A reader with intrepid sleuthing skills sent me the ingredients list for Lilash Eyelash Stimulator. I’ve been trying to find out what is in Lilash all year and the manufacturer, based in Scotsdale, is not very forthcoming. It turns out that the active ingredient is a prostaglandin analogue. Prostaglandin is the drug used to treat glaucoma that – because it may change the color of your eyes or even impact sight – has made eyelash growth products controversial to say the least.
Lilash also contains (in addition to five parabens and phenoxyethanol) a rather unpleasant preservative called methylchloroisothiazalinone. In high concentrations it can cause chemical burns and it is a skin and membrane irritant and so it was largely removed from most cosmetic products except for those with only short duration skin contact such as rinse-offs. There are some newer formulations that make it more acceptable to sensitive users, so it is now found in cosmetics more frequently. In the US accepted concentrations are 15 ppm in rinse-offs and 8 ppm in other cosmetic.
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Ingredients in the new Marini Lash
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Panthenol, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Seed Extract, Silica, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, 9 alpha, 11 alpha, 15S-trihydroxy-17-Phenyl 18, 19, 20-Trinor-prosta-5Z, 13E-Diene-1-oic acid, Isopropyl Ester.
(19 votes, average: 6.74 out of 10)
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Jenn
All eyelash growth products need to be used consistently. If you stop, your eyelashes will go back to their normal growth cycle. You can read our post on hair growth here: http://www.truthinaging.com/2009/02/what-is-it-how-hair-eyelash-and-eyebrow-growth-works.html
For a cheaper habit, you could try Folligen. We reviewed it here: http://www.truthinaging.com/2008/09/reviewed-and-recommended-folligen-works-for-eyelash-and-eyebrow-growth.html
I am an aesthetician and lash extention artist. I know how much women love long, thick, dark lashes! I wanted to have some myself, but being the only artist in my salon, I was very interested when I heard about Lilash. I bought it, used it and after seven weeks started to notice lash growth. After four months, my lashes were crazy long ( I mean carzy since some lashes will grow in odd directions). One problem was that I noticed the upper rim of my eye seemed thicker so it looked a bit odd. The worst thing was that my eyes became so increasingly dry that I stopped using it. Even after not using it for 6 months, I still have a problem with dry eyes that I never had. I tried to contact Lilash about the side affect and no one ever responded. Naughty business. Wonder if prescription Latisse will be any safer for the cost will be SOOO much more. Still hopeful and I encourage my clients to look into it very carefully before use and I make sure they know what happened to me. I am thankful for a way to warn many others too!!!
Has anyone noticed that there is increased facial hair under the lower lid when applying this product. I started to grow fine black hairs under the lower eyelash line….if this keeps up will need electrolysis…please reply. have not seen this mentionsed before. called lilash and emailed them and they did not reply.
My lashes had thinned so much it took forever to use mascara, I’d sit there separating the few lashes I had. So I started using Lilash in September did the every night thing for the 8 weeks and yes my lashes DID grow long and thick. I did use it on my brows as well. Had 2 teeny bald spots on my brows. They filled in and my brows looked great too. WOW! What a find! I can attest to the crazy lash thing too, way long lashes growing sideways or growing facing in but that’s the bad with the good. Down side, after the 8 week regimen instructions say to use Lilash once a week. I did it once a week and sadly l started losing lashes AGAIN and even my eyebrows starting thinning AGAIN. And yes to the poster who had asked about the hair under lower lash line yup! It feels so icky when you apply mascara it sticks to those hairs, and sometimes feels like it’s pulling your lower lid down. Do I continue with the weekly thing is it OK? I’m trying 3 times a week for now. I have hazel eyes and not change in color. I do have the thin pinkish line along my lash line but shadow, cover makeup, eyeliner they all cover it so it really does not bother me at all.
