Has there ever been an era where long and thick eyelashes weren't on every woman's wish list? With scientists serving up beauty breakthroughs like fast food combos, our selection of lash serums has never been more diverse.

It's tempting to grab the first tube promising swoon-worthy fringe, but we can't afford to risk our eyes without a little research. After all, we only get one set of eyes!

Since products must list ingredients in order of highest to lowest content, let's look at the top 10 ingredients in Lash Boost by Rodan and Fields.

Ingredient #1: Water

Water is the first ingredient listed, so there is more water than anything else in your Lash Boost tube. You probably need to exercise caution when applying it underneath oil-based eye balms or creamy eyeshadows. It may cause your makeup to separate since oil and water don't mix.

Ingredient #2: Butylene Glycol

Butylene glycol is an oil-dissolving alcohol solvent used in cosmetics to maintain viscosity. The toxicity level is low; however, Cosmetics Info reports that you could experience severe ocular irritation.

Ingredient #3: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

According to Simply Eden , Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is a plant-based thickener that acts as a water stabilizer to balance solutions containing a mixture of oils and water. There are no health warnings associated with this compound.

Ingredient #4: Keratin

You probably recognize Keratin as the material your hair and nails are made of. In cosmetic form, it's the exact same thing. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel, or CIR, defines Keratin as proteins derived from hair, wool, nails, horns, or other animal tissue. I'm a little grossed out. Are you?

Ick-factor aside, there are millions of variations of Keratin. Since cosmetic companies don't have to disclose their sources, Keratin is an ill-defined component. Certain variations may cause you irritation, and the efficacy can't be established. Keratin claims to condition hair and skin.

Ingredient #5: Hydrolyzed Keratin

What's the difference in Hydrolyzed Keratin and Keratin? Hydrolyzed Keratin has been through a harsh treatment process in order to help it penetrate your skin more easily. This typically involves boiling at high temperatures or soaking in acids. One serious allergic reaction has been recorded, but more studies are needed to determine the level of irritation associated with this ingredient.

Ingredient #6: Biotin

You've probably seen biotin supplements offered as a hair growth supplement in every vitamin aisle ever, but does it truly work for eyelashes? Experts have determined that biotin can be helpful for women suffering from temporary hair loss; however, there is debate regarding whether it has the same effect on those with normal hair. Additionally, the overconsumption of biotin can lead to some terrible side effects such as skin rashes.

Ingredient #7: Sodium Hyaluronate

According to Truth in Aging , Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid, and it works as a skin moisturizer by temporarily drawing more water to the skin where you apply it. The low molecular weight helps with deep penetration; however, it may cause your lids to appear swollen.

Ingredient #8: Isopropyl Cloprostenate

Among all ingredients listed in Lash Boost, Isopropyl Cloprostenate will probably cause you the most concern. The FDA has already issued warning letters to other lash serum companies, because this is a prostaglandin that alters your body's function and structure.

It can cause side effects like ocular irritation and inflammation, macular edema, hyperemia, and it can even change the color of your iris. Ophthalmic use of this ingredient has a Pregnancy Class C classification, so your risks are not ruled out.

Ingredient #9: Octapeptide-2

Peptides are relatively new to the cosmetic industry, and they typically work as messengers that tell your skin cells what to do. Like keratin, there are so many peptides available that it's nearly impossible to define their function. We can assume that octapeptide-2 is telling skin cells something, but according to The Beauty Brains, we need more studies to show us what that something is.

Ingredient #10: Allantoin

The FDA defines allantoin as a skin soother and protector against irritating stimuli. Since it is one of the top ingredients in Lash Boost, you know this product will probably irritate your eyes. Allantoin works to clear dead skin away from the surface, so you may also experience some peeling.

Ingredient #11: Panthenol

Panthenol is a hair and skin conditioner known to bind moisture to your hair. It is considered safe in small amounts.

Despite it's popularity, Lash Boost definitely has some ingredients that may cause you some concern. So, what is your safest alternative?

The post Top 11 Ingredients Breakdown: Lash Boost by Rodan and Fields appeared first on Eyelash-Growth.com.