There's been a product recall among several popular lash and brow serum brands. The Canadian government has taken swift action to remove these cosmetic products from the market. So what’s the story, and why should you care? These products are causing side effects across the world and in countries like the US there is very little oversight on ingredients. Let's dig in to help you understand the health concerns tied to these recalls, why they matter, and what you can do to protect yourself.
(Note: LashLuxury prides itself on its clean beauty ingredients and we consider our serums a different category of product compared to the products discussed in this article. Toxic ingredients like these are why we exist as a healthy alternative.)
Table of Contents
What Beauty Products Have Been Recalled?
First off, let's talk about which products were recalled. Below is a list of popular brands that have been recalled. If you are unsure if your current lash or brow serum is on the recall list, you can search here.
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RefectoCil Lash & Brow Booster: recalled due to being sold without market authorization (DIN) in Canada. The affected lot contains undeclared Dehydrolatanoprost, a prostaglandin analogue
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Multi-Peptide Lash Serum: recalled due to an undeclared ingredient (bimatoprost) and sold without market authorization
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Lumi Lash: recalled due to being sold without market authorization (DIN) in Canada. All affected lots may contain bimatoprost
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Miskoka Beauty Enhancing Serum: recalled because it contains an undeclared ingredient, prostaglandin analogue PGF2α
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FEG Eyelash Enhancer: recalled because it contains an undeclared ingredient (bimatoprost) and sold without market authorization
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Revive 7 Revitalizing Lash & Brow Serums: recalled because it contains an undeclared ingredient (bimatoprost) and sold without market authorization
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LiLash 0.2 oz Eyelash Conditioner: recalled because it contains a Prostaglandin analogue called Isopropanol phenylhydroxypentene dihydroxycyclopentylheptenate
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Eyenvy Lash Growth Serum: Recalled because it contains a Prostaglandin analogue called Isopropyl Cloprostenate.
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GrandeLash from Grande Cosmetics: although these products have not been recalled by Health Canada, we mention them here because they are related to a Class Action Lawsuit in the United States, accused of not disclosing the potential side effects of prostaglandins used in their products.
- Rodan+Fields Enhancements Lash Boost: this product was also subject to a Class Action Lawsuit in the United States, which reached a settlement payment of 38 million dollars. R+F was also accused of not disclosing the potential side effects of prostaglandins in their products. The plaintiffs also argued that the prostaglandin used in these products should be considered a drug and regulated by the FDA.
Ingredients to Watch Out For
The list of questionable ingredients in these serums includes prostaglandins and their analogs like bimatoprost and dehydrolatanoprost, as well as isopropyl cloprostenate and isopropanol phenylhydroxypentene dihydroxycyclopentylheptenate. While these ingredients may promise to give you fuller, longer lashes, the potential side effects can be quite alarming.
Bimatoprost is a medication used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Side effects may include:
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darkening of the eyelashes
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eye discharge or excessive tearing
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eye strain
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feeling of having something in the eye
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increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
Dehydrolatanoprost is a prostaglandin analogue hormone that is an active ingredient in a number of recalled eyelash and eyebrow growth serums. Side effects may include:
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eye pain or stinging
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decreased vision
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painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye
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swelling or redness of the eye and the lining of the eyelid
Isopropyl cloprostenate and Isopropanol phenylhydroxypentene dihydroxycyclopentylheptenate are other synthetic prostaglandin analogues that have been used to treat glaucoma. Side effects may include:
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irreversible darkening of the eyelid
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irreversible discoloration of the iris
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itchy, swollen, or red eyes
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watery eyes
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blurry vision
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red or brownish circles under the eyes
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the appearance of sunken eyes
Ironically, the very products that promise to enhance your eyelashes could leave you with fewer lashes than you started with, as well as discolored, irritated, and permanently damaged eyes.
The consumer recall by the government highlights the serious health risks associated with these eyelash and eyebrow serums. Given how severe these potential side effects can be, it's clear that choosing the right eyelash serum isn't only a question of aesthetics, but of health and safety.
How Product Recalls Work
Health product recalls don’t happen on a whim; they are the result of thorough investigations into the health concerns associated with these beauty products. The concerns in this particular case are the active ingredients found in some over-the-counter products—specifically eyelash and eyebrow serums.
While these substances might offer quick cosmetic benefits, they clearly come with a whole host of issues.
