Schedule a Consultation

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Have you scheduled an appointment with us before?(Required)
By submitting this form, you consent to receive text messages and phone calls from the Donaldson Team related to appointments and related promotions from Donaldson at the number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Reply HELP for help. The practice will use your personal information in accordance with its privacy policy which can be found here: Click for Privacy Policy.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Have you scheduled an appointment with us before?(Required)
By submitting this form, you consent to receive text messages and phone calls from the Donaldson Team related to appointments and related promotions from Donaldson at the number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Reply HELP for help. The practice will use your personal information in accordance with its privacy policy which can be found here: Click for Privacy Policy.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
By submitting this form, you consent to receive text messages and phone calls from the Donaldson Team related to appointments and related promotions from Donaldson at the number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Reply HELP for help. The practice will use your personal information in accordance with its privacy policy which can be found here: Click for Privacy Policy.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
What Areas Are You Interested In Treating?(Required)
By submitting this form, you consent to receive text messages and phone calls from the Donaldson Team related to appointments and related promotions from Donaldson at the number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Reply HELP for help. The practice will use your personal information in accordance with its privacy policy which can be found here: Click for Privacy Policy.
Name(Required)
Have you scheduled an appointment with us before?(Required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
How Did You First Hear About Us?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Please choose a time between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. & a day of the week between Monday - Friday.
Donaldson Patient Meditating
By Nikki Rucinsky |

Latisse vs. RapidLash

Which Eyelash Serum Is Right For You?

Latisse vs. RapidLash

When it comes to enhancing your eyelashes, both RapidLash and Latisse offer unique advantages. Understanding their formula differences and strongest use cases can help you choose the serum that aligns with your aesthetic goals and lifestyle.

 

What Is The Difference Between RapidLash Serum & Latisse Lash Serum?

The primary distinction lies in their formulations and accessibility. Latisse is an FDA-approved prescription treatment containing bimatoprost — a prostaglandin analog that extends the growth phase of eyelashes, leading to longer, fuller lashes. RapidLash, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter serum formulated with polypeptides, biotin and other ingredients designed to condition and strengthen lashes, promoting a healthier appearance.

Up-close photo of patient's long eyelashes

Which Solution Is Most Effective?

Latisse may be the preferred option for patients looking for a more noticeable enhancement and willing to follow a daily regimen under the guidance of a provider. For those seeking a more accessible, maintenance-friendly boost, RapidLash is an effective, non-prescription alternative.

“Effectiveness ultimately depends on what you’re looking to achieve & how aggressive you want your approach to be. Latisse is powerful — so much so that it requires a prescription! But RapidLash has its aesthetic benefits & can be easier to manage on a day-to-day basis.” 

-Nikki Rucinsky, LME | Senior Medical Aesthetician

What Is Latisse?

Latisse is the only FDA-approved prescription serum clinically proven to enhance eyelash growth. It works by extending the anagen (growth) phase of the eyelash hair cycle, resulting in longer, thicker and darker lashes — with measurable improvements typically visible within 8 to 16 weeks of consistent use.

Latisse eyelash serum product photo

As mentioned, Latisse contains bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog originally developed to treat glaucoma.

When applied to the base of the upper eyelashes, bimatoprost prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and increases the number of hairs that grow during that phase. It does this by interacting with prostaglandin receptors in the hair follicle, which influences both the duration of growth and the hair’s thickness and pigmentation.

Yes, Latisse requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Visible results typically appear within 4 to 6 weeks, with full results in about 16 weeks. Continuous use is necessary to maintain the enhanced lash appearance; discontinuation will gradually return lashes to their original state.

Common side effects may include:

  • Itchy or red eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Darkening of the eyelid skin
  • Potential darkening of the iris
  • Unwanted hair growth if the product comes into contact with areas beyond the lash line
RapidLash eyelash serum Columbus Ohio

What Is RapidLash?

RapidLash is an over-the-counter eyelash-enhancing serum designed to improve the appearance of lashes. Its formula includes the proprietary HEXATEIN® 1 Complex which is a blend of polypeptides, biotin, panthenol, amino acids, soybean oil and pumpkin seed extract.

These ingredients work together to condition, strengthen, and nourish lashes, making them appear longer and fuller.

The polypeptides found in RapidLash’s proprietary blend are short chains of amino acids that help reinforce lash structure and resilience, potentially reducing breakage and fallout. Biotin and panthenol support keratin production and improve moisture retention within the lash shaft, which contributes to a shinier, more voluminous appearance.

While RapidLash doesn’t alter the lash growth cycle at a cellular level like Latisse, its bioactive ingredients create an optimized environment for existing lashes to thrive and appear fuller over time.

No, RapidLash is available without a prescription and can be purchased over the counter.

Users often notice improvements in lash appearance within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent nightly application. Continued use is recommended to maintain the results.

RapidLash is generally well-tolerated, but some patients may experience:

  • Mild eye irritation
  • Skin discoloration along the lash line
  • Allergic reactions in rare cases

We Offer Both Solutions — Because They’re Both Safe & Effective

Each patient’s needs and preferences are unique. That’s why we offer both Latisse and RapidLash as part of our commitment to providing personalized, effective solutions for enhancing natural beauty. Our team only recommends products we trust and use ourselves, ensuring that every option we provide meets our high standards for safety and efficacy.

 

Nikki Rucinsky, LME, Author Photo

About The Author

Nikki Rucinsky, LME, is a senior medical aesthetician at Donaldson in Columbus, Ohio. She specializes in a number of nonsurgical treatments to help patients achieve their desired look while also improving their skin health and overall well-being. Nikki is one of the practice’s foremost skincare product experts, making her a trusted voice as we choose which products — like Latisse and RapidLash — to offer our patients.

Related Articles

View All