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Prostaglandin Lash Serum in Australia: What the TGA Label Means
"Prostaglandin-free" sounds official. This guide explains what the TGA has actually said about prostaglandin eyelash treatments, and what the phrase on a cosmetic label does and does not prove.
The Beauty Desk · Lash & Brow Care · 8 minute read
Quick answer
The TGA has evaluated bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analogue, as a medicine for eyelash hypotrichosis (Latisse), not as a cosmetic. "Prostaglandin-free" on a cosmetic is the seller's own statement. It says one ingredient group is absent, not that the TGA has assessed the product, so check the ingredients and ask questions.
Disclosure: Eastern Curlew sells lash and brow serums, including LashViva. We have a commercial interest, so we cite our sources and mark our own opinions as opinions. This is general information, not medical or legal advice.
Key facts at a glance
| Question | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Has the TGA evaluated a prostaglandin eyelash product? | Yes. The TGA's AusPAR for bimatoprost covers Latisse, proposed for eyelash hypotrichosis. |
| Is Latisse registered today? | No. The AusPAR states it entered the ARTG on 14 July 2016 and was cancelled on 22 August 2017 at the sponsor's decision. |
| Schedule status of bimatoprost | The AusPAR notes bimatoprost is a Schedule 4 substance. We have not independently checked the current Poisons Standard. |
| What decides cosmetic or medicine? | The TGA says purpose, claims, composition and how a product is used. |
| Does "prostaglandin-free" mean TGA-approved? | No. It is a claim by the seller. |
What does the TGA say about prostaglandin eyelash treatments?
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) published an Australian Public Assessment Report (AusPAR) for bimatoprost. It describes a sponsor application for Latisse, a bimatoprost solution proposed "for treatment of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their growth, including length, thickness and darkness". The dose described is one drop a day applied to the upper eyelid margin at the base of the lashes with a sterile single-use applicator, and the lower lash line is not treated.
The path was not simple. The AusPAR records that the TGA rejected the application (initial decision 18 November 2013, final decision 9 April 2014). The sponsor appealed, and on 6 October 2015 the Administrative Appeals Tribunal set the rejection aside and approved registration. Latisse entered the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) on 14 July 2016 and was cancelled on 22 August 2017 at the sponsor's decision.
What risks did the TGA's evaluation discuss?
The AusPAR lists eye disorders including conjunctival redness, eyelid and eye itching and dry eye, skin hyperpigmentation, possibly permanent iris hyperpigmentation, enophthalmos (a sunken eye appearance) and loss of eyelashes. It says the safety of use in pregnancy and lactation had not been established, and it flags off-label use as a significant potential risk. The evaluator also recommended restricting prescribing to specialist physicians because of the risk of cosmetic and off-label use, which the sponsor disputed. The report does not state the final prescribing category, so we do not either.
This evaluation concerned a bimatoprost medicine. It does not assess any cosmetic serum, and we are not suggesting any particular cosmetic product causes these effects.
Prostaglandin analogues are lab-made copies of natural prostaglandins and were first used in glaucoma eye drops. They bind prostaglandin receptors in the hair follicle, which can keep lashes in the growth phase for longer. The effects shown in the graphic match those reported above, with fat loss around the eye added to irritation, eyelid skin darkening and possibly permanent iris colour change.
What does "prostaglandin-free" on a cosmetic label tell you?
It tells you what the seller says about the formula. It can be useful, because it names the ingredient group you may want to avoid. It does not tell you that a regulator has checked the claim, that the product has been tested for safety or effectiveness, or that the ingredient list is complete.
The TGA's guidance on cosmetics and therapeutic goods says classification depends on the product's purpose, the claims made, its composition, how it is administered or used, and whether it is an excluded good or declared not to be a therapeutic good. It describes cosmetics as typically used to change the body's odour or appearance. The guidance notes some products can fall under both definitions and need closer analysis, and it is not advice on any specific product. A product that makes strong claims about growth or treatment may be viewed differently from one that only describes appearance, so check claims as well as ingredients.
Peptide serums do not act on prostaglandin receptors. They are formulated to condition lashes, change them gradually over about 8 to 12 weeks, and have more limited independent evidence. On a label, look for isopropyl cloprostenate, bimatoprost and ethyl tafluprostamide, and see a doctor if you have an eye condition.
