Longtime readers of the Beauty Brains are familiar with all that we have written about eyelash growth 
products. We were skeptical of claims by Jan Marini at first because there was no supporting data presented. Then we found a study that showed there was a material that seemed to have stimulated eyelash growth. We were still skeptical, but at least this was some supporting data. Then Jan Marini admitted that the product doesn’t actually make your eyelashes grow. Finally, their product was seized by the FDA and taken off the shelf for being an illegal drug. It was quite a mess, but an excellent example of how a cosmetic company shouldn’t market a product.
Cosmetics are not drugs
Cosmetics are not drugs. They are products designed to be put on your skin or hair to temporarily change the surface properties like make-up, cleansers, lipstick & lotions. Hair growth, skin lightening, and anti-dandruff products interact with your body’s metabolism and are drugs, not cosmetics. Drugs are much more dangerous, so they require more thorough testing before being approved by the government.
Allergan Launches Eyelash Growth
This latest announcement by Allergan of a new eyelash growth product demonstrates the “correct” way to launch a drug product in the US.
1. You accidentally discover an unexpected beneficial effect. (eyelash growth)
2. You conduct a clinical trial & safety tests following approved FDA protocols.
3. You file your results with the FDA and wait for approval.
4. After approval, you market your product.
Forging ahead without governmental approval can result in bogus products that don’t work or even worse, unapproved drugs that can have unexpected, dangerous side effects. When you create a product that is changing people’s metabolism, it is reasonable for the government to require appropriate safety & performance testing be done.
For your own safety, please stay away from cosmetics that make drug claims!
Incidentally, Allergan hopes to launch their approved eyelash product in 2009.
What do you use to make your eyelashes look longer and fuller? And would you buy an untested drug if it might help with your cosmetic problem?
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Cyndy Says:
I use an eyelash curler (MAC), Lancome’s Cils booster and then DIOR Show mascara.
I wouldn’t buy any untested product.
Susan Says:
The company’s name is Allergan, for what it’s worth. I was wondering at first why on earth a pharmaceutical company would want to call themselves “Allergen”.
Erica Says:
I use a coat of mascara, followed by a Shiseido eyelash curler. The curler is amazing!
Antoinette M. Says:
It’s not advisable to use any untested cosmetics.
blah Says:
Erica, I second you on the curler. I just got mine shipped today. I don’t feel a thing when I use it and it gives a nice curl.
Bonnie Says:
Last year I was in the car with my mother and looked over at her while we talked. “Your eyelashes are so long! How have I never noticed this and why didn’t I inherit it?” I yelped.
She explained it was a side effect of her glaucoma medication and said it was “getting annoying.” Her lashes were so long they hit the lens of her glasses and bent, getting in her line of vision. Later she showed me that the drug had also changed her eye color. I have her hazel eyes but hers are unevenly darker now. I *think* the drug she is taking is the same one now available for lash growth.
Sandra Says:
Yeah, I have to comment on what Bonnie brought up. A quick look on “bimatoprost” -the glaucoma med- on Wikipedia, brought up a few side-effects of the medication, which is gradual and potentially permanent darkening of the iris to brown. But that’s the cosmetic side-effect, there’s also more serious ones, like possible optic-nerve damage, or depression with suicidal inclinations.
It sounds nice to have longer eyelashes, but I’d prefer something with less side-effects xP
Aurelie Says:
We’ll have to see what the results are, but for one wouldn’t mind using some if it’s safe to use. Never had long eyelashes, but I am using an Agnes B mascara (Mascara 3D Intense Waterproof) which works very well, and my eyelashes look nice and full and long, so at the moment I am not ready to risk my health for my lashes!
Austin Herrera-Jones Says:
Allergan is using the drug BIMATOPROST. THIS IS THE DANGEROUS ONE. THAT IS THE DRUGE THAT WAS PULLED OFF THE SHELVES BECAUSE IT CAUSES BLINDNESS. IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO USE BIMATOPROST CONTAINING PRODUCTS UNLESS YOU HAVE GLAUCOMA.
Left Brain Says:
Allergen is doing the proper medical safety testing for whatever they are using. Unlike some cosmetic companies that came out with similar products, they will not be giving people an untested drug.
Legitimate Eyelash Growth Enhancer Coming to a Store Near You | The Beauty Brains Says:
[...] back when the Beauty Brains told you about a company developing a legitimate product for improving eyelash growth? Well, that product is one step closer to reality, now that the FDA has confirmed a bimatoprost [...]
Legitimate Eyelash Growth Enhancer Coming to a Store Near You | 1800blogger Says:
[...] back when the Beauty Brains told you about a company developing a legitimate product for improving eyelash growth? Well, that product is one step closer to reality, now that the FDA has confirmed a bimatoprost [...]
cindy Says:
got the Latisse..paid $100 for the prescription..used two months and ran out..IT DID NOTHING!!! WHAT A RIP OFF
Left Brain Says:
@Cindy – so sorry to hear about your experience. It is not surprising however. No product is 100% effective for everyone.