Is generic bimatoprost the same as Latisse?

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, generic bimatoprost is a bioequivalent of Latisse, meaning the two products contain the same active ingredient and produce the same clinical effect for eyelash growth. For those seeking longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes, understanding if generic bimatoprost is the same as Latisse can lead to significant cost savings without sacrificing results.

Quick Summary

Generic bimatoprost is the FDA-approved, lower-cost bioequivalent of brand-name Latisse, offering identical results for treating inadequate eyelashes. The main differences are price and packaging, as both require a prescription.

Key Points

Bioequivalence: Generic bimatoprost is bioequivalent to Latisse, meaning it contains the same active ingredient and delivers the same clinical results for eyelash growth.
Cost: The most significant difference is the price, with generic bimatoprost costing considerably less than brand-name Latisse.
FDA Approval: Both generic bimatoprost (0.03%) and Latisse are FDA-approved for treating eyelash hypotrichosis, validating their safety and effectiveness.
Application and Packaging: Latisse includes sterile applicators, while generic versions may not, requiring patients to source their own sterile, single-use applicators for hygienic application.
Safety Profile: The potential side effects, including temporary eyelid skin darkening and the rare, permanent change in iris color, are the same for both generic and brand-name products.
Prescription Required: Both versions of bimatoprost are prescription-only medications and require consultation with a healthcare provider for safe use.
Glaucoma vs. Eyelash Treatment: The higher concentration 0.03% solution is for eyelash growth; a lower 0.01% concentration (Lumigan) is for glaucoma and is not for cosmetic use.

What is Latisse?

Latisse is a brand-name prescription medication containing bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%, approved by the FDA in 2008 to treat hypotrichosis, a condition of inadequate eyelashes. It is applied daily to the upper lash line to promote growth. Bimatoprost was originally used in eye drops (Lumigan) for glaucoma and was found to have the side effect of enhancing eyelash growth. The manufacturer, Allergan, then developed Latisse with specific applicators for cosmetic use.

The mechanism of action

Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analog that is believed to stimulate eyelash growth by extending the active growth phase of the hair cycle. This leads to longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes over time, a result observed in clinical trials after 16 weeks of use.

What is Generic Bimatoprost?

Generic bimatoprost is a lower-cost prescription alternative that contains the identical active ingredient as Latisse. Approved by the FDA, generic bimatoprost 0.03% ophthalmic solution is bioequivalent to Latisse, meaning it provides the same clinical benefits and risks. While inactive ingredients may vary, they meet FDA standards and do not affect efficacy or safety.

The FDA's role in generic drug approval

The FDA ensures that approved generic drugs are bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and are absorbed similarly by the body.

Latisse vs. Generic Bimatoprost: The Key Differences

The primary differences between generic bimatoprost and Latisse are cost and packaging.

Cost: Generic bimatoprost is significantly less expensive than Latisse. For instance, a 3-milliliter bottle of generic might cost around $35, while Latisse could range from $100 to $150.
Packaging and Applicators: Latisse includes sterile, single-use applicators. Generic versions may require purchasing separate sterile applicators or using disposable brushes or cotton swabs to avoid contamination.
Formulation Warning: It is crucial to use the 0.03% bimatoprost solution intended for eyelash growth, not the lower-concentration 0.01% solution (Lumigan) used for glaucoma. Using off-label or non-prescription solutions can pose risks.

Potential side effects of bimatoprost

Both generic and brand-name bimatoprost have the same potential side effects.

Common Side Effects
- Eyelid skin darkening (reversible).
- Eye redness, irritation, and itching.
Less Common but More Serious Side Effects
- Increased brown iris pigmentation (potentially permanent).
- Macular edema (swelling in the back of the eye).
- Unwanted hair growth on areas of repeated contact.

Comparison table: Generic Bimatoprost vs. Latisse


Feature	Generic Bimatoprost	Latisse (Bimatoprost)
Active Ingredient	Bimatoprost	Bimatoprost
Concentration	0.03%	0.03%
FDA Approval	Yes, as a generic equivalent	Yes, as a brand-name drug
Efficacy	Equally effective	Equally effective
Mechanism of Action	Same (extends hair growth phase)	Same (extends hair growth phase)
Cost	Significantly lower	Significantly higher
Included Applicators	May not be included	Included with sterile, single-use applicators
Side Effects	Same potential side effects	Same potential side effects
Prescription Required	Yes	Yes

How to get a prescription

A prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required for both generic bimatoprost and Latisse due to potential side effects requiring professional monitoring. Consult a dermatologist or other provider to determine suitability and understand application and risks. Telemedicine options are also available.

Conclusion

For treating eyelash hypotrichosis, generic bimatoprost is effectively the same as Latisse in terms of safety and efficacy, supported by FDA bioequivalence standards. The main advantage of the generic version is its significantly lower cost. While you may need to purchase sterile applicators separately for generic bimatoprost, the cost savings are substantial. Always use either product as prescribed, on the upper lash line only, and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. You can find more information about bimatoprost from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, generic bimatoprost is considered equally effective as Latisse for promoting eyelash growth. Because the FDA requires generics to be bioequivalent, they must contain the same active ingredient (bimatoprost 0.03%) and deliver the same clinical results as the brand-name version.

Generic bimatoprost is less expensive because the manufacturer does not bear the costs associated with initial drug research, development, and marketing. Once the patent for a brand-name drug like Latisse expires, other companies can produce and sell generic versions at a lower cost.

Not always. While brand-name Latisse includes sterile, single-use applicators, many generic versions do not. If your generic bimatoprost does not include applicators, you will need to purchase sterile, disposable eyeliner brushes or cotton swabs separately.

Bimatoprost should be applied once daily, typically in the evening, to the base of the upper eyelashes. Always use a clean, sterile applicator for each eye and blot any excess solution to prevent it from getting on the skin, which can cause unwanted hair growth or skin darkening.

The potential side effects of generic bimatoprost are the same as Latisse. Common side effects include itchy, red eyes, and temporary darkening of the eyelid skin. A rare but more serious side effect is increased brown pigmentation of the iris, which can be permanent.

Yes, bimatoprost is the active ingredient in both Latisse and Lumigan. However, Lumigan is formulated as an eye drop for glaucoma and has a lower concentration (0.01%) than Latisse (0.03%). You should not use Lumigan for cosmetic eyelash growth.

Yes, generic bimatoprost is a prescription-only medication. It is not available over the counter, and you should always obtain and use it under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate and safe for you.