Is your Lash Serum Safe
I've lost count of the number of lash serums that have hit the market in recent years, all of which promise to deliver thicker, longer, and healthier looking lashes. But it's important to highlight that not all lash serums are made equal and some come with far more potential side effects than others.
So, I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about why peptide-based lash serums, like the one from Obagi, are preferable to those with other formulations.
The Origins of Lash-Enhancing Serums
It isn't possible to talk about lash serums without taking a quick look at how they very quickly managed to create such a buzz in the beauty industry.
Early lash serums featured compounds, such as latanoprost and bimatoprost, which sit under the umbrella of prostaglandin analogues. Prostaglandin analogues were originally created as a treatment for glaucoma, which is a common eye condition that can lead to vision loss if it's not treated early. It was only later that these compounds were found to enhance the density and length of eyelashes.
Unsurprisingly, it didn't take long for beauty companies to start to capitalise on these unintended benefits, and leading figures in the beauty industry were quick to bring lash lengthening serums to the market that could deliver results after just a few weeks of use.
Why Are Prostaglandin Analogues and Lash Serums Controversial?
Prostaglandin analogues have a number of potential side effects, ranging from mild concerns including dryness to much more impactful issues, including darkening of the skin and changes to the pigmentation of the iris.
In fact, research published in the American Academy of Dermatology Journal (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116800/) stated that over time, prostaglandin analogues could cause eye damage that is potentially irreversible.
This information spread quickly across social media, which prompted many people to share their own personal experiences with readily available lash serums containing prostaglandin analogues. Alleged experiences ranged from inflammation in their eyes to a complete change in eye colour and orbital fat loss.
Are There Alternatives to Prostaglandin Analogues?
As more people shared their distressing experiences with prostaglandin analogue based lash serums, consumers started to look elsewhere for alternatives that could deliver the same results but without the safety concerns.
Experts turned to peptides to formulate new lash serums, as these potent amino acids can work to strengthen and nourish lashes synergistically. The research is also there to back up claims from manufacturers and aesthetics experts, with a randomised trial reported in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.16265), which noted that participants experienced noticeable improvements in the density and length of their lashes when using a peptide-based lash serum with zero adverse effects.
Is Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum Safe?
The Obagi lash serum is formulated with Nouri-Plex Technology, which is designed to improve the appearance of sparse and thinning lashes. The formulation includes:
1. Biotin to support keratin production
2. Sodium hyaluronate to moisturise and give density to lashes
3. Vitamin B5 to help with conditioning and texture improvement
4. A proprietary lipid compound to support the correction of thinning lashes
While the formulation does contain prostaglandins, unlike many other eyelash serums, it is a non-prescription prostaglandin that is generally well tolerated. If you have sensitive eyes, you may experience a mild tingling sensation and redness, however this should quickly subside and eventually stop with consistent use.
As always, I highly recommend discussing any concerns or queries with a qualified and experienced practitioner, who will be able to provide you with personalised advice and guidance. If you're keen to learn more about Obagi products or the ways in which you can improve the appearance of your lashes, we're always on hand to help.