I have also noticed hair growing under the lower lash line…It’s terrible =(
I’ve been using lilash for 6 weeks. I was so happy with everything, my lashes are long and beautiful and now this happens =(
I started using this product in November. It took at least 2 months before I noticed a diference. In the meantime my eyes felt red, crusty , and itchy . The pigment above my lids became darker too. Beleive it or not, after about 2 months, I became used to it, it didn’t bother me anymore, and now my lashes are very long (I had short, stubby lashes after having a baby). I don’t know if it made them darker and thcker, but definitely longer. I was just given Latisse (the new FDA approved lash grower). I can’t wait to see how that works.
I used Lilash for 5 1/2 months until the tube ran out. It definitely worked, although I’d agree with Ana Karen that the lashes mostly grew longer, not thicker. Still, a huge improvement, and I didn’t have to wear mascara anymore. No eye irritation at all and no eye color change. I ordered something cheaper that irritated my eyes AND didn’t work, so I’m about to order my second tube of Lilash. It made me look years younger!
I have been using LiLash about a week. The first 2 days of use I put it on the bottom lashes not a good idea my eyes was burning a little after that I stopped using on the bottom lash it’s been fine and careful not to put in my eyes…Still haven’t noticed a change in my lashes but it’s been only a week will keep you posted.
I have been using Lilash now for 8 weeks. My eyelashes have grown really long and I have had comments on them. I still get a reaction (red eyes) every now and again but just use a couple of drops of Richto V. The past week I have noticed that I have fine dark downy hair growing under my eyes towards the outer edge of my eyes (upper cheek bones). I use the product only on my upper lid. Am thinking maybe I have always had this but never noticed it before. It is strange that a couple of you have noticed this too. But I am very happy with my eyelashes and realised yesterday that they look incredible in natural daylight. Will use it every night for the next 3 weeks then only three times a week.
I have stopped using Lilash totally because no matter how careful I apply it to my eyelids and how little amount, my eyes gets REAL RED and irritated. And I have stopped using it for 2 weeks now and my eyelashes start falling off. I am now using NTP Essense Eyelash Enhancer. My eyelashes are growing back nicely and I do see a diff in the thickness also. It’s not easy to find this brand in the US but I bought mine off eBay and you girls should really give it a try.
My eyes became really sensitive to light after using Lilash for just 3 days. I only applied a small amount in the morning. I’ve stopped using it. Like Linda, I called Lilash to ask them about side effect, her quick response is that she has never heard of this problem or that the problem causes redness to the eye. I’m very skeptical about their response about side effects!
I’ve noticed the fine dark hairs underneath my lower lash as well. Bleaching them right now as I’m typing them. I’m quite sure I did not have this problem before I started to use LiLash. Hope they don’t get thicker!
to linda antonuicci, patricia and genevabound….. i have been using librow for 6 weeks now and not only have i noticed hairs on my upper cheek but others have noticed also… i have fair skin and dark hair and i did have some hair in this area but it seems to have gotten darker… why? i have no idea i only apply to my brow area only. has anyone found out why this might be happening? i have gotten regrowth where i want it. this is the only product that has worked for me.
I have been using Lilash since Dec. ‘08. Began to see results within a month. By two months, major results. Now, at 5+ months — my lashes are extremely long and curled. I applied every day (daytime) and now I apply every other day. Any longer and I will have to cut them! No irritation other than maybe just the teeniest, slight tingle for the first few days. It might have just been in my head. And a teeny bit of darkening (skintone) along my lashline, but nothing to write home about, or mind. No eyecolor change, I have pale blue eyes. My tube is still going strong (I was told it should last 6 months) and will be repurchasing soon, for sure!
Lilash ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Hydroxyethlcellulose, panthenol, lupinus Abus Seed Extract, prunus, aymgdalus extract, silica, mutylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, 9 alpha, 15s trihydroxy, trinorprosta, diene, oic acid, isopropl ester.
Which is the prostaglandin?
The prostaglandin is: 9 alpha, 15s trihydroxy, trinorprosta, diene, oic acid.
Thank you Marta! One more question, please…
Which is the prostaglandin in Philip Thomas Roth’s? This one looks to have A LOT of stuff in it – yikes!
