The prostaglandin derivatives found in eyelash serums are known to have some effect in making eyelashes and eyebrows thicker. However, for treating scalp hair loss, they have not been shown to have clear advantages over minoxidil in terms of cost, skin irritation, and efficiency, so they are generally not recommended.
Key Summary
✔ The prostaglandin derivatives in eyelash serums have been reported to make eyelashes thicker.
✔ For treating scalp hair loss, they are generally not recommended when cost, skin irritation, and efficiency are considered.
✔ For the scalp, proven treatments such as minoxidil are the preferred choice.
✔ Using it long-term based only on social media reviews requires careful judgment.
“If it really makes eyelashes grow, wouldn't it be fine to apply it to the head? What about applying it to areas without eyebrows?”
In a previous article, when I explained the prostaglandin derivative ingredient in expensive eyelash serums, this question naturally followed. I am Yoo Hwa-jeong, Director of Modi Hair Plant Clinic. Today, I will explain whether this ingredient can be applied to the scalp or eyebrows, and why it is not actually used as a treatment, from the perspective of ingredients and efficiency.
Can eyelash serum be applied to eyebrows?
It is true that prostaglandin derivatives make eyebrows thicker. In fact, when this ingredient was applied around the eyes for several days, an effect of eyebrows becoming thicker and darker was observed. Nevertheless, there is a reason it has not been officially released as an eyebrow treatment.
- The prostaglandin derivative itself is a relatively expensive raw material.
- Skin irritation may appear in some users.
- Decisively, when cost and irritation are taken into account, it did not offer significant reasonable advantages compared to the existing minoxidil.
So even for those concerned about sparse eyebrows, if there are existing eyebrows, we usually advise them to "just use minoxidil." Minoxidil is relatively inexpensive, causes less skin irritation, and is an ingredient with sufficient clinical experience regarding its efficacy and safety.
The problem grows bigger when moving to the scalp
| Around the eyes | Scalp |
|---|---|
| Small application area | Large application area |
| Low cost | High cost |
| Little irritation | Increased irritation |
| Low absorption | Increased absorption |
The same principle works more unfavorably on the scalp.
- The area of hair loss on the scalp is much larger than around the eyes.
- Because the stratum corneum of the scalp is thicker, more needs to be applied.
- Accordingly, costs rise, and the possibility of side effects such as local skin irritation also increases.
- The more you apply widely and heavily, the more the ingredient is absorbed overall.
Moreover, regarding scalp hair loss, there is no clear evidence that it shows better efficacy than the already marketed and approved minoxidil, and it does not show as much benefit as expected, especially for male-pattern hair loss. For these overlapping reasons, prostaglandin derivatives have not become the standard treatment for the scalp or eyebrows.
How should we view the 'miracle reviews' on social media?
On social media, there are quite a few reviews accompanied by before-and-after photos saying "I applied it for 4 or 6 weeks and it got dramatically thicker." This does not mean such effects are entirely false. Due to the characteristics of the prostaglandin derivative ingredient mentioned earlier, when used for a certain period, a change of appearing thicker may actually occur.
The problem is what comes next. Because this change is for cosmetic purposes, it generally returns to the original state when use is stopped. That means you ultimately have to keep applying it long-term, and you must continue to bear the possibility of side effects for that long. When considering whether the benefit of becoming thicker is worth accepting the side effects that come with long-term use, I think it is difficult for me to readily recommend it.
Prostaglandin vs. Minoxidil Comparison Table
| Item | Prostaglandin | Minoxidil |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High | Low |
| Irritation | May occur | Relatively little |
| Evidence for hair loss treatment | Limited | Abundant |
| Standard treatment | No | Recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
So is it illegal to apply eyelash serum to the scalp?
Under Korean law, this does not mean that use itself is illegal. However, taking together the cost, skin irritation, and the amount absorbed due to the wide area, its efficiency for the purpose of scalp hair growth is low, so personally I do not recommend it.
There are already proven hair loss treatments, so do I need to use this?
In terms of efficacy and cost-effectiveness, already-certified hair loss treatment products are available on the market. I believe there is little reason to choose a product whose benefits are unclear and whose potential for side effects is greater. Since the treatment suited to you varies depending on your condition, I recommend consulting a specialist.
I really have no eyebrows — is there no method?
If you have some existing eyebrows, options such as minoxidil can be considered first, and if you have almost no eyebrows at all, you can compare other methods such as eyebrow transplant through a consultation. Since the appropriate method differs for each person, I recommend a consultation.
Can hair grow with eyelash serum?
There is a possibility of a temporary change appearing, but so far there is not sufficient evidence to recommend it as a scalp hair loss treatment.
In Summary
- It is true that prostaglandin derivatives make eyebrows and eyelashes thicker, but due to issues of cost, irritation, and efficiency, they are not used as standard treatments for eyebrows or the scalp.
- The scalp has a large area and a thick stratum corneum, so when using the same ingredient, the burden of cost and side effects becomes greater.
- For scalp hair loss, already-proven options such as minoxidil are a more reasonable choice.
- Changes in social media reviews may occur, but you should also consider that it is a cosmetic effect that generally returns when stopped.
The conclusion is simple. Taking together actual usage experience and the evidence available so far, no clear advantage over existing hair loss treatments has been confirmed. Considering cost and side effects, it is reasonable to prioritize proven treatments.
References
- Blume-Peytavi U, et al. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study to assess the efficacy of a 24-week topical treatment by latanoprost 0.1% on hair growth and pigmentation in healthy volunteers with androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012. View original
- Efficacy and safety of bimatoprost 0.01% for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. PubMed. View original
- Comparative study of the efficacy and safety of topical minoxidil 2% versus topical bimatoprost 0.01% versus 0.03% in treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis: a randomized controlled trial. PMC. View original
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This article was reconstructed based on a YouTube video by Director Yoo Hwa-jeong of Modi Hair Plant Clinic. This article is intended to provide general medical information and does not replace individual diagnosis or prescription.