Bimatoprost Can Increase Growth and Density of Eyebrow Hair: A Prospective Study on a Group of Young Women

Abstract

Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analog used in cosmetic products designed to stimulate hair growth, including eyebrows. However, limited study-based evidence confirming its efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction is available. The aim of this study was to investigate whether, and to what extent, bimatoprost affects the density and length of eyebrow hair in young women in comparison to sweet almond oil. The study group included 27 healthy women who used bimatoprost cosmetic preparation once daily for 5 weeks and then crossed over to use sweet almond oil once daily for 5 weeks. Bimatoprost preparation, in comparison to sweet almond oil, improved eyebrow density (70% vs. 30%; p = 0.003) and eyebrow hair elongation (59% vs. 26%; p = 0.014), but not eyebrow hair hydration (59% vs. 89%; p = 0.001) and hair darkness (22% vs. 11%; p = 0.278). The comfort of use was comparable for both preparations (63% vs. 67%; p = 0.996), but treatment satisfaction was significantly higher with bimatoprost (66% vs. 22%; p < 0.001). All reported adverse events were minor, transient, and resolved spontaneously. We conclude that the bimatoprost preparation was significantly more effective than sweet almond oil in improving the density and length of eyebrow hair, with a similar level of safety. Therefore, bimatoprost can be considered an ingredient in cosmetics designed to enhance eyebrow growth; however, further larger studies with extended follow-ups are needed.