Careprost 0.03% (Bimatoprost)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Collins, RPh, Clinical Pharmacist — Updated April 2026

Careprost vs Latisse — Why Australians Choose Careprost

The bottom line: Careprost and Latisse contain the same active ingredient — bimatoprost 0.03% — in the same concentration. Generic pharmaceutical equivalence means the eyelash growth results are clinically identical. The difference is brand, manufacturer, and price. Careprost is manufactured by one of the world's most reputable generic pharmaceutical companies — Sun Pharmaceutical, a NYSE and BSE-listed company subject to US FDA inspection and WHO-GMP certification. Australian women who switch from Latisse to Careprost consistently report the same eyelash results at a fraction of the cost.

Clinical Evidence — What the Research Shows

All clinical evidence for bimatoprost eyelash growth comes from trials conducted by Allergan on their bimatoprost 0.03% formulation — the identical molecule and concentration contained in Careprost. Because Careprost is bioequivalent to Latisse, this evidence applies equally:

Allergan pivotal Phase III trials (bimatoprost 0.03% vs vehicle, 16 weeks, N=278):

• Eyelash length: +25.1% mean increase from baseline vs +0.6% for vehicle — statistically significant from week 8
• Eyelash thickness/fullness: +106.4% mean increase from baseline vs +4.0% for vehicle — the most dramatic improvement metric
• Eyelash darkness: +18.4% mean increase from baseline vs +2.8% for vehicle
• Global Eyelash Assessment (GEA) score: 78.1% of bimatoprost subjects had a ≥1-grade improvement on the 4-point GEA scale at week 16 vs 18.4% of vehicle subjects
• First significant results: Statistically significant improvement in GEA score visible from week 8 of nightly application

Maintenance data: In extension studies, eyelashes returned towards baseline within 4 to 8 weeks after cessation of bimatoprost treatment — confirming that ongoing maintenance application is required to sustain results.

How Careprost Works — Bimatoprost's Mechanism in Eyelash Follicles

Bimatoprost stimulates eyelash growth through prostaglandin F2α receptor-mediated effects on hair follicle biology — a mechanism distinct from most topical eyelash serums (which typically contain peptides or vitamins with limited clinical evidence):

• Anagen phase prolongation: Human eyelash follicles normally have a very brief anagen (active growth) phase of approximately 30 days — compared to 3–7 years for scalp hair. This natural brevity limits maximum eyelash length. Bimatoprost prolongs the anagen phase duration, allowing lashes significantly more time to grow before entering the catagen (regression) and telogen (resting) phases
• Dermal papilla enlargement: Bimatoprost increases the size of the dermal papilla — the growth centre of the hair follicle — producing thicker, more robust lash fibres with each growth cycle
• Melanogenesis stimulation: Bimatoprost stimulates melanin production in follicle melanocytes, producing darker, more pigmented lashes
• Telogen follicle recruitment: Bimatoprost can transition resting follicles back into active growth — increasing the total number of simultaneously growing lashes (contributing to the fullness effect)

This mechanism is fundamentally different from all non-prescription eyelash serums — making Careprost/bimatoprost the only topically applied, clinically proven eyelash enhancer with robust Phase III trial evidence demonstrating the quantified improvements above.

Careprost vs Bimat vs Lumigan — Which Should I Choose?

For cosmetic eyelash use: Careprost and Bimat are the most popular choices — both include applicator brushes and are priced competitively. The choice between Careprost and Bimat is largely personal preference — they are manufactured by the same company (Sun Pharmaceutical) and contain identical active ingredient and concentration. Lumigan is the better choice for those who also need glaucoma management and prefer the Allergan brand with PBS subsidy.

Step-by-Step Application Guide — Eyelash Growth

Correct application technique is critical for maximising results while minimising risk of skin darkening and iris pigmentation:

