7 Latisse Side Effects: Hair Growth, Eye Color Changes, and More

Eyelashes are essential to protect your eyes from particles and other objects. And for centuries, people have tried to enhance their cosmetic appeal. Eyelash extensions are a popular option for longer and fuller lashes. But there’s an FDA-approved medication for eyelash growth, too.

Latisse (bimatoprost) is a prescription ophthalmic solution that’s used to increase eyelash growth in people with hypotrichosis — a condition that affects hair growth. Latisse can lengthen, darken, and thicken eyelashes. But for some people, it can also have some undesirable side effects. Here’s what you should know.

Latisse side effects at a glance

Side effects from Latisse usually involve the eye, since not much medication is absorbed into your body. Most side effects are mild, and serious side effects are rare.

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Common and reversible side effects include:

• Irritated or itchy eyes

• Red eyes

• Darkening of eyelid skin

• Dry eye

Less common side effects include:

• Feeling like you have something in your eye

• Abnormal hair growth

• Decreased pressure inside the eye

• Eye infection from improper use

Long-term or permanent side effects include:

• Darker eye color

Learn more about seven of these Latisse side effects below.

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1. Irritated or itchy eyes

Latisse is conveniently applied directly to your upper eyelash line. But it can sometimes cause side effects such as itchy eyes or irritation. You might also have the feeling that there’s something in your eye. 

Eye irritation may get better during the hours after you apply Latisse. But if these side effects are bothersome or persistent, contact your prescriber so they can check things out.

2. Red eyes

During clinical trials, some people using Latisse reported redness in the white part of the eyes (conjunctival hyperemia) and areas around the eye (periorbital erythema). 

To lower your risk of eye redness, only apply a small amount of Latisse at the edge of your lashes. It’s OK if you get some medication into your eye. If this happens, you shouldn’t try to rinse your eye.

Eye redness can also be a sign of infection. To prevent an eye infection, don’t let the tip of the applicator touch your fingers or any other surface except for your eyelid. You should also use the applicators only once (one per eye) and then throw them away. This will help prevent bacteria from growing and infecting your eye(s).

Some eye redness is normal after applying Latisse. But if it appears severe or isn’t going away, you should tell your prescriber. You should also contact them if you have other eye symptoms in addition to eye redness, so they can rule out an eye infection.

3. Darkening of eyelids

In addition to darkening eyelashes, Latisse can also cause your eyelid skin to darken. This is because it causes pigment-producing cells called melanocytes to be more active. According to the manufacturer, this effect might be reversible after you stop using Latisse. But it may take several weeks or even months.

To prevent darkening of your skin, be careful to apply Latisse only to the base of the eyelashes on your upper eyelid. Blot off any liquid that drips away from the treated area(s) with a tissue.

4. Dry eye

Latisse can also cause dry eye symptoms. This may be due to a preservative that’s added to Latisse called benzalkonium chloride (BAK). BAK is known to cause dry eye and other types of eye irritation in some people using eye products containing it. Unfortunately, there isn’t a preservative-free version of Latisse available.

If you’re experiencing bothersome dry eye symptoms, ask your eye provider about using an eye lubricant such as artificial tears. Keeping your eyes lubricated may help reduce dry eye symptoms.

5. Darker eye color

While uncommon, another possible side effect from using Latisse is darker eye color. Latisse can cause brown pigments to appear in the colored part of your eye. This can make it look darker or a different color than it was before. This side effect is likely permanent, which means your eye color won’t go back to normal. It may take several months to years before you notice a change in your eye color from Latisse.

These changes to your eye color aren't harmful. And you can continue treatment with Latisse if they happen. But you should talk to your prescriber if eye color changes are concerning to you.

6. Abnormal hair growth

When Latisse comes into contact with your skin repeatedly, it can cause hair to grow. This is beneficial for growing eyelashes. But hair may grow in unwanted areas when Latisse isn’t applied carefully. You may also notice a difference in eyelash length, fullness, and darkness between your eyes. Once you stop using Latisse, these hair growth changes typically go away.

Make sure that you only apply Latisse to the skin of the upper eyelid margin, right where your eyelashes grow. If you do accidentally get Latisse onto other areas of your skin, use a tissue to blot it off. 

7. Decreased pressure inside the eye

Bimatoprost, the active ingredient in Latisse, also comes in an eye drop for glaucoma called Lumigan. Lumigan is used to lower pressure inside the eye. Latisse isn’t placed in the eye like Lumigan, but it may have this effect to a small degree. For most people, this isn’t likely going to cause an issue.

But if you use Lumigan and Latisse, it’s possible that Lumigan may not work as well. Before starting Latisse, tell your prescriber if you have glaucoma or are using Lumigan.

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Written by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in California. She has been a retail pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist for over 7 years and has contributed drug information content to different health companies.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Nishika Reddy, MD

Nishika Reddy, MD, is an attending physician at the University of Utah. She provides comprehensive and cornea medical care at the Moran Eye Center and serves as clinical assistant professor.

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