Face it – the eyes have it, and long lashes make women and men take notice. Why rely solely on mascara when there are lash treatments that can strengthen and enhance your natural lashes? With so many lash growth serums on the market you may find yourself wondering which serum is the best and safest for you.

To better understand your lash serum options, let’s go over some of the popular key ingredients found in the most popular lash serums.

Bimatoprost

Currently, Latisse is the only FDA-approved lash growth treatment. Latisse needs to prescribed to you by a doctor, and the formula is derived from a drug used to treat glaucoma, bimatoprost, which has been found to enhance both the length and thickness of lashes.

If you are thinking about asking your doctor for a prescription, make sure you know the potential risks: 

• Itchy, red eyes 
• Unwanted hair growth in areas the product repeatedly touches 
• Darkening of the eyelids 
• Reduced eye pressure, which could mask glaucoma
• Permanently increased iris pigmentation, which could irreversibly turn your light eyes brown, especially if your irises are hazel or green 

Isopropyl Cloprostenate

Isopropyl Cloprostenate is a synthetic prostaglandin analog that belongs to the same class of actives used originally on glaucoma patients. As a side effect, people noticed longer and stronger eyelashes so you can see why prostaglandin analogs made their way into eyelash growth products. 

Isopropyl Cloprostenate does work when it comes to eyelash growth, however, it is not without possible side-effects and has become a controversial ingredient. In fact, the FDA issued a warning to OTC lash serum makers back in 2011 about the potential dangers of including a synthetic version of a prescription product with known FDA-studied side effect profile in their formulations:

• ocular irritation
• hyperemia
• iris color change
• macular edema
• ocular inflammation

Peptides

Eyelashes, are hair, which are made up of protein. In fact, they’re over 90% protein. This is where amino acids come into play. Not only are amino acids the building blocks of protein (and thus your eyelashes), but they also nourish and repair damage. This is why they’re the main ingredient in so many lash-enhancement formulas. Many brands include amino acids in their formulas but may have a different name: peptides. A peptide is simply a chain of amino acids.

Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. I have written all about its skin and hair benefits. It does everything from repair damaged strands to plump sagging skin and wrinkles, but it also happens to be an amazing ingredient in many lash-growth formulas, and for a great reason.

Sodium Hyaluronate 

Moisture is the key to healthy lashes, just like it’s the key to healthy skin. Without it, eyelashes are prone to breakage-just like the hair on your head. Sodium hyaluronate works to moisturize the skin and is said to be able to hold more than 1,000 times its own weight in water. It helps the epidermal junction bring and absorb more water, which is essential for eyelashes to stay healthy.

Biotin

Biotin is a water-soluble form of vitamin B7 that is purported to help keep eyelashes healthy and strong.

My Favorite Lash Serum

Motives® Lash Extend is a serum that can help increase the look of volume in your lashes. This advanced formula contains a proprietary blend of SymPeptides™ that help enhance the look, volume, and beauty of lashes and brows. Motives® Lash Extend nourishes and fortifies each strand for healthier, thicker-looking lashes and brows.

And THE best part? It’s only $32!

SymPeptides™

A state-of-the-art technology, SymPeptides™ have been clinically tested and shown to help increase visible volume of the lashes. SymPeptides™ work to increase the production of keratin, a protein that fortifies the hair, noticeably intensifying one’s expression, and helping to increase lash and brow volume by 25 percent in just 14 days. 

Motives® Lash Extend also contains Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chesnut) Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Ascorbic Acid, & Biotin.

FAQs

How do I use Motives® Lash Extend?

Use twice daily, morning and night. Before use, ensure face is clean, makeup-free, and contact lenses are removed. Trace the brush applicator carefully along the brow, or at the base of your lashes on your closed upper lid, just like an eyeliner (where the eyelashes meet the skin), going from inner to outer lash line. Do not apply in your eye or to lower lash line.

Why should I use a lash extend serum?

Long, thick lashes enhance the shape of your eye, which is a feature people notice upon first impressions. A lash extend serum is a safe and inexpensive tool to achieve naturally longer-looking eyelashes. The serum, applied twice daily, nourishes and fortifies your lashes naturally.

Are there any side effects to the use of this product?

Motives Lash Extend’s high performance formula contains safe and effective ingredients that are compatible with the natural makeup of your skin. This product is 100 percent bimatoprost-free. It has not been shown to produce any side effects.

What do I do if I get Motives Lash Extend in my eye?

If product enters eye, flush thoroughly with water. If irritation develops, discontinue use.

Is Motives Lash Extend tested on animals?

Motives does not conduct or commission animal testing of any finished product.

I hope that whatever you choose, you’ll achieve the lashes you’ve dreamed about!