Your beauty routine shouldn't come with the potential risk of eye irritation or other health concerns. And that's exactly why these recalls are such a big deal. They serve as a wake-up call to consumers and cosmetic brands about the responsibility that comes with creating and choosing cosmetic products.
What Should You Do?
If you've purchased any of the lash or brow products that have been recalled (or if you've noticed that any of your products that aren't on this list contain harmful ingredients like the ones listed above), the first step is to stop using them immediately. You may have noticed some adverse effects, but even if you haven't, it's better to be safe than sorry. It’s also possible some side effects occur after stopping use, like lash loss.
Consult a healthcare professional to discuss any symptoms or concerns you might have. They can provide you with the best advice tailored to your situation.
Finally, keep an eye out for other products on the market that may contain the same harmful ingredients. Companies may not always disclose the full list of ingredients or their potential adverse effects on their website, so do your homework and always opt for clean, transparent products. Checking if the labels match the website is a smart move. Labeling requirements are much more strict. And you can go to skin-deep cosmetic standards website to check any specific ingredients.
The LashLuxury Difference: A Safe Alternative
Clean beauty lash and brow serums like ours at LashLuxury offer a more secure—and effective—alternative to these problematic products. Our serums are carefully formulated to nourish your lashes and brows without any of the same risks associated with harmful ingredients.
Why are we so picky about what we put in our products? Because we’re not just about looking good; we're about feeling good and doing good, too. That means we're committed to providing you with beauty products that are clean, natural, and ethically sourced. While other brands are getting hit with recalls for using sketchy substances, we've been steady in our commitment to safety and efficacy.
We believe in transparency and quality, so here’s what you can expect of our active ingredients in our formulations:
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Peptides: Peptides are amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins like collagen and keratin. These proteins are essential for hair growth and strength. Our peptide-rich formula aims to nourish your lashes and brows, supporting both growth and resilience.
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Provitamin B5 (Panthenol): Panthenol is a go-to for hydration. It doesn't just moisturize; it repairs and strengthens weak lashes and brows, adding a layer of resilience against breakage.
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Red Clover Extract: Red Clover Extract is rich in biochanin A, a powerful phytonutrient that has traditionally been used to treat a variety of inflammatory skin conditions. It helps to nourish your lashes and brows at the root.
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Aloe Leaf Juice: Aloe is a natural botanical rich in antioxidants that works to strengthen the connective tissues in your lashes and brows. It's gentle, soothing, and incredibly nourishing—everything you'd want near your eyes.
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Cucumber Fruit Extract: No one wants irritated skin, especially not around the eyes. That’s why we included Cucumber Fruit Extract. It hydrates and soothes your skin, making our serum a refreshing experience, rather than an irritating one.
Why We Choose the Safer Path
At LashLuxury, taking the safer path isn’t just a choice; it’s a commitment and a core part of our identity. Sure, we could take shortcuts with quick-fix ingredients that might give temporary results, but at what cost?
When you reach for a LashLuxury product, you’re not just picking up another beauty serum; you’re choosing a philosophy that values fantastic results and long-term health over short-term unsustainable gains. That's because we carefully source ingredients that nourish and protect, rather than irritate and harm. In a world where health concerns are growing, especially with cosmetic products, it's our responsibility to create solutions that align with your well-being.
We want you to experience the joy of seeing your lashes and brows flourish without a minute of worry or doubt. In an industry clouded by recalls, health risks, and undeclared ingredients, we aim to be a shining example of transparency and safety.
So yes, choosing the safer path might be the road less traveled in the beauty industry, but it's the one that ensures you're investing in your own health and peace of mind and in this case fantastic results too! With LashLuxury, you're not just enhancing your beauty; you're affirming your right to products that truly put you first. Trust in us to be the safe, effective brand you can rely on, day in and day out.
Take the First Step Toward Safer, More Beautiful Lashes and Brows
Say goodbye to risky, harmful products and hello to a beauty routine that uplifts you in every way. We invite you to explore our full range of ethical, clean, and effective eyelash growth serums and brow serums. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you've got nothing to lose and a whole lot of confidence to gain.
Make the switch to LashLuxury and invest in a future where your beauty and your health coexist in perfect harmony.
Lash & Brow Growth Kit
216.00
240.00
Introducing our Lash & Brow Growth Kit: LashLuxury Daily Eyelash Serum and LashLuxury Daily Brow Serum! Achieve a complete, vibrant look for both your eyelashes and eyebrows with this all-in-one package. 🌿 Clean Beauty That Works Experience real, visible results… Read More