The truth about Growth Serums - what you need to know {2023 Updated}

{2023 Updated}
The ingredients in lash serums are just one crucial factor that all users should consider. As a skincare product applied to one of the most sensitive areas of the face, users would want to know what’s going on around the eye area. There are so many brands on the market, all promising to give you longer lashes in the shortest possible time, but it’s best to keep in mind that not all eyelash serums are created equal. 

If a product claims to grow your eyelashes in 2 weeks, it is likely to have some questionable content in the ingredient list. Fortunately for those in Australia, prostaglandins or growth hormones are used as short-term, prescription-only medications to treat glaucoma and not as a long-term solution for eyelash growth. This is precisely why it is banned in eyelash serums.

The prostaglandin serums use chemical compounds with hormone-like effects. These ingredients can also be synthetic and include but not limited to the following: 

  • Isopropyl cloprostenate
  • Isopropanol Phenyl-hydroxyl-pentene Dihydroxy-cyclopentyl-heptenate
  • Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide
  • Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide

 

These products are sold as medication and not as cosmetics for legal reasons. There have been long term studies on the side effects of prolonged use of hormone-based serums, including:

  • Drooping eyelids 
  • Skin darkening
  • Iris colour change 
  • Itchiness & redness

For first-time eyelash serum users or even those who have been using it for extended periods, make it a habit to check the ingredients. Stay away from prostaglandin-based serums to avoid multiple side effects like:

  • Pigmentation of the iris (likely to be permanent)
  • Conjunctival hyperaemia (pinkeye; incidence approximately 10%)
  • Pruritus (itchiness)
  • Eye drooping 
  • Eyelid skin hyperpigmentation (incidence about 6.1%)
  • Hair growth outside the treatment area
  • Intraocular inflammation (e.g., uveitis)
  • Blurry Vision
  • Cataract
  • Headache (1%)
  • 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

 

CAN GRO is committed to providing a safe, long-term solution with the Long Lashes Eyelash Enhancer: an Australian-made serum that is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and contains no harmful ingredients. For utmost assurance, CAN GRO’s eyelash growth serum is composed of the following:

  • Pentapeptide - Stimulates lash growth and helps follicles reach their true potential. Allows lashes to appear longer, thicker, and fuller. 
  • Hexapeptide - Promotes the formulation of keratin. Strengthens and thickens lashes. 
  • Tetrapeptide - Stimulates hair growth at the follicle. Lengthens and thickens lashes. 
  • Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 - Increases hair growth and retains lashes longer. 
  • Sodium Hyaluronate - Locks in water and provides moisture—increases blood flow for nutrients. 
  • Niacinamide - (Vitamin B3) Boosts blood flow to increase circulation and lash growth. 
  • Chamomilla & Bearberry Extract - Plant extracts high in antioxidants, and vitamin B. Stimulates lash follicles to increase growth. Also soothes sensitive skin. 
  • Grape Seed Extract - Helps with lash growth, retention, fullness, and shine. 
  • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract - Stimulates lash growth and regeneration and moisturises the lashes and skin.
  • Hydroxypropyl Guar - Conditions the lashes.

 

To effectively switch from a hormone-based eyelash treatment to CAN GRO’s Long Lashes serum, it is recommended to wait at least 2-3 months before using Long Lashes eyelash enhancer 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 to experience expected results from other treatments.

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