Deconstructing Eyelash Products

Lashes appear to be in, as the number of products targeted at eyelash growth, strength and conditioning has skyrocketed over the past year. One of the notable launches in 2008 was Latisse, Allergan's prescription treatment for hypotrichosis. The treatment is used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker. The prescription treatment is formulated with 0.03% bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, a drug known to treat glaucoma. Through glaucoma treatment, patients noticed that the condition of their eyelashes were changing, an observation that led to the development of Latisse. The product is applied to the base of the eyelashes.

Cargo also introduced a lash booster. LashActivator is said to "visibly increase the appearance of natural lash length and fullness, while promoting lash vitality and reducing lash loss." The product contains marine algae extracts to increase lash density and growth. In addition, it contains citrus-derived flavonoid, which reportedly promotes microcirculation for optimal growth. Finally, the product contains a peptide-biotin complex that slows the rate of lash loss. The company maintains that results can be seen after 30 days of use.

Tarte has also joined the lash-enhancer industry with the launch of MultiplEye. This natural lash-enhancer launches in summer 2009 and is said to achieve a 152% change in the appearance of lash length. The product contains HydroPlant Peptide, the company's proprietary peptide developed to give the appearance of longer, thicker lashes. Soy and amino acid proteins are combined to form a base that fortifies and nourishes lashes. The protein emulsion is infused with cellulose to thicken the lashes and vitamin C as an antioxidant booster. The company notes that while the product is not intended to reduce or promote the growth of hair, it is able to thicken and nourish the lashes.

Mirabella has launched a night conditioner to nourish, repair and thicken lashes. Mirabella Lash Therapy contains chamomile and red seaweed to provide moisture to the eyelashes. According to the company, traditional lash strengtheners and thickeners can dry out the lashes, which led it to develop the conditioner.

Peter Thomas Roth has also created a eyelash conditioning treatment to be used at night. Lashes to Die For Night Time Eyelash Conditioning Treatment is formulated with the company's patent-pending PTR Lash Complex that helps enhance the appearance of natural lash length, thickness and fullness. The product is also said to nourish, soften and help strengthen lashes. It is formulated with vitamins A, C, E to protect and nourish and pro-vitamin B5 to moisturize and strengthen. The water-based formula also contains actiglide to moisturize. Other ingredients formulated in the product include aloe, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans.

Revitalash also aims to condition the eyelashes but during the day. Revitalash Eyelash Conditioner claims to produce longer, thicker and fuller lashes within 3-10 weeks. The product contains carboxymethyl-cellulose sodium, sodium chloride, citric acid, dibasic sodium phosphate, benzalkonium choride, panthenol, provitamn B5 and Formula LashGro.

The claims for eyelash products can vary—from strengthening and conditioning  eyelashes to promoting their growth. However, many of the products contain standard ingredients such as vitamins, peptides and proteins.

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