Photo source: Beaut.ie
A good question. According to reports by the FDA issued in February 2008, 12682 applicator tubes of the original formulation of Jan Marini Intervention Eyelash (about $2 million in product) was seized due to the product’s inclusion of bimatoprost. According to the FDA, exposure to bimatoprost increases pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure) in some patients, and may result in macular edema (swelling of the retina) and uveitis (inflammation in the eye), which may lead to decreased vision. Not good, to say the least. However, Jan Marini Cosmetics maintains that the new formulation of its eyelash conditioner, started in 2007. does not contain bimatoprost.
I personally used the original formulation of Jan Marini Intervention Eyelash back in the day, and it made a tremendous difference. (I have also used the new bimatoprost-free version, and unfortunately found it not to be nearly as effective.) Luckily for me and other short-lashed sistas, Botox manufacturer and pharmaceutical giant Allergan announced on June 4 that it is seeking FDA approval of bimatoprost for a new by-prescription only drug. If the product is FDA approved, your dermatologist could issue you a prescription for the new drug as early as the end of the third quarter of this year. Pretty exciting stuff, although I do not know how Allergan plans to get around the FDA with the known disastrous side effects of bimatoprost. I will keep definitely you posted on new updates!