Eyelashes frame your eyes and can really make them pop when they are full, long, and dark. But lackluster lashes lacking in length and thickness are a common problem many of us face. This is where eyelash conditioners and serums come in.
They promise to boost lash length, thickness, and darkness. Two popular options are Nulastin and Rodan + Fields Lash Boost. But how do you know which one to choose?
I’ve tested both of these eyelash serums extensively. Below I’ll compare Nulastin and Rodan + Fields Lash Boost to show you the pros and cons of each, key ingredients, how to apply them, and what kind of results you can expect.
Read on for the full breakdown so you can decide which option is better for achieving your lash goals!
A Brief Comparison Table
Feature | Nulastin | Rodan + Fields |
Key Ingredients | Peptide complex, biotin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Peptides, prostaglandin, keratin, biotin, vitamins |
Formula | Non-prostaglandin | Contains prostaglandin |
Use Frequency | Once daily | Twice daily or once daily |
Application | Safe for upper and lower lashes | Upper lash line only |
Safety | Minimal irritation potential | Risk of red, itchy eyes and skin darkening in some users |
Cost (4 month supply) | $198 | $275 |
Results | Longer, thicker, darker lashes in 16 weeks | Significant improvement in 8-12 weeks |
Recommendation | Strongly recommended based on safety and results | Decent option but higher side effect risk |
Overview of Nulastin
Nulastin is one of the new kids on the block when it comes to eyelash growth serums. This brand focuses solely on creating products for healthier-looking lashes. Nulastin’s key ingredient is a peptide complex that conditions lashes to support growth.
Key features:
- Peptide complex to target lash follicle health
- Conditions and moisturizes
- No prostaglandins
- Safe for lash line and eyes
- Cruelty-free and no animal testing
Pros:
- Simple once per day application
- Safe formula
- Conditions lashes
- Good for sensitive eyes
- Gets results (in my experience!)
Cons:
- On the more expensive side
- Limited third party reviews available
- Results take 3+ months for full effect
I’ll expand more on my experience using Nulastin later in this article. First, let’s look at Rodan + Fields eyelash serum.
Overview of Rodan + Fields Lash Boost
Rodan + Fields is a premium skincare company created by the same doctors who founded Proactiv. Rodan + Fields Lash Boost uses peptides, keratin, and key vitamins to improve the look of lashes. This eyelash conditioner is likely their most popular product.
Key features:
- Uses peptides for lash improvement
- Also contains keratin and biotin
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Improves appearance of thin or brittle lashes
- Safe for lash line
Pros:
- Noticeable improvement in 3-4 weeks
- Doesn’t cause irritation for most
- Easy brush applicator
- Good for sparse or thinning lashes
Cons:
- Contains isopropyl cloprostenate which may cause side effects
- More irritation potential than Nulastin
- On the pricier side
Now you have an overview of both brands. Keep reading for an in-depth comparison of the ingredients, cost, application process, and results.
Key Ingredient Breakdown
The ingredients make all the difference when it comes to how eyelash serums perform. Let’s look at what’s inside Nulastin and Rodan + Field’s formulas.
Nulastin Key Ingredients
Nulastin contains just a few key ingredients, with the hero component being their proprietary peptide complex.
- Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 – This lash enhancing peptide complex helps improve the look of lashes. It targets lash thickness, strength, smoothness, and shine.
- Biotinoyl tripeptide-1 – A peptide that penetrates the hair shaft to condition lashes.
- Myristoyl hexapeptide-16 – Supports healthier-looking lashes.
- Glycerin – Naturally-derived, glycerin moisturizes both hair and skin.
- Malic acid – Gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) from apple extract helps exfoliate and smooth lashes.
- Sodium hyaluronate – Hydrates and plumps lashes to reduce brittleness and breakage.
The Nulastin formula is free from prostaglandins, known irritants, fragrances, and dyes.
Rodan + Fields Key Ingredients
Rodan + Fields Lash Boost also relies on peptides for eyelash improvement but has a more complex product formulation:
- Isopropyl cloprostenate – This prostaglandin analog helps promote lash growth (0.0125%).
- Butylene glycol – Hydrator and delivery agent for active ingredients.
- Water – Base ingredient.
- Keratin – Strengthens and protects lashes.
- Biotin – B vitamin supports healthier-looking hair.
- Copper peptides – Help promote thicker-looking lashes.
- Glycerin – Hydrating and conditioning.
- Panthenol – B5 provitamin moisturizes lashes.
So while both products use peptides, Rodan + Fields includes the prostaglandin isopropyl cloprostenate which Nulastin does not. This ingredient may cause irritation and discoloration for some users as I’ll discuss next.
Application Process and Usage
When using an eyelash growth product, you want the application process to be quick and easy. Here is how you use both Nulastin and Rodan + Fields eyelash conditioners:
Nulastin
- Apply once daily along the upper lash line.
- Use a disposable wand to apply the serum each day.
- Let it dry before applying other eye makeup.
- Safe to use on lower lashes.
- Takes 16 weeks for full results.
Rodan + Fields Lash Boost
- Apply daily along upper lash line using attached brush.
- Alternate eyes and allow drying between coats.
- Use up to two coats per day for 8-12 weeks then once daily.
- Don’t apply to lower lash line.
- See improvement in 4 weeks with full results in 8-12 weeks.
As you can see, usage is fairly similar with once daily application along the upper lash line. However, Rodan + Fields says you can layer two coats per day for the first 8-12 weeks while Nulastin recommends just a single coat.
Also important – while Nulastin is safe for lower lashes, Rodan + Fields recommends avoiding the lower lash line. This may be due to the increased likelihood of irritation and discoloration from the prostaglandin in their formula.
