Is there a difference between Latisse and generic Latisse?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, generic versions of medications are required to have the same active ingredient, strength, and clinical effect as their brand-name counterparts. This holds true for the relationship between the brand-name eyelash serum, Latisse, and its FDA-approved generic version, bimatoprost. The primary differences boil down to cost, inactive ingredients, and included applicators.

Quick Summary

The active ingredient in both Latisse and its generic version, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%, is identical and considered therapeutically equivalent by the FDA. Generic versions offer significant cost savings, though they may vary in inactive ingredients and often do not include applicators, unlike the brand-name product.

Key Points

Active Ingredient is Identical: Both Latisse and its generic counterpart contain the active ingredient bimatoprost ophthalmic solution at the same 0.03% concentration.
FDA Mandates Bioequivalence: The FDA requires all generic versions to be proven bioequivalent, meaning they work in the same way and provide the same clinical benefit as the brand-name drug.
Generic Versions Cost Less: Generic bimatoprost is significantly cheaper than brand-name Latisse, as generic manufacturers do not have the same R&D and marketing costs.
Inactive Ingredients Can Vary: While the active component is the same, inactive ingredients like preservatives and buffers can differ between brand and generic, though the FDA ensures these variations are safe.
Applicators May Not Be Included: Latisse is packaged with sterile, single-use applicators, whereas generic versions often require the user to purchase sterile applicators separately.
Side Effects Are the Same: Because the active ingredient is identical, the potential side effects, such as eye redness or eyelid darkening, are the same for both brand and generic versions.
Prescription is Required: Both Latisse and FDA-approved generic bimatoprost require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

The Active Ingredient: A Tale of Two Names

The most important detail to understand is that Latisse is simply the brand name for the prescription drug bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%. When the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other manufacturers can produce and sell a generic version containing the exact same active ingredient. This generic form is bioequivalent, meaning it works in the same way and produces the same therapeutic effect as the original brand-name drug.

For Latisse, the active ingredient is bimatoprost. This compound, a prostaglandin analog, was initially developed to treat glaucoma but was found to have the side effect of promoting eyelash growth. Both Latisse and FDA-approved generic bimatoprost contain the same 0.03% concentration of this active ingredient to stimulate lash growth.

FDA Regulation: Safety and Efficacy Assured

The FDA's approval process for generic drugs is rigorous and ensures that they are safe, effective, and high-quality alternatives to brand-name drugs. To gain approval, a generic manufacturer must prove that its product is bioequivalent to the original. This means that tests must show the active ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream at the same rate and to the same extent as the brand-name version.

In addition to bioequivalence, the generic manufacturer must also meet the FDA's strict Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). This guarantees that all batches of the generic product are manufactured consistently to the same high standards as the brand-name drug.

The Differences: Cost, Inactive Ingredients, and Applicators

While the active ingredient and clinical efficacy are the same, there are some non-therapeutic differences between Latisse and its generic versions. These primarily relate to cost, formulation, and packaging.

Cost: The most significant difference is the price. Brand-name drugs are typically more expensive due to the costs associated with initial research, development, and marketing. After the patent expires, generic manufacturers can produce the drug at a much lower cost. A generic bimatoprost prescription can be significantly more affordable than Latisse.
Inactive Ingredients: Generic drugs are permitted to have different inactive ingredients (excipients) than the brand-name drug. These can include preservatives, stabilizers, or buffers. While these differences are not supposed to affect the drug's performance, some users with specific sensitivities may find that one formulation is better tolerated than another. For example, both products contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, but other inactive ingredients might differ depending on the manufacturer of the generic.
Applicators: Latisse is packaged with single-use, sterile applicators designed for safe application to the upper lash line. Generic bimatoprost, however, may not always include applicators. Users of the generic product might need to purchase sterile, disposable eyeliner brushes or similar applicators separately to ensure safe and hygienic application. This is a crucial point, as reusing applicators can lead to contamination and potential eye infections.

