Eyelash lengthening
Cosmetic request for increased eyelash length, thickness and pigmentation. The FDA approved bimatoprost 0.03% (Latisse) for this use in the US. AEMPS has not authorised any product with this indication in Spain.
2 drugs
Also known as: Eyelash hypotrichosis, Cosmetic eyelash growth
Marketing claims without evidence base
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
- CBimatoprostNot recommended · Topical prostamide / prostaglandin F2α analogue for ophthalmic useBimatoprost 0.03% was FDA-approved as Latisse for eyelash hypotrichosis in 2008 in the US; AEMPS has NOT registered a cosmetic indication in Spain – Latisse enters only through grey import from the US or UK. The effect is short-lived: lash length and thickness return to baseline 8–12 weeks after withdrawal. Real risks of lid-margin application include persistent eyelid skin darkening, periorbitopathy with globe deepening (PAP), permanent iris hyperpigmentation if it reaches the eye, and contact dermatitis. Bimatoprost marketing for scalp androgenetic alopecia is not supported by RCTs. If bimatoprost was suggested for lash or scalp hair growth, consider seeking a second opinion.
- FTravoprostNot recommended · Topical prostaglandin F2α analogue for ophthalmic useTravoprost is a prostaglandin F2α analogue approved by AEMPS only as eyedrops for IOP reduction. Eyelash lengthening, darkening and thickening occurred as a side effect in some glaucoma patients. For cosmetic eyelash growth the FDA approved bimatoprost (Latisse), not travoprost, and no large RCTs support this use of travoprost. Lid-margin application outside the eye carries real risks: periorbitopathy with globe deepening and lid skin darkening (PAP – prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy), permanent iris hyperpigmentation if it reaches the eye, and lash hypotrichosis after withdrawal. If travoprost was suggested as a lash serum, consider seeking a second opinion.
How to read tiers A–F
Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.
- AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
- BRecommended in selected cases
- CStudy data contradict each other
- DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
- FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit