Eyelash Growth Serum

Bimatoprost for Longer, Fuller Eyelashes

Some people naturally have short or sparse lashes, while others notice thinning with age, after cancer treatment, or from years of heavy make-up, lash extensions or curling. The medical term for inadequate lashes is eyelash hypotrichosis. Bimatoprost 0.03% is the medicine used to treat it, and the original US brand, Latisse, is approved for this purpose by the American regulator. The products on this page contain the same active ingredient; Careprost itself is made by Sun Pharmaceutical and is mainly prescribed in India for eye pressure, so using it on the lashes is an off-label use.

How Bimatoprost Grows Lashes

Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue, first developed to lower eye pressure in glaucoma. Doctors noticed that patients' lashes grew noticeably longer and darker, and the effect was then studied in its own right. It acts on the hair follicles along the lid margin, extending the growth (anagen) phase of the lash cycle and increasing the number of lashes growing at any one time. It also boosts pigment production, so lashes look darker as well as longer and fuller.

Products in This Range

Check that the label states a strength of 0.03%, which is the concentration used for lashes.

How to Apply

1. Start with a clean face: remove all make-up and take out contact lenses.
2. Place one drop of solution on a new sterile applicator or brush.
3. Draw it carefully along the skin of the upper eyelid, right at the base of the lashes, from the inner corner outwards. The lid margin should feel lightly damp, not wet.
4. Blot any excess beyond the lash line with a tissue.
5. Use a fresh applicator for the other eye, then throw both away. This reduces the risk of spreading infection.
6. Do not apply to the lower lid. Enough reaches the lower lashes naturally when you blink.
7. Leave contact lenses out for 15 minutes afterwards.

Apply once each night. Extra drops or more frequent use will not speed up growth and make side effects more likely. If you miss a night, simply carry on as normal the next evening.

When to Expect Results

Change is gradual. Many people notice a difference after about 8 weeks, with the full effect at around 16 weeks. Continued use is needed to keep the results. If you stop, lashes slowly return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months as old lashes shed and are replaced.

Possible Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and limited to the eye area:

• Itchy or red eyes
• Dry or irritated eyes
• Darkening of the eyelid skin, which usually fades after stopping
• Redness of the eyelid
• Hair growth on skin that the solution repeatedly touches, which is why blotting matters

Bimatoprost can also increase the brown pigment in the colored part of the eye (iris). This is more likely in mixed-color eyes such as hazel or green-brown, and the change is likely to be permanent. The risk is thought to be low when the solution is applied to the lash line, but it has been reported. Stop and see a doctor if you develop eye pain, swelling, discharge or any change in your vision.

Who Should Take Extra Care

• People using glaucoma drops, especially prostaglandin drops such as latanoprost or bimatoprost. Extra bimatoprost can interfere with pressure control, so speak to your eye specialist first. Also tell anyone measuring your eye pressure that you use it.
• Recent eye surgery, eye inflammation (uveitis) or an active eye infection: wait until your eye doctor says it is safe.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: there is little safety information, so this cosmetic use is best avoided.
• Children: not recommended.

Sudden or patchy lash loss should be checked by a doctor rather than treated cosmetically. It can be a sign of thyroid disease, alopecia areata or eyelid inflammation (blepharitis).

For more background, read our blog post on Careprost for eyelash growth. If you need bimatoprost for eye pressure, visit our glaucoma section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still wear mascara?

Yes. Apply the solution at night to clean lids, and remove all make-up thoroughly before each application.

Will my lashes fall out if I stop?

They won't fall out suddenly. They gradually return to how they looked before treatment as each lash reaches the end of its natural cycle.

Can I use it on my eyebrows?

Bimatoprost is not approved for eyebrows and the evidence is limited. Keep it off other areas of the face, where it can cause unwanted hair growth or skin darkening.

This information is general and does not replace personal advice from a doctor, pharmacist or eye specialist. Bimatoprost is a prescription medicine. Check it is right for you before starting, particularly if you have an eye condition or use other eye drops.