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phospholipids, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Cyclodextrin N-[2-Hydroxy-1-Hydroxymethyl)Ethyl]-9-Oxo-11.Alpha.,15s-Dihydroxy-17-Phenyl-18,19,20-Trinor-Prosta-5z,13e-Dien-1-Amide, Triethanolamine, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Alcohol.
I just found this info on Enormous Lash. Has anyone used it? How were your results? They say it is paraben and prostaglandin free.
Enormous Lash ingredients:
Butylene Glycol: organic, liquid compound used as a solvent, humectant and moisturizer in cosmetic products.
Glycerine: A lubricant or humectant.
Arginine : An essential amino acid peptide needed for proper hair growth. May increase the production of “growth” hormone, thus increasing hair growth, hair thickness and darker color.
Potassium Olivoyl PCA – conditioner/hair volumizer derived from olives
Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment – Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of copper ions. (the most effective hair growth ingredient available today); an action ingredient in NIOXIN (hair loss products)
Phospholipids: Type of lipid (fat) composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate. Phospholipids are essential to the function of cell membranes by providing a stable surrounding structure.
Sphingolipid: Also known as a ceramide peptide. Sphingolipids are commonly believed to protect the cell surface against harmful environmental factors by forming a mechanically stable and chemically resistant outer shell. Ceramides play a vital role in the hair’s external protective sheath, the cuticle. Ceramides are known to protect and/or repair the hair fibers from or after attack by the various agents and treatments. In particular, they have a barrier effect which limits the loss of proteins; Furthermore, they also reinforce cuticle cohesion, which gives the hair more strength and liveliness.
Panthenol: Also known as Vitamin B5 used as a humectant or moisturizer and binds hair follicles making them appear shiny.
Caprylyl Glycol: Skin-conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic.
Phenoxyethanol: Common cosmetic preservative that is considered one of the less irritating ones to use in formulations.
Isopentyl Glycol: humectant, moisturizer
Hydroxyethylcellulose: A preservative, Plant-derived thickening agent typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier.
Trisodium EDTA: A preservative, safer and used in place of parabens.
We are beyond excited about this “NEW” formula! We also feel strongly that this product can be used for many, many, many years without ANY potential issues or side effects!
It is in NO way associated with prosteglandins or glaucoma medication!!
More or less the same thing: Cyclodextrin N-[2-Hydroxy-1-Hydroxymethyl)Ethyl]-9-Oxo-11.Alpha.,15s-Dihydroxy-17-Phenyl-18,19,20-Trinor-Prosta-5z,13e-Dien-1-Amide
Have now reduced the use to 5 times a week, and changed it to morning use, this seems to have got rid of any red eye. I think “cheek hair” does not seem as bad now. I do have slightly discoloured eyelids but am wondering if that is to do with age now. Have had lots of compliments on my eyes of late, so any of these little symptoms are worth it. I wonder if I had facial hair before and discoloured eyelids but just never noticed it as I was not scrutinising all the time!
Again, thank you Marta! I am always wanting to learn, and your site is great! Much appreciated!!!
I have used Lilash and yes it did work well but I have stopped using it because it has made the skin on my upper and lower lid red and this is after approx 4 months of discontinuation.
Is there anything that will do that is safe and will do what LiLash does to get good results. MY lashes are very short.
Do chemotherapy patients use anything for this?
Marianna
Take a look at our Five Best eyelash growth products
I used Librow for a while and noticed fuzzy hair growth on my cheeks and around my hairline as well. The skin around my eyes also became darker/discolored. Librow worked in helping grow in some of my very sparse brows, but I stopped using it because the side effects were a bit disturbing. The skin around my eyes is still somewhat discolored, but I’m hoping that will fade over time.
I’ve been using lilash every night for about 7 weeks. I must say I’m very disappointed with the results. I haven’t noticed any change in my eyelashes at all.
