What the Beauty Industry Isn’t Telling You
When it comes to lash growth, the beauty market is booming. Everywhere you look, brands promise “longer, fuller lashes in weeks.” But behind the glossy packaging and miracle claims, there’s a hidden truth: many lash serums rely on prostaglandin analogues - powerful hormone-like compounds that were never designed for cosmetic use.
At SOWN, we believe in transparency. We’re on a mission to debunk the myths in this industry and create safe, plant-powered alternatives. Here’s what you need to know about prostaglandins, their dangerous side effects, and why we’ve chosen a very different path.
What Are Prostaglandin Analogues?
Prostaglandin analogues are synthetic versions of naturally occurring prostaglandins - hormone-like lipids that play a role in inflammation and blood flow.
They were originally developed as medications to treat glaucoma, prescribed by doctors to lower eye pressure. Patients and doctors began noticing an unusual “side effect”: lashes became longer and darker.
It didn’t take long before beauty brands saw the commercial opportunity. But here’s the catch: what works in a prescription drug doesn’t automatically make it safe for everyday cosmetic use.
Why Opticians Can Spot Prostaglandin Use Immediately
Eye doctors and optometrists can often tell when a patient has been using prostaglandin-based eye drops or lash serums. Why? Because the side effects are visible.
Common signs include:
Darkened eyelids (hyperpigmentation)
Iris discoloration (light eyes turning darker over time)
Redness and irritation
Loss of orbital fat, causing a sunken appearance around the eyes
In fact, ophthalmologists say that prolonged use of these compounds makes the changes so obvious, it’s almost diagnostic.
The Dangerous Side Effects of Prostaglandin Serums
While longer lashes might sound appealing, the risks are not worth it. Documented side effects of prostaglandin analogues include:
Darkened eyelids and skin pigmentation – irreversible in many cases.
Orbital fat loss – thinning of the delicate fat pads around the eyes, leading to a hollow, prematurely aged appearance.
Iris discoloration – especially in lighter eyes, which can darken permanently.
Eye irritation and redness – burning, itching, and inflammation are common complaints.
Increased lash brittleness – hairs can become dry and fragile.
Dependence on the serum – lashes often return to their natural state or worse once usage stops.
These are not rare “maybe” effects - they are well-documented risks in medical literature.
The Hidden Truth: How Brands Disguise Prostaglandins
One of the most concerning issues is how unregulated the lash serum market is. Unlike prescription medicines, cosmetic serums often don’t undergo the same rigorous testing.
To make matters worse, prostaglandin analogues don’t always appear under one clear name. Brands use a range of chemical terms to mask their presence on an INCI list. Some of the names you might see include:
Isopropyl Cloprostenate
Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide
Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide
Ethylcloprostenolamide
Bimatoprost (a prescription prostaglandin, sometimes misused in cosmetics)
Latanoprost (another prescription prostaglandin analogue)
Travoprost
Unoprostone
Tafluprost
Cloprostenol
For the average customer, these terms mean nothing - and that’s exactly how some companies like it. Unless you’re a cosmetic chemist, you wouldn’t know that these are all prostaglandin analogues, all carrying the same risks.
Why Prostaglandins Don’t Belong in Beauty Products
Here’s the truth: prostaglandins were never intended for cosmetic use. They were designed as powerful drugs, prescribed under medical supervision to treat a specific condition. Using them casually, twice a day, near one of the most delicate parts of your body - your eyes -is not only unnecessary but potentially harmful.
The beauty industry has turned a prescription side effect into a marketing opportunity. But at what cost? For many consumers, it means risking their eye health and appearance in pursuit of longer lashes.
The SOWN Difference: Hormone-Free Growth
At SOWN, we knew there had to be a better way. That’s why our formulas are:
Hormone-free & prostaglandin-free – no hidden analogues, no misleading INCI names.
Powered by root botanicals – including ginseng, pumpkin seed, mulberry root, and licorice, all shown to nourish follicles and support healthy growth.
Fortified with peptides, amino acids, and vitamins – strengthening existing hairs while encouraging new growth.
Clinically tested and ophthalmologist reviewed – safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Our approach is simple: instead of forcing your lashes to grow through synthetic hormones, we create the optimal environment for natural growth. Think of it as nourishing the roots, just like you’d care for the soil to grow a healthy plant.
Why We’re Debunking the Industry
The lash serum category has been dominated by quick fixes and hidden risks for too long. By choosing transparency, clean science, and botanical innovation, we’re here to prove you don’t need prostaglandins to see results.
Visible growth in as little as 3 weeks
Safe for long-term use without side effects.
When you choose SOWN, you’re not just choosing longer lashes and fuller brows. You’re choosing peace of mind, knowing that your health and safety come first.
Final Word: Growth Without Compromise
The beauty industry doesn’t often talk about the risks of prostaglandin serums. But we believe you deserve the truth. Yes, longer lashes are possible - but not at the cost of darkened eyelids, hollow eyes, or permanent iris changes.
With SOWN, growth is rooted in nature, powered by science, and designed with your safety in mind.
Ready to see results without compromise?
Discover Root 1 Lash Serum and Root 2 Brow Serum - clean, hormone-free formulas that deliver powerful results safely.
