Why are eyelash growth serums containing synthetic prostaglandins still on the market?
Eyelash serums that promise to grow and thicken eyelashes can have serious side effects. You may not even realize that your over-the-counter lash serum contains a potent synthetic prostaglandin analog (PGA) that can be harmful to your eyes. There are numerous articles published online about the dangerous side effects of these cosmetics. Our firm has previously published an article about a serious eye injury case caused by a popular lash growth serum containing a PGA called isopropyl cloprostenate. In that case, the young woman suffered from recurring sties and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
Why are there so many brands of eyelash growth serums containing PGAs still on the market?
The manufacturers of over-the-counter lash growth serums that contain PGAs, such as Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, argue that their products are completely safe for consumers. They strongly believe that by carefully wording their product’s labels, indicating that the product helps with the appearance of longer eyelashes, rather than grows longer eyelashes, they are within their legal right to sell such products directly to consumers. But, this does not make the products any safer. Unfortunately, in the United States, there is a lot of gray area concerning cosmetics containing dangerous ingredients. If a product is deemed a “cosmetic” it does not need FDA approval. Therefore, the Food and Drug Agency does not review the products’ ingredients and does not render them safe for use. The law does not require manufacturers of cosmetics to conduct clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of their products. Ultimately, consumers use cosmetics at their own risk.
Can the manufacturers of lash growth serums make misrepresentations about the safety of their products?
No. This is where the law draws the line. A cosmetics manufacturer has a duty to be honest and not mislead consumers. Unfortunately, it appears to be the standard practice of many manufacturers to downplay or flat-out deny the existence of serious side effects to promote sales. Our firm has had numerous clients who have suffered various eye problems from lash growth serums containing PGAs, however in each case, the manufacturers’ websites denied that their serums can cause conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis, sties, MGD, fat atrophy, darkening of the eyelid, discoloration of the eye, etc.
Can consumers pursue legal action against manufacturers of eyelash serums containing PGAs?
Yes. Consumers who have purchased eyelash serums that contain prostaglandin analogs such as bimatoprost, isopropyl cloprostenate, and dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide, may be entitled to compensation. Recently a class action against the manufacturer of R +F Lash Boost (containing isopropyl cloprostenate) settled for $38 million because the manufacturer failed to disclose information regarding potential side effects and risks of adverse reactions that are associated with the lash growth serum.
Have you purchased the Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner?
Our law firm is currently investigating a potential lawsuit against the manufacturer of Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, which contains a PGA called dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide (DDDE). If you have purchased the product and have suffered side effects, we would like to learn more about your experience. Please share your experience with LOU LAW by clicking on the button below.