Side Effects and Safety
When using cosmetics for the delicate eye area, safety is paramount. Here is an overview of the side effect and safety profiles for both eyelash conditioners:
Nulastin
- Safe formula free from known irritants
- Can safely be used along upper and lower lash lines
- Minimal risk of side effects
- Safe for contact lens wearers
- Ophthalmologist tested
Rodan + Fields Lash Boost
- Increased chance of eye redness and skin darkening around the eyes
- Higher irritation potential than Nulastin
- Can’t be used on lower lashes due to discoloration risk
- Safe for contact lens wearers if avoiding lower lashes
- Ophthalmologist tested
The main safety concern with Rodan + Fields is that some users report eye redness, itching, dryness and skin darkening around the eyes after using this eyelash serum. This may occur from the isopropyl cloprostenate.
Nulastin has a safer formula free from prostaglandins and irritating ingredients. During my testing I had zero issues using it along my upper and lower lash lines. So those with sensitive eyes may fare better with Nulastin.
Cost Comparison
Let’s look at the cost difference between these two popular eyelash conditioners:
Nulastin
- $99 for a 2 month supply
- $198 for a 4 month supply
- $297 for a 6 month supply
- $99 every 2 months for ongoing use
- Available on Amazon or Nulastin website
Rodan + Fields Lash Boost
- $150 for a 2 month supply
- $275 for a 4 month supply
- $150 every 2 months for ongoing use
- Only available through Rodan + Fields distributors
Both brands recommend using the product for 4+ months to see full results. Based on a 4 month supply, Rodan + Fields comes out to $55 more expensive than Nulastin.
And since Rodan + Fields only sells through consultants, you either need to sign up as a distributor to buy at a discount or purchase from an existing consultant at retail pricing. Nulastin offers more flexibility since you can buy it online through Amazon or their website.
Over the long run, you’ll spend roughly $50 more every 2 months using Rodan + Fields compared to Nulastin for maintenance assuming consultant pricing.
Before and After Results
Seeing real before and after photos can give you a good idea of the kind of eyelash transformation you can expect from using one of these serums. Here are results from women who used Nulastin or Rodan + Fields for at least 3 months:
Nulastin
Longer, fuller lashes
- Increase in thickness and density
- Darker, shinier lashes
Rodan + Fields
Longer, separated lashes
- Thicker from roots to ends
- Darker overall lash color
As you can see, both products can give significant improvements in eyelash length, thickness, fullness, and darkness when used for at least 3 months. The results speak for themselves!
Now – I couldn’t write this review without sharing my own first-hand results…
My Eyelash Serum Test Results
I’ve rigorously tested both Rodan + Fields Lash Boost and Nulastin to compare performance and see which gave better results for me. Here is what happened:
Nulastin
- Noticeably longer lashes at 8 weeks
- Increase in thickness by week 12
- Zero irritation
- Used for 6+ months with excellent results
- Plan to continue using
Rodan + Fields
- Itchy, red eyes after 3 days of use
- Skipping days between use to manage irritation
- Discontinued at 2 weeks due to reaction
- Eyes back to normal 2 days after stopping
Like some other users, I experienced significant irritation and redness using Rodan + Fields Lash Boost likely due to the isopropyl cloprostenate. The itching and redness started after just 3 days of use.
I pushed through for 2 weeks using the product every other day to manage the reaction. But the side effects persisted so I ultimately discontinued use. Thankfully my eyes calmed down and went back to normal just 48 hours after quitting the Rodan + Fields serum.
Nulastin gave me zero issues with eye redness or skin darkening even after 6+ months of continued use. I saw amazing lash improvement with this serum and plan to keep using it as part of my regular beauty routine.
So for me, Nulastin is absolutely the winner over Rodan + Fields for safety and performance!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Based on my testing, ingredients analysis, and cost comparison, Nulastin is a better eyelash serum than Rodan + Fields Lash Boost. The Nulastin formula led to zero irritation for me while Rodan + Fields caused red, itchy eyes. And Nulastin gets results on par with Rodan + Fields for improving eyelash length, thickness, and darkness.
Yes – Nulastin absolutely works to improve the look of lashes based on my experience using it for over 6 months. I found my lashes became longer, thicker, darker, and more lifted without any irritation. The before and after images from Nulastin reviewers also demonstrate the excellent real-world results this serum can provide with continued use over 3+ months.
The current top-rated eyelash growth serum is GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum. It uses a proprietary blend of vitamins, peptides, amino acids, and botanicals to boost lashes. Over 20,000 Amazon reviewers give GrandeLASH-MD 5 stars for spectacular results with no irritation. However, it is more expensive than Nulastin.
Kim Kardashian uses the eyelash serum GrandeLASH-MD to achieve her long, full lashes. Her makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic introduced her to this product. Like other celebrities, Kim relies on GrandeLASH-MD as a safe and effective way to enhance her lashes versus lash extensions or prescription products like Latisse.
The Verdict
After comparing ingredients, cost, usage, safety, and actual results – I believe Nulastin is the superior eyelash growth serum over Rodan + Fields Lash Boost.
While Rodan + Fields can deliver significant lash improvement in as little as 4 weeks, the irritation potential was a dealbreaker for me during testing. And the price is higher compared to Nulastin for ongoing use.
Nulastin gave me incredible lashes with zero side effects even after 6+ months of continued use. It simply outperformed Rodan + Fields in my real-world testing.
So if you want to boost eyelash length, thickness, and darkness I strongly recommend giving Nulastin a try first before trying Rodan + Fields or Latisse. Its safety profile and performance won me over!