Eyelash-enhancing products: A review

Long prominent eyelashes draw attention to the eyes and are considered a sign of beauty. Women strive to achieve ideal lashes through various modalities, including cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. The booming beauty industry has introduced many cosmetic and cosmeceutical products with claims of enhancing eyelash growth; however, many of these products have not been tested for efficacy or safety and are promoted solely with company- and/or consumer-based claims. The only pharmaceutical approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for eyelash growth is bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% (Latisse, Allergan, Inc). In this article, eyelash physiology, causes of genetic and acquired trichomegaly, and pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products that claim eyelash-enhancing effects are reviewed. Copyright Cosmetic Dermatology 2012.

Duke Scholars

Author Julie Ann Woodward Ophthalmology, Oculofacial Surgery