, and even sunken eyes (a symptom called periorbital fat atrophy).
Here’s a quick IG post of a plastic surgeon explaining the cause of these side effects on a deeper level.
Ingredients your eyelashes will love
Don’t feel like risking your eye health only for pretty eyelashes? If that’s the case, here are some natural ingredients that nourish and beautify your eyelashes without the scary side effects. Whether you’re making your DIY eyelash serum or buying one from the store, make sure it has one of these ingredients.
Castor oil
According to Rebecca Marcus, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Maei MD “Castor oil may help hydrate your lashes and decrease the risk of breakage.” And, as a group of experts told Birdie “Castor oil may indirectly influence growth by improving the environment for growth and the health of your current lashes.”
This is because castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid. Dr Jack Peterson, M.D. explains this on his blog: “Studies have indicated that this acid could be advantageous in halting hair loss, and may be useful in maintaining the thickness of your lashes.” Pretty awesome right?!
Aloe vera
Most of us know aloe vera is great for the skin and hair. But how about trying it on the eyelashes? Well, it might have similar effects there too! Thanks to its enzymes and moisturizing properties, it can prevent breakage and promote healthy lash growth.
Coconut oil
“Coconut oil may help with thinning or damaged eyelashes and encourage their regrowth.” says dr Jack Peterson, M.D on his blog. However, from personal experience, coconut oil can leave the eyes and lashes quite greasy, so be sure to use it gently in small amounts.
Our top 2 picks for natural & organic eyelash serums
If you’d like to invest in lash serums full of goodness & natural ingredients, here are our favorite pics.
Lashfood is the only eco-cert natural eyelash enhancer with 99% organic and eco ingredients. They promise an impressive increase in eyelash length, thickness, and density with absolutely no irritation. If you’re looking for the best of the best natural lash serums, give this brand a try!
This serum contains only the purest & unrefined plant-based ingredients along with an innovative formulation - patented plant stem cells such as Swiss apple stem cells. They’re confident this formulation will leave your lashes longer, fuller, and beautifully conditioned.
the bottom line
And, that’s all the details you need to make an informed choice about how you’ll get your gorgeous flickering eyelashes. Be sure to always do your research, look for the suggested ingredients and…Enjoy! ;)
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