Are latanoprost and latisse the same thing? A Pharmacological Breakdown

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

While both belong to a class of drugs called prostaglandin analogs, a common point of confusion is whether latanoprost and latisse the same thing. The simple answer is no, and understanding their distinct purposes and formulations is crucial for safe and effective use.

Quick Summary

Latanoprost is a glaucoma medication that can cause eyelash growth as a side effect. Latisse, with the active ingredient bimatoprost, is specifically FDA-approved to treat inadequate lashes, making them longer and thicker.

Key Points

Different Active Ingredients: Latanoprost and Latisse contain different prostaglandin analogs; latanoprost and bimatoprost, respectively.
Distinct Primary Purposes: Latanoprost is a glaucoma medication, while Latisse is a cosmetic treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis.
FDA Approval Status: Latisse is the only product specifically FDA-approved for cosmetic eyelash growth.
Application Methods: Latanoprost is an eye drop, whereas Latisse is applied to the upper eyelid margin with a sterile applicator.
Potential Risks: Both medications carry the risk of eye irritation and permanent darkening of the iris, with Latisse potentially having a higher incidence of eyelash and eyelid darkening.
Never Use Off-Label: Using glaucoma drops for cosmetic purposes is not advised due to differences in formulation, risk profile, and application method.

What are Latanoprost and Latisse?

Latanoprost and Latisse are both topical ophthalmic solutions, but they serve different primary purposes and contain different active ingredients. Latanoprost's primary and intended purpose is to treat medical conditions, while Latisse's is for cosmetic enhancement. Knowing this fundamental difference is the first step in understanding why they are not interchangeable and should not be used as substitutes for one another.

Latanoprost: The Glaucoma Treatment

Latanoprost is a prescription eye drop used to reduce high pressure inside the eye, a condition known as glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It works by increasing the outflow of fluid from the eye, which lowers the intraocular pressure (IOP) and helps protect the optic nerve. Eyelash growth was noted as a side effect during its use.

Active Ingredient: Latanoprost
Primary Use: Medical treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension
Eyelash Growth: Occurs as an off-label side effect
Application: One drop in the eye, usually in the evening

Latisse: The Eyelash Enhancer

Latisse is the brand name for a prescription treatment specifically formulated and FDA-approved for cosmetic use to treat eyelash hypotrichosis. Its development stemmed from the observation of eyelash growth in patients using prostaglandin analogs. Latisse contains bimatoprost and is applied to the upper lash line.

Active Ingredient: Bimatoprost
Primary Use: Cosmetic treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis
Application: Applied with a sterile applicator to the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes
FDA Approval: Approved specifically for growing eyelashes

The Core Differences: Latanoprost vs. Latisse

Latanoprost and Latisse differ in several key areas. Latanoprost's active ingredient is latanoprost, primarily used to lower intraocular pressure for glaucoma, and is FDA approved for this purpose. It is applied as eye drops placed directly into the eye and is generally more affordable.

In contrast, Latisse's active ingredient is bimatoprost, specifically intended to increase eyelash length, thickness, and darkness for hypotrichosis. It is uniquely FDA-approved for cosmetic eyelash growth and is applied with a sterile applicator to the upper eyelid margin. Latisse's formulation is optimized for eyelash growth, and it typically costs more. While eyelash growth is a side effect of latanoprost, Latisse generally provides superior cosmetic results. {Link: Parschauer Eye Center https://www.parschauer.com/latisse/}

The Importance of Application Method

Latanoprost is designed for instillation in the eye to affect pressure, while Latisse is applied at the base of the upper eyelashes to target hair follicles. This difference in application is crucial for effectiveness and reducing ocular side effects. Using glaucoma drops off-label for lashes can lead to inconsistent results and a higher risk of side effects.

Safety and Side Effects

Both medications, as prostaglandin analogs, share potential side effects. These include:

Iris Pigmentation: Potential permanent darkening of the iris, more noticeable in mixed-color eyes.
Eyelid Skin Darkening: Possible darkening of eyelid skin, which may be reversible.
Eye Irritation: Common side effects like itching, redness, dryness, and irritation.
Inconsistent Results: Applying to only one eye can cause noticeable differences in lash appearance between eyes.

Making the Right Choice: Consult a Doctor

The choice depends on the condition. Latanoprost is for glaucoma, and Latisse is for cosmetic eyelash enhancement. Never use one for the other's purpose without consulting a healthcare professional. A doctor can determine the suitable treatment. For more information, refer to the American Academy of Ophthalmology guide on Latisse.

Conclusion

Latanoprost and Latisse are not the same; they have different active ingredients (latanoprost vs. bimatoprost), intended uses, and FDA approvals. While latanoprost for glaucoma may cause eyelash growth as a side effect, Latisse is specifically developed for cosmetic eyelash enhancement with a dedicated application method. Always consult a healthcare provider for the correct medication for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not recommended to use latanoprost eye drops for cosmetic eyelash growth. While eyelash growth is a known side effect, using it off-label can lead to inconsistent results and a higher risk of side effects, including serious ocular issues.

The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost. It is a different prostaglandin analog than latanoprost, which is the active ingredient in glaucoma medication like Xalatan.

If you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes are expected to gradually return to their previous appearance. Eyelid skin darkening may also reverse. {Link: Parschauer Eye Center https://www.parschauer.com/latisse/}

Yes, Latisse (bimatoprost) has a potential side effect of causing increased brown pigmentation in the iris, the colored part of the eye, which is likely to be permanent. {Link: Parschauer Eye Center https://www.parschauer.com/latisse/}

Latisse comes with single-use applicators to ensure proper and safe application to the upper eyelid margin only. This minimizes the risk of contamination and reduces the likelihood of the solution entering the eye or causing unwanted hair growth on other skin areas.

Generic latanoprost is typically cheaper as it is a widely available glaucoma treatment. Latisse is specifically formulated for a cosmetic purpose and is the only FDA-approved brand for eyelash growth, contributing to a higher price.

You should only use Latisse under the close supervision of your physician if you are using other eye pressure-lowering medications or have a history of eye pressure problems. Using these products in combination can increase treatment side effects.