As cosmetics, the efficacy of these OTC products has not been critically evaluated, and their safety has not been fully studied. Most are applied to the skin of the upper eyelid margin, and the mechanisms by which they may affect eyelash growth are largely unknown and unproven. These products also vary in the quality and comprehensiveness of patient/consumer education regarding proper use. 'These products contain various ingredients such as 'proprietary peptides,' natural extracts, vitamins, and prostaglandin analogs.

Over-the-counter products: ' OTC cosmetic products are advertised to increase the length, fullness, and/or darkness of eyelashes and brows,' says King.

'It's also possible to inadvertently get the product on other parts of your face, in increased hair growth in these areas, which may not be desirable.' Along with irritation, 'side effects from applying Rogaine to the eyebrow area include burning, dryness, itchiness, redness, and scaling,' she notes. That said, it does come with potential downsides. 'Researchers also concluded Rogaine was safe and effective for eyebrows in a placebo study. 'After 16 weeks, about 50 percent of participants saw hair regeneration nearly equally with both products. Based on this one study, Rogaine appears to modestly increase eyebrow growth and is comparable to Latisse.

Rogaine: 'Another option would be Rogaine (minoxidil): One study looked at the efficacy of minoxidil three percent for eyebrows and compared it to Latisse in a 0.03 percent concentration,' says King.

Additionally, 'Latisse is pregnancy category C, meaning that it has caused adverse effects in animal studies but has not been tested in humans.' 'Its active ingredient is bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog, which has been shown in clinical studies to make eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker. It works by lengthening the time the follicle stays in the growth phase.' In some people, Latisse can cause irritation or a change in eye color.

Latisse: 'The gold standard for lashes remains Latisse, and it is safe and effective for eyebrows as well,' says King.

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