Is your lash-growth serum causing sunken, hollow eyes?

Lash-growth serums like Latisse® and many others have become popular for improving the volume, thickness and darkness of eyelashes, which can become thinner as we age.

Many of these products contain ingredients called prostaglandin analogs, which were first used in glaucoma treatments. Researchers then discovered that prostaglandin analogs also lead to thicker, fuller lashes.

While these ingredients are effective at improving lash growth, they can also lead to a hollow or sunken appearance around the eyes.

What the research says

Studies have found that prostaglandin analogs can sometimes cause orbital fat loss, or fat loss around the eyes, by inhibiting fat production and increasing the breakdown of existing fat cells in the treated area. This condition, called prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (PAP), can lead to a hollow, sunken or “tired eye” appearance.

Are sunken eyes caused by lash serums reversible?

If you have only been using lash-growth serums for a short amount of time and begin to notice a hollow appearance, stop using the product immediately. In many cases, normal fat production will begin again, reversing the effects over time.

However, prolonged use of eyelash serums may lead to more dramatic or permanent changes to the appearance of your eyes.

Can these side effects be prevented?

It is difficult to prevent or to predict who might be affected by this condition and who may not. However, you can make sure you are applying the product only to the lashes, being careful not to get any in your tear troughs, which can spread the product to other areas of your eyes and may increase the risk of developing a sunken-eye appearance.

Do all lash serums contain these ingredients?

Many lash serums, including Latisse, the only FDA-approved serum for lash growth, do contain prostaglandin analogs. However, there are some alternative lash growth products available that do not contain these ingredients.

Instead, some products use peptides like myristoyl pentapeptide-17 and acetyl tetrapeptide-3, which can help to promote lash growth without the same risk of hollowed eyes. These ingredients may be a safer choice if you are concerned about the potential side effects of prostaglandin analogs.

Bottom line

While lash-growth serums that contain prostaglandin analogs can be effective, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects before adding them to your beauty routine. Talk to your dermatologist or eye doctor about your options and for help weighing the benefits and side effects.

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