Understanding the Side Effects

The side effects for both Latisse and generic bimatoprost are the same, as they are caused by the active ingredient. Common side effects can include eye redness, itching, and dry eyes. More specific side effects associated with bimatoprost include:

Skin darkening of the eyelid: This may be reversible after stopping treatment.
Permanent darkening of the iris: This is a rare side effect, particularly in those with lighter-colored eyes, but is unlikely to reverse if it occurs.
Unwanted hair growth: This can occur in areas where the solution is repeatedly applied or drips.
Iris pigmentation changes: If applied directly to the eye (which is not the intended use for lash growth), it could cause increased brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye, which is likely permanent.

Latisse vs. Generic Bimatoprost Comparison


Feature	Latisse (Brand Name)	Generic Bimatoprost	Key Distinction
Active Ingredient	Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%	Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%	Identical
Efficacy	FDA-approved for eyelash hypotrichosis	FDA-approved and bioequivalent, so equally effective	No significant clinical difference
Cost	Significantly higher due to brand recognition and R&D costs	Significantly lower, typically with pharmacy coupons	Generic is more affordable
Inactive Ingredients	Specific, proprietary formula	Can vary by manufacturer, though FDA-approved as safe	May differ slightly
Applicators	Includes single-use, sterile applicators	Often sold without applicators, requiring separate purchase	Packaging difference
Manufacturing	Allergan (now AbbVie) maintains high standards	Manufacturers must meet FDA cGMP standards	All meet strict FDA quality standards

Making the Right Choice

The decision between Latisse and generic bimatoprost often comes down to budget and personal preference. Because generic versions are FDA-approved as bioequivalent, they provide the same results for less money. For patients sensitive to certain inactive ingredients, checking the specific formulation of a generic brand with a pharmacist is advisable. Regardless of the choice, it's crucial to always obtain a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and follow application instructions precisely to minimize side effects and prevent contamination.

For those considering eyelash growth treatments, consultation with a dermatologist can help determine the best course of action. Resources like Miiskin offer online consultations for obtaining prescriptions for either brand-name or generic options.

In summary, the key takeaway is that an FDA-approved generic bimatoprost is, for all practical purposes, the same medication as Latisse when it comes to effectiveness and safety. The main trade-off for the lower cost of the generic is often the exclusion of applicators and potential variations in inactive ingredients.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between Latisse and its generic counterpart, bimatoprost, is largely a financial one. Both are FDA-approved prescription medications with the identical active ingredient at the same concentration, making them equally effective for promoting eyelash growth. While the brand name, Latisse, includes specialized applicators and higher pricing, FDA-approved generic options offer a therapeutically equivalent and more affordable alternative, though consumers may need to purchase sterile applicators separately. Any differences in inactive ingredients or packaging are reviewed by the FDA and do not impact the drug's intended use or safety. The side effect profiles are the same for both. When used as directed under a doctor's supervision, both provide a safe and effective treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis, allowing patients to select the option that best fits their budget and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an FDA-approved generic version of Latisse is considered therapeutically equivalent and just as effective as the brand-name version for growing eyelashes. This is because it contains the exact same active ingredient, bimatoprost, at the same 0.03% concentration.

Yes, both brand-name Latisse and its generic version, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%, are prescription-only medications. A licensed healthcare provider must assess your medical history to ensure it is a safe and appropriate treatment for you.

The main difference is the cost. Generic bimatoprost is significantly less expensive than brand-name Latisse. Additionally, generic products may have different inactive ingredients and might not include applicators, which are standard with the brand-name product.

Yes, the side effects are the same because they are caused by the active ingredient, bimatoprost. These can include eye redness, itching, eyelid darkening, and, in rare cases, permanent iris darkening.

Generic drugs are less expensive because manufacturers don't have to repeat the extensive and costly clinical trials required to prove the safety and effectiveness of the original drug. They only need to prove bioequivalence to gain FDA approval.

No, unlike the brand-name Latisse, which always includes applicators, generic bimatoprost often does not. If you purchase the generic, you will likely need to buy a supply of sterile, single-use applicators separately to ensure safe and hygienic application.

Yes, generic drugs can have different inactive ingredients (e.g., preservatives, stabilizers) than the brand-name version. While these differences are not expected to impact effectiveness, individuals with specific sensitivities may want to review the full ingredient list.