Babe Lash Serum is a product from the Babe Original brand that’s used to increase lash length. The brand claims that the “ultra-nourishing and “performance-based ingredients” can improve lash length.
But does Babe Lash Serum contain research-backed ingredients for increasing lash length? Does it contain any unhealthy ingredients? Why was the company sued over one of its ingredients? And is Babe Lash Serum better or worse than popular lash serums like Grande?
In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we analyze the ingredients in Babe Lash Serum to give our take on whether or not the product is likely to be effective, and whether or not it's healthy.
We’ll also explain why the company was sued, discuss the risk of lash serums generally, and compare Babe Lash Serum to other popular lash serums in terms of formulation quality to pick our winners (and losers).
Key takeaways:
- Contains research-backed active ingredients for lash growth
- Brand sued over allegations of product harm
- We do not currently recommend Babe Lash Serum
Ingredient Analysis
The ingredients in Babe Essential Lash Serum are shown below:
Arginine is an amino acid that was shown to protect hair from damage in a clinical trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science.
This suggests a lash-protective effect.
Alanine is another amino acid which is clinically shown to improve hair quality when applied topically.
Chamomilla matricaria was shown in a clinical trial published in the Cogent Medicine journal to stimulate hair growth in balding patients, which suggests (but doesn’t prove) that it may also be effective at stimulating lash growth.
Histidine is an amino acid which is clinically shown to improve the tensile strength of hair, which makes it more resistant to breakage.
Grape seed extract was shown in a medical review to promote hair growth.
The study authors analyzed data from 1,000 plant extracts, and found grape seed extract to be the most promising. An animal study cited in the above-linked review documented that grape seed extract improved hair growth by 230% compared to a control group.
There are two inactive ingredients in this formulation that we consider to be questionable from a health perspective.
Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative, and as we referenced in our review of another lash brand called Rodan and Fields, we recommend avoiding use of this ingredient around the eyes, because it’s clinically shown to be toxic to human cells.
Triethanolamine is a pH balancer which was shown to be irritating and potentially harmful to the eyes in a clinical trial published in the Occupational & Environmental Medicine journal.
Overall, we consider Babe Lash Serum likely to be effective for increasing lash length and quality, because of the numerous research-backed ingredients for hair growth.
From an efficacy perspective, we consider this to be one of the best lash growth products we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health.
We don’t currently recommend this product due to the inactive ingredients highlighted above.
Why Was Babe Original Sued?
Babe Original was sued over allegations that one of its inactive ingredients caused side effects and adverse reactions.
The lawsuit further alleges that the company manufacturing Babe Original failed to warn potential consumers of these risks.
The chemical compound in question is isopropyl cloprostenate, and it's included in prescription medications, but not often over-the-counter (OTC) products.
The manufacturer of Babe Original chose to settle the lawsuit.
At the time of updating this article, this ingredient is still in Babe Lash Serum.
Given the ongoing use of this ingredient, it may be beneficial for potential consumers to speak with their dermatologist prior to using this product.
Are Lash Serums Dangerous?
An ophthalmologist named Dr. Rupa Wong has a popular YouTube video discussing whether or not lash serums are safe:
Babe Lash vs. Popular Lash Serums
Here's how Babe Lash Serum compares to other popular lash serums in terms of formulation quality, in our opinion:
Grande Lash Serum
Contains the same active ingredient which was the subject of the lawsuit against Babe Lash Serum.
Also contains the synthetic preservative ethylhexylglycerin, which is clinically shown to potentiate the toxic effects of phenoxyethanol.
Babe Lash Serum is the healthier option.
Winner: Babe Lash Serum
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
Contains synthetic preservatives we consider unhealthy, as we documented in our The Ordinary Multi Peptide Lash and Brow Serum review article.
However, this brand doesn't have the pharmaceutical ingredient which was the subject of the lawsuit referenced above, so we consider it to be a safer choice.
Winner: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
e.l.f. Lash Serum
Contains some inactive ingredients we consider unhealthy, but doesn't contain the active ingredient which was the subject of the above-referenced lawsuit.
This makes e.l.f. Lash Serum the healthier choice in our view.
Winner: e.l.f. Lash Serum
Our Clean Lash Boost Pick
Organic Eyelash and Eyebrow Growth Serum by Live Fraiche is our top lash boost pick.
This product has one single ingredient: organic castor oil, and most importantly, it's entirely free of questionable filler ingredients like preservatives.
A medical review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology described castor oil as having the potential to improve hair quality.
While we don't believe the medical evidence on castor oil for hair growth is particularly convincing, we definitely consider this to be a healthier option than commercial eyelash and eyebrow serums, and may be worth trying.
Babe Lash Serum Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Research-backed active ingredients
- May increase lash thickness
- May support lash growth
Cons:
- Contains phenoxyethanol
- Contains triethanolamine
- Company sued over allegations that an active ingredient caused adverse effects
- Contains synthetic preservatives
- May be irritating to eyes
- Doesn't appear to be clinically tested
- Less healthy than some competitors