OK. So I didn’t search on google “Lilash red eyes” until about 7 months after I tried this product. I’ve used it for a good 5 month period and I have to say, it sure does make my eye lashes longer. But soon after I also realized that I frequently got red eyes whenever wherever. I wear contacts but I rarely slept with them on and I took care of my eyes pretty well. They were never that red until that point. I thought it must have been my contacts or my eyes are too dried out. But no, after two months of no Lilash, I still get red eyes , in the morning, afternoon, and evening. I stopped using it because some eye lash conditioner commercial mentioned that one of the side effects are red eyes. I also notice that the color of my eyes have changed a bit too, they look dull and red almost all the time now. I have to say, it’s better that you stay away from those products because they do give you the results but eventually your lashes will fall out after a certain time. Not only, you never know what you are REALLY putting into your eyes. Like I didn’t.
I just bought LiLash a week ago and I do have a little bit of redness but nothing that is causing me to stop using the product. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! Do not apply on lower lid DUH! Do not get it in your eye DUH! Do not apply more then once DUH! If it hurts or does not work ask for your money back DUH! Its simple! Hope this common sense helps you all.
uh huh, using it for a week will most definitely tell you the results you might see in months. oh well, you are asking for it.
Hi, I’am a mexican man, 41 years old, I use this product since 3 months ago, and I can say it works for mans to. I’m very suprise cause my lashes looks very large, lilash works for me, hello everybody from mexico city.
I have been using for over a year – one tube lasts me about 6 months. I love this product. My natural lashes are quite sparse. I still need mascara, but the results are remarkable. I have been asked about my lashes by quite a few people – the receptionist at my dentist’s office, receptionist at my doctor’s office, clerk in a clothing store, two teenage girls (that I didn’t know) at a BBQ. No irritation for me. I use it in the morning after my shower and I wait a couple of minutes before applying my eye makeup.
I’m a Lilash user too for 5 months now. It works great but didn’t help the volume of my lashes. I have to apply one coat of Mac mascara then people will notice them. After few researched I might try Activelash or the first rating from this website. Pls advise if you tried these two products before.
http://www.thebeautydivas.com/eyelash-enhancers/?source=TBD_EyelashBanner
I used LiLash with great results, then switched to Latisse. I think LiLash gave me better results because now my lashes seem shorter and not as thick as with LiLash. I am switching back. Also, I don’t like the brushes that come with Latisse. My eye color has changed some and I do have the pink discolored upper eyelids and red eyes, but no cheek hair from either product.
i have been using lilash for three days now, on the first day that i used the product it didnt have any effect on my eyes until about 7-10 hours later, my eyes were heavy and tired it kinda give me a little headache . so i stop using the product for 24 hours and decided to apply it before i goto bed…the next morning i woke up my eyes were fine..but i did noticed that i have redish pigment around my eyelids from where i applied the product…while at work i noticed that my eyes were alittle itchy but not too bad…and every day one of my lashes fall out..i dont know if this is normal ..i have read good and bad reviews on this product..i paid alot for it therefore i will continue to use it for a month atleast to see what happens, i hope the redness will go away.. i will keep everyone updated..if anyone out there who have been using this product and have the same problems please bekind and tell us all if the redness will go away or get worst…..thanks
Just started using Lilash yesterday. Wish I would have read all these comments before purchasing, because now I’m quite nervous! My eyes were red today and a few close colleagues asked if I was okay. I’d love to have long lashes but not if the price is red eyes and facial hair!
Questions: Does the redness go away? For those of you that experienced this, is it better to apply at night or in the morning? I feel like it’s dry shortly after I apply and therefore won’t drip in my eye. Is it fine to apply mascara on top of it? Essentially, does anyone that initially got redness now love the product? I’m wondering if I should stick it out for a week or return immediately. Please advise!
I have been using Lilash for about 5 months and I’ve have noticed very fine hairs growing on the top of my cheekbones under my eyes. I didn’t connect it with using Lilash until I read a review for Lilash on MakeupAlley, but I was wondering why they had started growing. I also think that my lower lash line is slightly darker because I was looking at some photos of me taken in July and I look like I’m wearing browny-red eyeliner, although my fiance says he can’t see it!
