Prominent eyelashes are considered as a sign of beauty, consequently contributing to many diverse cosmetic products on the market intended to beautify the look of healthy eyelashes. The most commonly used cosmetic product for eye decoration is mascara, which temporarily creates the appearance of thicker and longer lashes. More lasting results can be achieved using other products, including eyelash growth serums that increase the length, pigmentation, curvature and thickness of the eyelashes, namely trichomegaly.
Within the diploma thesis, the composition of 38 eyelash growth serums was studied. Special emphasis was given towards cosmetically active ingredients, divided into groups according to chemical composition, and their occurence in selected products. For each component, the mechanism of action on eyelash growth is described. Price, advertising and packaging was also evaluated having a decisive role when purchasing a product.
Cosmetically active ingredients are divided into five groups, according to the frequency of use in serums as follows: vitamins, peptides, amino acids, prostaglandin analogues and other ingredients. Usually, several different cosmetically active ingredients are present in one serum. The mechanism of action varies between groups. Vitamins and amino acids do not have a direct effect on eyelash growth, but rather affect the structure of the eyelash and allow normal growth. Peptides have several different mechanisms of action depending on the peptide, most commonly increasing blood flow and keratinocyte proliferation in the eyelash follicle. Prostaglandin analogues have a specific mechanism of action. Trichomegaly of eyelashes is achieved by binding prostaglandin analogues to the prostanoid receptor on follicular cells, which causes prolongation of the anagen phase and stimulates the transition of the eyelash follicle from the telogen phase to the anagen phase. In addition, prostaglandin analogues are considered the only cosmetic active ingredients that have a clinical study-supported effect on eyelash growth.
The price of products depends on the content of prostaglandin analogues, contributing to the higher price. All examined serums are found in tubular containers that allow application to the eyelid.
|