Prostaglandin & Side Effects What you need to know before choosing a lash serum.
Your eyes are everything, and lush, beautiful lashes create the perfect frame. Lash serums can give your lashes a boost in thickness and length — but side effects and unwanted irritation are possible, especially with prostaglandin-based lash serums on the market.
Considering all the side effects — is it worth using a prostaglandin serum to achieve longer lashes temporarily?
I've sourced the experts at Adoreyes Canada to give you the information you need. Guard your precious eyes, and here's to fab lashes the safe and healthy way.
From the experts at Adoreyes Canada: below, we have gathered all reported side effects of prostaglandin-based serums compared to the ADOREYES peptide-based serum, available at Pink Avenue Skin Care in Toronto.
What Are the Active Ingredients?
A prostaglandin analogue hormone listed on the label as Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Bimatoprost, Isopropanol Phenyl-hydroxyl-pentene Dihydroxy-cyclopentyl-heptenate, Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide, or Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide. Believed to prolong the anagen (active growth) phase.
Triple Peptide Complex (Acetyl Tetrapeptide, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17) acts on all three lash and brow growth phases. Eyelashes are made up of 90% protein — peptides nourish and repair this structure naturally, thickening lashes in the anagen phase, sustaining the catagen phase, and supporting visibly longer-looking lashes in the telogen phase.
Can My Eyelid or Iris Change Colour While Using the Serum?
Yes. May cause eyelid skin darkening, which may be reversible. Can also cause increased brown pigmentation of the coloured part of the eye, which is likely to be permanent.
No. Does not cause discolouration or change in pigmentation of the iris. Those serious side effects are associated with warning labels on drug products that use prostaglandins, including synthetics.
What Are the Reported Side Effects?
Prostaglandin serum — some of the reported side effects include:
- Pigmentation of the iris (likely to be permanent)
- Conjunctival hyperemia (pinkeye; incidence approximately 10%)
- Pruritus (itchiness)
- Eye drooping
- Eyelid skin hyperpigmentation (incidence approximately 6.1%)
- Hair growth outside the treatment area
- Intraocular inflammation (e.g. uveitis)
- Blurry vision
- Cataract
- Headache (1%) and nausea (1%)
- Macular edema (eye swelling)
- Dry eye symptoms
- Periorbital erythema (swollen red eyelid)
- Discolouration of contact lenses by preservatives (e.g. benzalkonium chloride)
- Corneal alterations
ADOREYES: some people might experience a brief stinging sensation when the serum is accidentally applied to the eye.
Quick Reference — Use & Compatibility
Switching From a Hormone-Based Treatment?
Adoreyes recommends waiting at least 2–3 months before using Plus Lashes serum or any other lash-enhancing product after a hormone-based eyelash treatment. As your eyelids will no longer be receiving an exogenous supply of hormones, it's crucial to allow the glandular function in your eyelids to return to normal in order to experience expected results from other treatments.
A Note From Suzie
"Guard your precious eyes. There is a safer, peptide-based way to get the lush lashes you want — without the list of warnings that come with prostaglandin-based formulas."
Frequently Asked Questions About Lash Serum Safety
Q. Is prostaglandin-based lash serum approved by Health Canada?
Prostaglandin analogues used in lash serums are the same class of ingredient found in prescription glaucoma medications, and their cosmetic use carries documented side effects. Always check ingredient labels and consult a professional before use, particularly if you have any eye conditions.
Q. How is a peptide-based lash serum different from prostaglandin?
Peptide-based serums like ADOREYES work by nourishing and supporting the natural protein structure of the eyelash itself across all three growth phases, rather than introducing a hormone analogue. This generally results in a gentler safety profile.
Q. Can I use a peptide lash serum with eyelash extensions or contact lenses?
Yes — ADOREYES is a water-based formula that is compatible with lash extensions, false lashes, and contact lenses, and may help reduce extension shedding over time.
Q. How long should I wait after a hormone-based lash treatment before switching?
Adoreyes recommends waiting at least 2–3 months to allow your eyelid's natural glandular function to return to normal before starting a new lash-enhancing product.