1. Step 1 — Remove contact lenses. Careprost contains benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a preservative that accumulates in soft contact lenses causing discolouration and eye irritation. Always remove contacts before application. You can reinsert lenses after 15 minutes
2. Step 2 — Remove all eye make-up. Cleanse the eye area and face thoroughly. Application over make-up residue significantly reduces bimatoprost penetration to the lash follicles. Ensure face and eye area are completely dry — wet skin dilutes the solution
3. Step 3 — Prepare the applicator. Place ONE drop of Careprost onto the sterile applicator brush included in the packaging. Do not use the applicator for both eyes without replacing with a fresh one — cross-contamination risk. One drop per eye per night is sufficient — more does not produce faster or better results
4. Step 4 — Apply to upper lash base only. Draw the applicator along the skin at the very base of the upper eyelashes from inner to outer corner — exactly like applying liquid eyeliner. The contact point is the skin where lashes meet the eyelid, not the lash shaft itself
5. Step 5 — Do not apply to lower lash line. The solution will naturally migrate to the lower lashes through blinking — this produces lower lash enhancement without direct application. Applying directly to the lower lid significantly increases the risk of eyelid skin darkening and periorbital unwanted hair growth
6. Step 6 — Blot excess immediately. Using a clean tissue, gently blot any excess that has migrated onto skin below the eye — particularly the area under the lower lash line. This is the single most important step to prevent periorbital skin darkening
7. Step 7 — Apply once nightly before bed. Consistent nightly application is essential. Missing applications extends the timeline to results. Once maximum results are achieved (typically week 16), reduce to 3–4 nights per week for maintenance
8. Step 8 — Wait 15 minutes before reinserting contact lenses

The 28-day rule — when to discard: After opening, Careprost should be discarded after 28 days (4 weeks) regardless of how much solution remains. The benzalkonium chloride preservative maintains sterility for this period — after which contamination risk increases. Note the date on the bottle when first opened. A 3ml bottle used nightly (one drop per eye per night) will typically last 4 to 6 weeks — meaning most bottles should be fully used before the 28-day discard date.

Expected results timeline:

• Weeks 4–6: First visible improvement in length — lashes noticeably longer than before starting
• Weeks 8–12: Significant improvement in both length and fullness. Most Australian users report clear, noticeable results by week 8
• Week 16: Full clinical effect — maximum length (+25%), fullness (+106%), darkness (+18%). Results plateau at this point with continued nightly use
• Maintenance phase: Reduce to 3–4 nights per week to maintain results without continued improvement. Lashes will gradually return to baseline within 4–8 weeks of complete cessation

Critical Safety Information

Iris pigmentation — the most important safety consideration: Bimatoprost can permanently darken the iris (the coloured part of the eye) by stimulating melanin production in iris melanocytes. This effect is most associated with direct ophthalmic instillation (into the eye for glaucoma) — not with lash-line cosmetic application. However, any bimatoprost that enters the eye during lash application carries this theoretical risk.

The change is gradual — occurring over months to years — and appears to be permanent; it does not reverse when bimatoprost is stopped. It is most pronounced in individuals with mixed-colour irises: hazel, blue/brown, green/brown, grey/brown eyes where the increased pigmentation creates visible darkening. Individuals with uniformly dark brown eyes are less likely to notice this change. People with light blue or green eyes who are concerned about iris colour change should discuss with an ophthalmologist before starting cosmetic bimatoprost use.

Periorbital skin darkening: Bimatoprost can darken the skin around the eyes — particularly the eyelid area where excess solution contacts skin. Consistent blotting of excess (Step 6 above) significantly reduces this risk. Periorbital skin darkening is largely (though not always completely) reversible upon discontinuation — typically reversing over several weeks to months.

Unwanted facial hair: Bimatoprost stimulates hair growth at any point of skin contact — not just the eyelash follicles. Excess product running onto cheeks or the periorbital area can stimulate unwanted facial hair growth. Blotting excess immediately after application prevents this.

Side Effects

Very common (affecting more than 1 in 10 users — cosmetic lash use):

• Eyelash changes — the desired effect: longer, thicker, darker, more numerous lashes
• Mild eye redness — particularly if any solution enters the eye; much less pronounced with lash-line application vs direct ophthalmic use
• Periorbital skin darkening — especially without consistent blotting of excess

Common (affecting up to 1 in 10 users):

• Eye irritation, itching, or dryness
• Foreign body sensation if product enters the eye
• Iris pigmentation changes (see critical safety above — primarily with ophthalmic use)

Rare but serious — seek medical attention:

• Sudden unexpected vision change — seek ophthalmological assessment
• Severe eye pain or significant eye redness
• Signs of allergic reaction — stop and consult a doctor

Precautions

• Remove contact lenses before application — reinsert after 15 minutes
• Pregnancy — avoid use; prostaglandins can affect uterine muscle tone. Avoid during pregnancy and when planning to conceive
• Breastfeeding — avoid; unknown if bimatoprost passes into breast milk
• Do not use if you have active eye infection, uveitis, or iritis
• Discard bottle 28 days after opening
• Store below 25°C; do not refrigerate
• Do not use Careprost concurrently with other prostaglandin analogue eye drops
• If using other eye drops: wait at least 5 minutes between different medications

