Best Pregnancy Safe Lash Serum (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 22, 2026
The Answer
Most lash serums require caution during pregnancy. Many popular brands contain prostaglandin analogs like isopropyl cloprostenate, which can stimulate uterine contractions. Only 1 of 5 products analyzed received an A grade look for serums free of prostaglandins and harsh preservatives.
Lash serums are a category where ingredient choice matters significantly during pregnancy. The most concerning ingredients are prostaglandin analogs (used to stimulate lash growth), which have been linked to uterine contractions and case reports of miscarriage. Additionally, many formulas contain preservatives like phenoxyethanol with FDA warnings for nursing, and some include cannabis derived extracts that should be avoided entirely.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Prostaglandin free formulas - check that the product explicitly states no prostaglandin analogs
- • Peptide based growth serums using biotin or amino acids instead of prostaglandins
- • Simple ingredient lists with nourishing oils like castor oil or argan oil
- • Fragrance free formulations to minimize unnecessary chemical exposure
- • Products labeled as pregnancy safe or tested for use during pregnancy
✗ What to Avoid
- • Isopropyl cloprostenate - a prostaglandin analog that stimulates uterine contractions with case reports of spontaneous abortion
- • Cannabis sativa seed extract - associated with low birth weight, preterm birth, and neurodevelopmental effects
- • Phenoxyethanol - a preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products due to central nervous system effects
- • Panax ginseng root extract - may affect embryonic development and has anticoagulant effects increasing bleeding risk
- • Biotinoyl tripeptide-1 and other peptides - lack adequate human pregnancy safety data
- • Alcohol (denatured) - can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; no safe level exists
Most Common Ingredients in Lash Serum Products
We analyzed 5 lash serum products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Lash Serum
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 5 lash serum products we analyzed.
phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Has FDA warnings for nursing products due to central nervous system effects. A common preservative that has FDA warnings specifically for nursing products due to potential central nervous system effects. While topical absorption is limited, pregnant women may want to minimize exposure.
Found in 4 of 5 products (80%)
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a common food preservative in processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses. A preservative that has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses. While amounts in cosmetics are typically low, it's flagged as a caution ingredient during pregnancy.
Found in 3 of 5 products (60%)
panax ginseng root extract
CAUTION
Panax ginseng root extract is an herb used to enhance stamina and reduce fatigue. May affect embryonic development and has anticoagulant effects that increase bleeding risk. An herbal extract that may affect embryonic development in early pregnancy. It also has anticoagulant properties that could increase bleeding risk, making it a concern for pregnant women.
Found in 2 of 5 products (40%)
alcohol
CAUTION
Alcohol is an intoxicating substance in beverages. Causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder with lifelong physical and cognitive problems. No safe level exists. When listed as a main ingredient (not fatty alcohols), this can be absorbed through skin. No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy due to risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Found in 1 of 5 products (20%)
biotinoyl tripeptide 1
CAUTION
Biotinoyl tripeptide 1 is short chains of amino acids used in skincare for anti aging and skin repair benefits. Lack adequate human pregnancy safety data, and the wide variety of peptide types makes generalized safety assessments difficult. A peptide used for hair growth that lacks adequate human pregnancy safety data. The wide variety of peptide types makes safety assessments difficult, warranting caution.
Found in 1 of 5 products (20%)
cannabis sativa seed extract
AVOID
Cannabis sativa seed extract is a psychoactive substance derived from the Cannabis plant, used recreationally or for symptom relief. Is associated with low birth weight, preterm birth, and neurodevelopmental effects including impaired executive function and increased risk of psychotic like experiences in offspring. Derived from hemp/cannabis plants and associated with low birth weight, preterm birth, and neurodevelopmental effects in offspring. Should be avoided during pregnancy.
Found in 1 of 5 products (20%)
glyoxal tromethamine
CAUTION
Glyoxal tromethamine is a reactive compound in cosmetics and processed foods. Has genotoxic activity with no human pregnancy studies available. A reactive compound with genotoxic activity and no human pregnancy studies available. Used as a preservative in some cosmetic formulations.
Found in 1 of 5 products (20%)
isopropyl cloprostenate
CAUTION
Isopropyl cloprostenate is a prostaglandin analog in eyelash growth serums. Stimulates uterine contractions with case reports of spontaneous abortion. A prostaglandin analog that stimulates lash growth but can also stimulate uterine contractions. Case reports have linked prostaglandin eye products to spontaneous abortion avoid during pregnancy.
Found in 1 of 5 products (20%)
How Do Lash Serum Products Stack Up?
We graded 5 lash serum products for pregnancy safety. 1 received an A grade.
Best Pregnancy Safe Lash Serum
We found 1 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Revivelash Lash & Brow Growth Serum | Swiss Toniq Geneva |
Lash Serum to Avoid During Pregnancy
These popular products received low grades due to flagged ingredients.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| D+ | E.L.F. Enhancing Lash & Brow Serum - 0.12 Fl Oz | E.L.F. |
| F | Milani Highly Rated Lash And Brow Serum - 0.14 Fl Oz | Milani |
| D- | Grande Cosmetics Travel Size Grandelash Md Lash Enhancing Serum - 1Ml - Ulta Beauty | Grande Cosmetics |
Your Questions Answered
Is lash serum safe during pregnancy?
Most lash serums are not recommended during pregnancy, particularly those containing prostaglandin analogs like isopropyl cloprostenate. These ingredients can stimulate uterine contractions and have been associated with miscarriage in case reports. However, some prostaglandin free formulas using peptides or nourishing oils may be safer options. Always check the ingredient list and consult your healthcare provider before using any lash serum during pregnancy.
What ingredients should I avoid in lash serum during pregnancy?
The most important ingredient to avoid is isopropyl cloprostenate (and similar prostaglandin analogs), which can cause uterine contractions. Also avoid cannabis sativa seed extract, which is linked to adverse birth outcomes. Be cautious with phenoxyethanol (a preservative with FDA warnings), panax ginseng (affects embryonic development), and alcohol based formulas. When in doubt, choose serums with simple, nourishing ingredients like castor oil and biotin.
What is Isopropyl Cloprostenate?
Isopropyl cloprostenate is a prostaglandin analog commonly used in lash growth serums to stimulate hair follicle growth. While effective for lengthening lashes, this ingredient is concerning during pregnancy because prostaglandins can stimulate uterine contractions. There have been case reports linking prostaglandin eye drops to spontaneous abortion. For this reason, pregnant women should avoid lash serums containing this ingredient and opt for prostaglandin free alternatives.
Is this serum safe to use during pregnancy?
Whether a lash serum is safe during pregnancy depends entirely on its ingredients. Serums containing prostaglandin analogs (like isopropyl cloprostenate, bimatoprost, or latanoprost) should be avoided due to their ability to stimulate uterine contractions. Look for products that explicitly state they are prostaglandin free and contain gentler ingredients like peptides, biotin, or natural oils. Our database shows only 1 in 5 lash serums analyzed received an A grade for pregnancy safety.
Can I use lash extensions instead of lash serum while pregnant?
Lash extensions can be a safer alternative to growth serums during pregnancy since they don't involve applying potentially harmful ingredients to your skin. However, consider the fumes from lash adhesives and ensure the salon is well ventilated. Some women experience increased sensitivity during pregnancy, so a patch test is recommended. If you do choose extensions, inform your technician that you're pregnant so they can take appropriate precautions.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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See our full guide to serum during pregnancy.
References
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