What should you ask a seller before buying?
- Can I see the full ingredient list? Look for bimatoprost or other names containing "prost".
- Does the statement apply to this exact product? Brands often sell several serums, and not every page makes the same claim.
- What are the directions and warnings? You want clear advice on patch testing, who should avoid it, and when to stop.
- Who do I contact if I react, and what is the refund process? Under Australian Consumer Law, you have rights if a product is faulty or not as described.
- Where is the evidence for the results claimed? Be cautious about percentages or "clinically proven" language without a cited study.
Our own pages, stated plainly
Our LashViva page (3 ml, $35.00 AUD) says the serum is prostaglandin-free and names Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, ginseng and hyaluronic acid. View LashViva
Our product pages also describe the BlinkBliss eyebrow serum and the Lash & Brow Power Duo as prostaglandin-free, the same as LashViva. Please check the ingredient list on your pack yourself. BlinkBliss · Duo
How do you use a lash or brow serum more safely?
Patch test first on a small area of skin away from the eye, and wait for any reaction. Keep products away from the eyeball, and stop if you notice redness, swelling, itching or changes in your vision. See a doctor or optometrist promptly if symptoms continue. Speak to your doctor before use if you use glaucoma drops, have an eye condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Our tips on maximising lash serum results cover routine and patience.
Frequently asked questions
Does the TGA regulate eyelash growth serums in Australia?
The TGA regulates therapeutic goods, and its guidance says whether a product is a cosmetic or therapeutic good depends on purpose, claims, composition and use. It evaluated a bimatoprost eyelash medicine, Latisse. We cannot say how it would classify any particular cosmetic serum, so ask the seller and check the TGA website.
Is Latisse available in Australia?
According to the TGA's AusPAR, Latisse entered the ARTG on 14 July 2016 and was cancelled on 22 August 2017 at the sponsor's decision, and it is no longer registered. Check the TGA's ARTG search for the current position before relying on this.
Is bimatoprost a prescription medicine in Australia?
The TGA's AusPAR notes that bimatoprost is a Schedule 4 substance. Schedule 4 is a prescription-only category under the Poisons Standard. We have not independently checked the current Poisons Standard entry, so confirm with a pharmacist or the TGA.
What does prostaglandin-free mean on a lash serum?
It means the seller states the serum does not contain prostaglandin analogues. It is not a TGA approval. Verify it by reading the full ingredient list for bimatoprost or other names containing "prost", and ask the seller whether the claim covers the exact product you are buying.
Are prostaglandin-free lash serums safe?
Not automatically. Any product near the eye can irritate, and the claim covers only one ingredient group. Patch test, follow directions, stop if irritated and see a doctor if symptoms persist. Ask about your own circumstances if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have an eye condition.
What should I ask a lash serum seller in Australia?
Ask for the full ingredient list, whether the prostaglandin-free statement applies to your exact product, the directions and warnings, who to contact if you react, and the refund process. Be cautious about unexplained percentages or "clinically proven" claims. Australian Consumer Law protections apply to faulty or misdescribed goods.
Is BlinkBliss eyebrow serum prostaglandin-free?
Our BlinkBliss product page describes it as prostaglandin-free, the same as LashViva and the Lash & Brow Power Duo. Check the ingredient list on your pack, and contact us at info@easterncurlew.com.au if you want the ingredient list for a specific product before buying.
How we compared this, and when we last checked
We read the TGA documents below on 2 November 2026 and used only what we could see. The AusPAR is a long PDF and we read the first part, which contained the details above. We did not read the Poisons Standard itself, so we have not confirmed any current scheduling. Our product facts come from our own store. Rules and registrations change, so confirm with the TGA before relying on this page.
Sources
- TGA, Australian Public Assessment Report for Bimatoprost (AusPAR): https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/auspar-bimatoprost-140718.pdf
- TGA, Determining if your product is a cosmetic or therapeutic good: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/guidance/determining-if-your-product-cosmetic-or-therapeutic-good
- Eastern Curlew LashViva product page: https://www.easterncurlew.com.au/products/lashviva