Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a mixture of Vitamin E, Castor oil and Aloe vera juice can thicken eyebrows and eyelashes in 14 days. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
An Instagram post reads, “Must Try: Thick Eyebrows and Eyelashes. Add a mixture of equal parts of Vitamin E, aloe vera juice and castor oil. Using the mascara brush, apply this mixture to your lashes and brows.”
Fact Check
Can the mixture of Vitamin E, Castor oil and aloe vera juice thicken eyelashes and eyebrows in 14 days?
No. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that a mixture of Vitamin E, castor oil, and aloe vera juice can thicken eyelashes and eyebrow growth in just 14 days or any specific short period of time. The growth of eyelashes and eyebrows is a slow process that typically takes several weeks to months to notice significant changes.
Dr. Sandeep Arora, MBBS, MD, an experienced dermatologist states, “No, there is no easy fix for thickening eyebrows and eyelashes. Even with medicines, it takes time. Moreover using unstandardized concentrations of home-based products can lead to severe allergic reactions and should be avoided. Hair characteristics are to an extent genetically determined but a number of other factors also play a part, for e.g., a good nutritional status and a healthy diet are advantageous; deficiency of vitamins, iron, zinc and trace elements are not. Environmental insults, excessive hair spas and hair sprays lead to hair breakage while certain medications can lead to hair fall. Remember in the end any quick-fix home remedy tries to irritate the roots to grow hair faster, and a bad reaction of the skin can eventually be precipitated.”
Dr Sachin Gupta MBBS and MD in Dermatology and Venereology from AIIMS Delhi, currently associated with Amrita Hospital, Faridabad elaborates on this claim by stating, “The online world, especially social media platforms, is filled with misleading information, promoting home remedies as instant solutions for numerous cosmetic desires. Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties, castor oil for its moisturizing benefits, and aloe vera juice for its soothing effects. While these ingredients are beneficial in their own right, the claim that they can significantly thicken eyebrows and eyelashes in a mere four-day span is optimistic at best.
Hair growth, particularly in areas like eyebrows and eyelashes, is a gradual process influenced by genetics, diet, and overall health. The idea that topical application of these ingredients can accelerate this process so rapidly is not supported by scientific evidence. The claim defies the basic principles of hair physiology and growth cycles. Moreover, while these natural ingredients are generally safe for most people, but, they are not without potential side effects. For instance, castor oil can cause irritation if it gets into the eyes, and aloe vera, though rare, can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, the blanket recommendation of these home remedies as quick fixes can be misleading and potentially harmful with adverse reactions ranging from mild irritation to more severe allergic responses.
As a dermatologist, I recommend caution with this hack. Always remember, that the path to achieving beauty goals should be grounded in realistic expectations and safe practices. If you’re seeking to enhance your eyebrows and eyelashes, consulting with a dermatology professional is the best approach. They can provide guidance and treatment options that are both safe and based on scientific research, rather than relying on quick-fix home remedies whose results and safety are uncertain. Remember, when it comes to your body, it’s always wise to prioritize safety and efficacy over expedited results.”
While a mixture of vitamin E, castor oil, and aloe vera juice may have some benefits for eyelash and eyebrow health, it is unlikely to produce noticeable results in just four days. Hair growth, including eyelash and eyebrow growth, is a slow process that typically takes several weeks or months to see significant changes.
Castor oil is often touted for its ability to promote hair growth, but there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which is thought to have potential benefits for hair growth and thickness. Some studies suggest that castor oil may have properties that could potentially benefit hair follicles, but more research is needed.
Aloe vera and Vitamin E are also believed to have moisturizing and nourishing properties that may help improve the overall health of the hair. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help protect hair follicles from damage. Aloe vera gel is also known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that either of these ingredients can directly stimulate hair growth.
Overall, some people believe that this concoction may help improve the health of eyelashes and eyebrows when used over an extended period but there is no scientific evidence to prove its efficiency. Be cautious when applying substances near the eyes, as they can cause irritation if they get into your eyes. If you have any concerns about the health of your eyelashes or eyebrows, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for personalized advice and possible treatments.
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