The strange thing is that I used the first version of Revitalash with no problem – in fact my lashes were totally amazing and I got so many comments and compliments. Then they re-formulated it without the prostaglandins and the second tube did nothing. That’s when I decided to use Lilash.
I’ve thrown my tube of Lilash away now as I’m so horrified about the hair growth thing! All of you ladies who also noticed hairgrowth in this area, has it now gone away again once you stopped/reduced usage of Lilash?
I’ve been using LiLash for almost 7 weeks now. Has anyone noticed the formula in the tube getting watery??? It dosen’t have the gel like consistency it first had. My lashes have gotten a bit longer but it feels like it stopped growing after the first 3 weeks. And I also have the little dark hairs under my lower lid upper cheek that wasn’t there before.
I used Revitalash after two failed attempts at lash extensions. It worked for about 6 months without any side effects. Crazy long lashes with not redness or extra facial hair. I stopped using after about 8 months. For the last two months it didn’t seem to work. It was like I was immuned to it. I decided to try Lilash after giving my lashes a break for year. After about 3-4 months my eyelashes were long and thick and growing in every direction. I got the extra fuzzy hair underneath my bottom lashes. One day when I looked in the mirror, I thought my eyeliner had smeared, and it was a patch of hair. It really freaked me out. I plucked them, but they grew back a few times. Tonight after I washed off my eye makeup, I really noticed the red upper eyelids. I’ve decided to stop using Lilash. I’ve been using it for about 9 months, and it worked for about 7-8 months, and I’ve noticed that the extra long lashes are gone, but the thickness is still pretty much there. The discolored eyelids are freaking me out, and I hope it goes away. Like the Revitalash, I think I have gotten immuned to the product and it’s not working anymore. I think they are all a temporary fix with the potential for some strange side effects. I may just live with my short stubby lashes, but at least I won’t have extra hairy patches on my face and discolored eyelids.
Lilash worked great for about 3.5 months for me. I did get the redness and a bit of the fuzz off to the sides of my lower lashes – but my lashes were gorgeous. It really does make a difference that ppl notice: thick and long lashes. A bit of concealer took care of the redness. I purchased a second tube and it doesn’t seem to be working. I am hesitant to believe that I have become “immune.” I am wondering if Lilash has also been reformulated (like Revitalash) and is not as effective anymore. With Latisse on the market now, the other companies may be under pressure to modify their ingredients if they are not FDA approved. Anyone have any knowledge of reformulation??
Hi Melissa,
Cosmetic Alchemy, the maker of Lilash, is currently involved in patent litigation with Allergan, the Latisse people. The trial date is 1/19/2010 (I got the info from the Allergan shareholder report here http://agn.client.shareholder.com/secfiling.cfm?filingID=1193125-09-105410 (scroll down to page 43 for legal proceedings). From this I would deduce that no, the product has not been reformulated YET— but given the way that other defendants named in this suit have been forced to reformulate their products it seems likely that Cosmetic Alchemy will have to also.
I have been using Lilash for 5 months now and I do love the length of my lashes, they do look false because they’re so long, but I have decided not to purchase another Lilash due to the unwanted side-effects, I have little dark hairs under my eyes in the corners, I never had these before, and at the base of my eyelashes some of them look like they are actually GREY!!! this is horrible as I’m only 35 with naturally dark lashes, I hope to god when I stop using this product, which I’m going to do with immediate effect they will start to come back dark again. I feel that for just a little extra growth, there are too many side-effects for this product to be positive.
I use Revitalash for my lashes and have seen amazing results. I have tried every lash thickener under the sun and none worked as well as Revitalash!! Plus a doctor created it so I feel very safe using it.
I too am now seeing dark, fine facial hairs under my outer edge of my eyes. I’m going to contact an electrolicist and see about having them removed. I do not recommend laser hair removal as my technician refuses to laser facial hair. She has read numerous studies suggesting the laser may stimulate hair growth so she refuses to use the laser on their faces. Don’t know if these studies are accurate, but I won’t take the chance.