TGA Status and Personal Importation in Australia

In Australia, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution is a Schedule 4 (prescription only) medicine. Careprost (Sun Pharma brand) is not separately TGA-registered as a product — it falls under the TGA's Personal Importation Scheme which permits Australian residents to import up to a 3-month personal supply of therapeutic goods not registered in Australia for personal therapeutic use (Section 19(1) Therapeutic Goods Act 1989).

Cosmetic bimatoprost use (eyelash growth) is a well-established off-label practice in Australia. Australian dermatologists, cosmetic physicians, and some GPs and ophthalmologists prescribe bimatoprost for eyelash hypotrichosis. Given that Latisse is not TGA-registered in Australia, Careprost imported under the Personal Importation Scheme represents a practical and cost-effective access pathway for Australian women seeking bimatoprost eyelash treatment.

Delivery to All Australian States and Territories

redstonerx-au.com ships Careprost discreetly to all Australian states and territories. Standard delivery: 4–9 business days.

New South Wales (Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast) — Victoria (Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo) — Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville) — Western Australia (Perth, Fremantle, Bunbury, Mandurah) — South Australia (Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Whyalla) — Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston, Devonport) — Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) — Northern Territory (Darwin, Alice Springs).

All orders are dispatched in plain, unmarked packaging with no reference to the contents or sender. A tracking number is provided with every order.

Frequently Asked Questions — Careprost in Australia

Is Careprost the same as Latisse? Yes — both contain bimatoprost 0.03% in the same concentration. The difference is manufacturer (Sun Pharmaceutical for Careprost; Allergan/AbbVie for Latisse), price ($54.55 vs $150–200+ per bottle), and brand. The eyelash growth results are clinically identical because they are the same molecule at the same concentration. Careprost is manufactured by one of the world's most respected generic pharmaceutical companies — a NYSE and BSE-listed company subject to international regulatory standards.

How quickly will I see results with Careprost? The first visible improvement in eyelash length is typically seen at 4 to 6 weeks of consistent nightly application. More significant improvement in both length and fullness is usually noticeable at 8 to 12 weeks. The full clinical effect — maximum length (+25%), fullness (+106%), darkness (+18%) — is reached at approximately 16 weeks per Allergan's pivotal clinical trials. Consistency is critical — missing multiple applications extends the timeline.

Will my eyelashes stay long if I stop using Careprost? No — eyelash enhancement with bimatoprost is not permanent. When you stop using Careprost, eyelashes gradually return to their natural length, thickness, and colour within 4 to 8 weeks as the bimatoprost-extended growth cycle returns to normal. To maintain results, reduce application to 3–4 nights per week (maintenance phase) rather than stopping completely.

Can Careprost change the colour of my eyes? Iris colour change is primarily associated with bimatoprost being instilled directly into the eye (for glaucoma treatment). With cosmetic lash-line application only, the risk is significantly lower — but not zero if excess product enters the eye. Blotting excess immediately after application minimises this risk. Individuals with mixed-colour irises (hazel, blue/brown, green/brown) who are concerned should discuss with an ophthalmologist before starting.

How do I know when to throw out the bottle? Discard Careprost 28 days (4 weeks) after first opening — regardless of remaining solution. The BAK preservative maintains sterility for this period, after which contamination risk increases significantly. Mark the opening date on the bottle. Most users finishing a 3ml bottle with one drop per eye per night will use it up before the 28-day discard date.

Can I use Careprost on my eyebrows? Some users apply bimatoprost to sparse eyebrows to stimulate growth — this is off-label and not studied in the same way as eyelash application. The same mechanism applies to brow follicles, but the risk of skin darkening and unwanted growth in adjacent areas requires careful application. There is no clinical evidence specifically for eyebrow growth with bimatoprost comparable to the eyelash data.

How long does delivery to Australia take? Standard delivery to all Australian states and territories takes 4 to 9 business days. All orders arrive in plain, unmarked packaging with no reference to the contents or sender. Every order includes a tracking number.

All information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Bimatoprost is a prescription medicine in Australia — consult a qualified Australian healthcare provider before use, particularly for glaucoma management or if you have any eye conditions.