| Ingredient | Category | Safety | What It Does |
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How to Use This Tool
There are two ways to check a lash serum's safety profile:
Search by Brand: Start typing any product name in the search bar. We have pre-analyzed 15 of the most popular lash serums on the market, with every ingredient categorized and rated. Select a product and the full breakdown appears instantly.
Paste Ingredients: Switch to the "Paste Ingredients" tab and copy the ingredient list from any serum's packaging, product page, or Amazon listing. Click "Check My Serum" and our database will match each ingredient, flag prostaglandin analogs and irritants, and give you an overall safety rating. Ingredients not in our database will still appear in the results, labeled as unclassified.
Not sure where to find the ingredient list? Check the back of the box, the product page on the brand's website, or the product listing on Amazon or Sephora. Ingredients are typically listed in descending order of concentration.
What We Check For
Prostaglandin Analogs
These are the ingredients most people have never heard of but should know about before applying anything near their eyes. Prostaglandin analogs go by several chemical names that do not sound alarming on a label: isopropyl cloprostenate, ethyl tafluprostamide, dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide, and others. They are effective at growing lashes, but they carry documented risks that the FDA has formally acknowledged in relation to bimatoprost (Latisse), the only FDA-approved lash growth treatment.
Our tool flags every known prostaglandin analog variant, including trade names and alternative chemical nomenclature that some manufacturers use.
Common Irritants
Beyond prostaglandins, we check for preservatives and compounds known to cause irritation in the delicate eye area. Benzalkonium chloride, for example, is a common preservative in eye drops and some lash serums that has been linked to ocular surface damage with prolonged use. Denatured alcohol can dry out and weaken lash follicles. These ingredients are not necessarily dangerous, but they are worth knowing about.
Beneficial Active Peptides
We highlight the ingredients that do the real work in prostaglandin-free formulas. Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 stimulates keratin production in lash follicles. Biotinoyl tripeptide-1 strengthens the follicle anchor, reducing premature shedding. Acetyl tetrapeptide-3 supports the dermal papilla, the structure at the base of each follicle that signals growth. These peptides represent the best of modern lash science without the risk profile of prostaglandins.
Our Safety Scoring
Each serum gets one of three ratings based on its ingredient profile:
- Excellent (green): No prostaglandin analogs, no significant irritants. Uses peptides, botanicals, or conditioning agents with strong safety profiles.
- Moderate (amber): No prostaglandin analogs, but contains one or more ingredients flagged as potential irritants (preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, certain alcohols, or fragrances).
- Caution (red): Contains one or more prostaglandin analogs. Effective for growth, but carries documented risks of iris color change, orbital fat loss, and eyelid darkening.
For the complete methodology behind our scoring system, including how safety weighting affects our product rankings, visit our methodology page.
Popular Serums: Pre-Checked Results
We have already run the full safety analysis on every serum we review. Click any product below to see its complete ingredient breakdown, or use the tool above to search for a specific brand.
The Most Common Prostaglandin Analogs in Lash Serums
Prostaglandin analogs are the primary safety concern in the lash serum market. These compounds were originally developed as glaucoma medication. Doctors noticed that patients grew longer, thicker lashes as a side effect. Cosmetic companies then reformulated these compounds for topical eyelash application.
The challenge for consumers is that these ingredients appear under complex chemical names that do not look concerning on a label. Here is every prostaglandin analog currently found in commercially available lash serums:
| Ingredient Name | Also Known As | Found In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isopropyl Cloprostenate | ICP, Cloprostenate Isopropyl | GrandeLASH-MD, RapidLash | The most common cosmetic-grade prostaglandin. Banned in Canadian cosmetics since 2019. |
| Bimatoprost | Lumigan, Latisse | Latisse (Rx only) | The only FDA-approved eyelash growth treatment. Prescription required. |
| Ethyl Tafluprostamide | Tafluprost-related compound | RevitaLash Advanced (prior formulation) | A prostaglandin derivative. RevitaLash has reformulated multiple times. Check your specific bottle. |
| Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide | DDDE | Various smaller brands | A modified prostaglandin analog. The long chemical name makes it difficult for consumers to identify. |
| Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide | TDEP | Select clinical-grade formulas | Less common but functionally equivalent to other prostaglandin analogs. |
| Methylamido Dihydro Noralfaprostal | MDN | Some European-market serums | Another prostaglandin variant, sometimes used in international formulations. |
| Cloprostenol Isopropyl Ester | Isopropyl Cloprostenate (alternate naming) | Some reformulated products | Functionally identical to isopropyl cloprostenate, just a different naming convention. |
If you spot any of these names on your lash serum label, the product contains a prostaglandin analog. That does not necessarily mean you should not use it. It means you should be informed about the potential risks. For a thorough look at the side effects, read our lash serum side effects guide. For prostaglandin-free options, see our guide to prostaglandin-free lash serums.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my lash serum has prostaglandin?
Check the ingredient list for these names: isopropyl cloprostenate, bimatoprost, ethyl tafluprostamide, dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide, trifluoromethyl dechloro ethylprostenolamide, methylamido dihydro noralfaprostal, or cloprostenol isopropyl ester. Manufacturers sometimes use long chemical names to obscure the presence of prostaglandins. The simplest approach: paste your ingredient list into the checker tool above and it will flag any prostaglandin variants automatically.
Are prostaglandin-free lash serums effective?
Yes. The best prostaglandin-free serums use peptides like myristoyl pentapeptide-17 and biotinoyl tripeptide-1 to stimulate keratin production and strengthen the follicle anchor. Clinical studies show peptides can increase keratin production by up to 160%. Results take slightly longer to appear (8 to 12 weeks vs 4 to 6 weeks for prostaglandins), but you get growth without the risks of iris color change, orbital fat loss, or eyelid darkening. See our prostaglandin-free guide for our top picks.
What ingredients should I avoid in lash serum?
The primary concern is prostaglandin analogs (isopropyl cloprostenate, bimatoprost, ethyl tafluprostamide) due to their documented side effects. Also watch for benzalkonium chloride (a preservative linked to eye irritation with prolonged use), high concentrations of denatured alcohol (can dry out lashes), and any ingredient you have a known sensitivity to. Our ingredient guide covers the full safety profile of every common lash serum ingredient.
Is GrandeLash safe?
GrandeLASH-MD contains isopropyl cloprostenate, a prostaglandin analog. Many users experience significant lash growth. However, prostaglandin analogs carry documented risks including iris color change (particularly for people with blue, green, or hazel eyes), periorbital fat loss (a sunken appearance around the eyes), and eyelid darkening. These side effects are established in peer-reviewed medical literature. Whether the growth benefits outweigh the risks is a personal decision that depends on your risk tolerance and eye color.
Does Babe Lash have prostaglandin?
The current Babe Original Essential Serum formula does not contain prostaglandin analogs. It uses a peptide and botanical blend including myristoyl pentapeptide-17 and panthenol. However, be aware that some earlier formulations did contain cloprostenol isopropyl ester, a prostaglandin analog. Always verify the ingredient list on your specific bottle, because formulations change over time. You can paste the ingredients from your bottle into the checker tool above for an instant verification.
What is the safest lash serum?
The safest lash serums use peptides and botanicals instead of prostaglandin analogs. Our top-rated prostaglandin-free options are SOWN Root 1 (peptide-based, scored 9.2 on our safety scale), The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash Serum (budget-friendly at $15), and Vegamour GRO (botanical approach). All three deliver visible growth through gentle, non-hormonal mechanisms. Check our full rankings for detailed safety scores across all 15 products we review.