Prescription vs. OTC Lash Serum: What’s the Difference?

Long, thick, dark eyelashes are often associated with feminine beauty. Because of this, women are turning to products to achieve this look. However, navigating the many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) options available to promote healthy eyelashes and growth can be overwhelming.

Mascaras, eyelash serums, and extensions are all possible ways to achieve the desired eyelash results. However, there are differences between each option and many can have high costs, trial and error, and side effects. Here’s what you need to know when choosing what’s right for you:

What’s the Difference in Ingredients Between OTC vs. Prescription Lash Growth Serum?

Prescription and over-the-counter, or OTC, eyelash serums usually contain prostaglandins. As active substances, prostaglandins are responsible stimulates eyelash growth. You may already know how prostaglandins work if you’ve researched menstrual cycles. important, Prostaglandins act like hormonesand the body makes them when there is inflammation or injury.

Because there are several types of prostaglandins, they can play different roles. Some help your body heal and form blood clots when you sustain an injury. Others promote the contractions responsible for childbirth and menstruation. Doctors also use synthetic prostaglandins to treat medical conditions such as glaucoma.

Synthetic prostaglandins are in OTC and prescription lash growth serums, but that’s where the similarities end. OTC serums do not contain the same prostaglandins as prescription formulas. For example, prescription-strength growth serums contains bimatoprost, while some OTC formulas contain latanoprost. Not all OTC serums contain the same prostaglandins, and some contain none. In addition, OTC serums have less potent concentrations of prostaglandins.

These differences are similar to the prescription tretinoin creams vs. OTC retinol moisturizers. The active ingredient is almost the same, but the retail formula is not as strong and takes longer to work. While OTC serums can promote eyelash growth, a prescription can give you faster, more noticeable results.

What’s the Difference Between OTC and Prescription Lash Growth Serum Results?

A critical difference between OTC and prescription lash growth serums is Food and Drug Administration approval. The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, approve use of the active ingredient in prescription eyelash growth serums. Bimatoprost has been shown to make eyelashes thicker, longer, and darker clinical studies in adults and children.

Glaucoma patients first reported these effects during treatment of the disease with bimatoprost. Further testing through clinical trials has shown eyelash growth in patients. However, bimatoprost seems to be more effective than latanoprost, the active ingredient in OTC serums. A three-month clinical trial found that eyelash growth occurred more often with bimatoprost.

Furthermore, the FDA does not typically test or approve OTC formulas for specific uses. While you may experience eyelash growth with OTC serums, you’re more likely to see improvements in the appearance of your lashes with a prescription-strength product.

OTC Options

A quick walk down a cosmetics aisle can lead you to some OTC lash serums. So does an online search for lash growth serums. As with other cosmetics, you’ll find a range of options and prices. OTC formulas are usually less expensive, and you don’t have to go to the doctor. Here are some lash serums that you are most likely to come across.

• Revitalash – contains a smaller amount of latanoprost
• SmartFX – does not contain prostaglandins and uses castor oil instead. Castor oil is not scientifically proven to grow eyelashes
• Lashfood – relies on arginine, an amino acid. there is some clinical evidence that arginine formulas can stimulate hair growth
• Obagi Nu-Cil – contains dehydrolatanoprost, a prostaglandin
• Lash Boost by Rodan + Fields – contains isopropyl cloprostenate, a synthetic prostaglandin analog

Prescription Options

Individuals with medical conditions that cause hair loss may benefit more from prescription-strength eyelash serums. These formulas can have a stronger effect on eyelash thinning caused by disruptions in hair growth cycles. Treatments for conditions such as cancer can also lead to more severe thinning and hair loss. Prescription serums, such as those listed below, may be more appropriate in these cases.

• Latisse® uses the FDA-approved prostaglandin, bimatoprost, to promote eyelash growth.
• Nurx’s prescription strength formula also uses the FDA-approved prostaglandin bimatoprost, a scientifically proven ingredients to improve the length, thickness, and color of eyelashes.

Which Option is Best for Me?

Before you decide which formula is best, you should be aware of the potential side effects. You’ll want to discuss your options with a medical professional, if you have any conditions that eyelash serums might make worse. Formulas with prostaglandins are less likely to cause it side effectsalong with itching.

Prescription serums can lead to more adverse reactions. Besides itching, the most common side effects are redness and darkening of the eyelid skin. Some people may also notice a change in their eye color if they get the solution in their eyes. If you have blue or green eyes, there is a possibility that they will darken to brown, although this is unlikely. Side effects such as itching return as soon as you stop using the serum.

But if your eye color changes, it is usually irreversible. OTC serums with prostaglandins are not as likely to produce side effects. However, it is still possible to experience the same reactions and changes to some degree. With any formula, you can also have an allergic reaction. If you already have allergies, an OTC formula without prostaglandins may be less irritating.

Additional considerations are convenience and price. Insurance plans don’t cover prescription or OTC lash serums, so you’ll cover the entire cost out of pocket. Plus, you need to consult a medical professional to get a prescription. Although OTC formulas are readily available and usually less expensive, they are not regulated by the FDA. These serums may also use ingredients that are not backed up by science.

Ready to Try Lash Serum?

You don’t have to settle for thin eyelashes. Mascara and eyelash extensions can work temporarily, but these solutions can make thin lashes look sparser. On the other hand, eyelash serums address the problem by encouraging your natural lashes to grow thicker and stronger.

If you think it’s time to try another fix, the next step is talk to a medical professional. They will help you sort through your options and determine if a prescription-strength serum is appropriate. With the right formula, you can grow thicker, fuller lashes.