Eyelash serum with or without prostaglandins?

Eyelash serums differ above all in one respect: whether or not they contain a prostaglandin analogue. That determines how well they work, the possible side effects – and which serum is right for you.

ARBUTI Hair Salon · Updated October 2026

Fine brush tracing the upper lash line on a closed eye

The key difference

Eyelash serums without and with prostaglandin analogues
Without prostaglandinsWith prostaglandin analogues
How they workPeptides, caffeine and plant extracts condition and support the lashesExtend the growth phase of the lashes (a class of active ingredient from glaucoma medication)
EffectGentler, needs patienceMore noticeable, proven
Possible side effectsRare, usually irritation in case of intoleranceEye irritation, darker eyelid skin, rarely a change in iris colour
PregnancyOnly after seeking adviceDo not use
How to tellNone of the substances on the right in the ingredients listE.g. Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Ethyl Tafluprostamide, Bimatoprost, Norbimatoprost, Cloprostenol Ethyl Amide

Beware of advertising claims: “hormone-free” doesn’t automatically mean “prostaglandin-free”. Several brands advertise “hormone-free” even though their serum contains a prostaglandin analogue. Only the ingredients list is reliable.

Eyelash serums compared

1Lazru Eyelash and Eyebrow Serum

Our pick, no prostaglandin

Lazru Eyelash and Eyebrow Serum

One serum for lashes and brows, without prostaglandins and without hormones. The published ingredients list names the actives Procapil™ and AnaGain™, plus caffeine, ginseng, biotin and hyaluronic acid. Dermatest rated its skin tolerance “very good” (06/2022). According to the manufacturer, first changes appear after a few weeks and more noticeable ones after two to four months – it varies from person to person.

What we like

  • No prostaglandin analogues and no hormones – ingredients list published
  • One serum for lashes and brows
  • Dermatest “very good” (skin tolerance)

Keep in mind

  • Works more gently, needs at least two months
  • Pricier than drugstore serums
See the comparison
2RevitaLash Advanced

Prostaglandin, classic

RevitaLash Advanced

One of the best-known serums worldwide. The manufacturer itself labels the active ingredient as a prostaglandin analogue (Cloprostenol Ethyl Amide). Works noticeably – with the typical possible side effects of this class. More in our review of RevitaLash.

What we like

  • Active class with a proven effect
  • Transparent labelling

Keep in mind

  • Prostaglandin analogue
  • High price
View on Amazon
3Svenja Walberg Lashcocaine

Prostaglandin, drugstore

Svenja Walberg Lashcocaine

Widely sold in German drugstores and much searched for. According to the ingredients list, it contains Ethyl Tafluprostamide, a prostaglandin analogue. A strong effect is possible, but with the same precautions as every serum in this group.

What we like

  • Easy to get hold of
  • Active class with a proven effect

Keep in mind

  • Prostaglandin analogue
  • Possible eyelid discolouration and eye irritation
View on Amazon
4RefectoCil Lash & Brow Booster

Prostaglandin-free, pro

RefectoCil Lash & Brow Booster

From the Austrian brand known from salons for lash and brow tinting. The serum relies on peptides, biotin and plant extracts and contains no prostaglandin analogues. Suitable for lashes and brows.

What we like

  • Prostaglandin-free
  • For lashes and brows
  • Well-known professional brand

Keep in mind

  • Manufacturer’s claims on effect are based on its own user tests
View on Amazon
5Nanolash Eyelash Serum

Prostaglandin, online

Nanolash Eyelash Serum

A well-known online serum. According to the ingredients list, it contains Ethyl Tafluprostamide, a prostaglandin analogue – a noticeable effect is possible, with the typical precautions of this group.

What we like

  • Active class with a proven effect
  • Easy to apply

Keep in mind

  • Prostaglandin analogue
  • Possible eyelid discolouration and eye irritation
View on Amazon
6Cosphera Neverending Lashes

Prostaglandin-free, herbal

Cosphera Neverending Lashes

According to the manufacturer, free from prostaglandin analogues, with extracts of magnolia bark, mung bean and red clover sprouts. A gentle care option for lashes and brows.

What we like

  • Prostaglandin-free, says the manufacturer
  • Vegan, says the manufacturer

Keep in mind

  • Full ingredients list hard to find online
  • Not always in stock
View on Amazon
7Long4Lashes Eyelash Serum

Prostaglandin, well known

Long4Lashes Eyelash Serum

A well-known serum with an FX5 formula. The ingredients list in the manufacturer’s shop names bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analogue. Everything on ingredients and side effects is in our review of Long4Lashes.

What we like

  • Active class with a proven effect
  • Precise brush

Keep in mind

  • Prostaglandin analogue
  • Availability varies
View on Amazon
8Orphica Realash

With prostaglandin

Orphica Realash

A serum from the Polish brand Orphica. According to the ingredients list, it contains Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide, a prostaglandin analogue.

What we like

  • Widely available

Keep in mind

  • Prostaglandin analogue
View on Amazon
9Miralash

With prostaglandin

Miralash

Sold mainly online. According to the ingredients list, it contains the same prostaglandin analogue as Realash.

What we like

  • Easy to apply

Keep in mind

  • Prostaglandin analogue
  • Mainly sold direct
View on Amazon

What we look for

Ingredients list
Check the INCI for prostaglandin analogues. Reputable brands publish the full list.
Tolerance
Close to the eyes, tolerance counts double. A dermatological skin tolerance test is a plus – though it doesn’t prove that a product works.
Expectations
Lashes grow in cycles lasting several weeks. Reputable manufacturers talk about months, not days. Promises like “twice as long in 15 days” are a warning sign.
Application
A fine brush, like an eyeliner’s, makes precise application along the lash line easier.
Lashes and brows
Some serums are designed for both. That saves you a second product if your brows have thinned too.

Looking for more curl or length right away? Then a lash lift, magnetic lashes or the right mascara will help. Our guide to eyelash extensions compares every method. For your brows, read our comparison of eyebrow serums.

Frequently asked questions

Which eyelash serum is the best?

That depends on what you’re willing to accept. Serums with prostaglandin analogues work most noticeably – with possible side effects. Our recommendation for gentle care without prostaglandins is Lazru.

Do eyelash serums really work?

Serums with prostaglandin analogues have a proven effect on lash growth. For serums without these substances, the claims are usually based on studies by the ingredient manufacturers or on user tests; the effect is gentler and varies from person to person.

How long does an eyelash serum take to work?

Expect several weeks to months. Manufacturers of reputable serums cite first changes after a few weeks and more noticeable ones after two to four months.

Are eyelash serums safe?

In 2026, the EU’s scientific committee (SCCS) classified serums with prostaglandin analogues as unsafe in cosmetics; a legal restriction is still pending. Serums without these substances are considered better tolerated. If you have an eye condition or are pregnant, seek medical advice first.

Can I use eyelash serum on my eyebrows too?

Only if the manufacturer intends it for that. Lazru and the RefectoCil Lash & Brow Booster are designed for lashes and brows.

Read next

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