Does Latisse Work? Understanding Latisse for Eyelash Growth - GoodRx (2025)

Some people have naturally long, thick eyelashes. Others turn to mascara or eyelash curlers to help make sparse eyelashes seem fuller. False eyelashes and eyelash extensions are another solution, but they can damage your natural lashes.

But is there a better way to get thicker, fuller eyelashes?

Latisse is the only prescription medication that has been FDA approved to improve the appearance of sparse lashes, called hypotrichosis. Read more to find out about how Latisse works for eyelash growth.

How does Latisse work?

Latisse (bimatoprost) is a prescription medication that can support eyelash growth. Latisse can help you grow longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes.

Latisse has the same main ingredient as a glaucoma treatment called Lumigan. People who used Lumigan for glaucoma were noticing their lashes become thicker and longer. After seeing this positive side effect, scientists developed Latisse.

Latisse may contain the same active ingredient as Lumigan, but it’s used differently. Lumigan is an eye drop. Latisse comes in an eye drop bottle but you don’t put it on your eye. Instead, you apply a drop of the liquid onto a disposable brush applicator. Then you run the applicator over your upper lash line. The medication gets absorbed into the hair follicle at the base of your eyelashes.

You don’t apply Latisse to your lower lash line. The medication can cause unwanted hair growth if it comes in contact with other parts of your skin. Blot away any liquid that gets on other parts of your face.

You apply Latisse once a day using a new applicator each time. Most people prefer to apply it at night before going to sleep because you can’t wear contacts until the medication has been completely absorbed.

Does Latisse really boost eyelash growth?

Yes, Latisse really does boost eyelash growth. In clinical studies, 78% of participants receiving Latisse had longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes after 16 weeks of daily use. And 50% of participants saw improvement within 8 weeks.

On average, people receiving Latisse saw an average 1.4 mm increase in their eyelash length. For comparison, experts recommend that eyelash extensions not go more than 2 mm to 3 mm beyond the eyelash’s natural length to avoid damaging the natural lash.

Users also had a 106% increase in their eyelash thickness as well as a noticeable darkening in their eyelash color.

How long do Latisse’s effects last?

Latisse’s effects last as long as you’re continuing to use the medication daily. Once you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes will return to their original appearance.

Your eyelashes, like your hair, shed and then are replaced by new lashes. Some people have a shorter eyelash growth cycle and will notice the effects wear off much faster. In general, it will take about 4 to 6 weeks after you stop using Latisse for your lashes to look back to normal.

What are the risks of using Latisse?

Most people who use Latisse experience no side effects or very mild side effects. The most common side effects of Latisse include:

• Redness and irritation of the eyes

• Darkening of the skin along the eyelid margin

• Loss of orbital fat

Rarely, people with Latisse can have a darkening of their eye color. This side effect may be permanent.

You can reduce your risk of skin and eye irritation by not reusing the single-use brush applicator. This will also lower your risk of developing an eye infection. Keep your Latisse bottle stored in a safe, dry place with the cap on at all times. Avoid touching the tip of the bottle with your fingers or other objects. This will keep the bottle safe from contamination with dirt and germs.

Latisse can cause more serious side effects in people with certain eye conditions. For example, people with an inflammatory eye condition called uveitis may notice a worsening of their inflammation after they start using Latisse.

And people with risk factors for macular edema may be more likely to develop this macular edema if they use Latisse. And if you have glaucoma or ocular hypertension, Latisse may interact with medications used to treat these conditions.

Talk with your ophthalmologist if you have one of these eye conditions before you start using Latisse. Your ophthalmologist can make sure that it’s safe for you to use Latisse.

You shouldn’t use Latisse if you are pregnant or nursing. Latisse hasn’t been tested for safety in people younger than 18 years.

What are the best alternatives to Latisse?

Over-the-counter (OTC) eyelash growth serums that contain a prostaglandin analog called isopropyl cloprostenate are a possible alternative to Latisse. Some people can notice improvement in eyelash appearance faster with these serums. But other people may not see any change in eyelash appearance. Keep in mind that these serums are not FDA approved. They haven’t been tested for safety and effectiveness and are not regulated.

Other alternatives to Latisse include using a daily mascara or getting eyelash extensions to change the appearance of your lashes. Eyelash extensions come with some risks, including damage to your natural lashes or an allergic reaction to eyelash glue.