Peter Thomas Roth Lash Serum Review
Brand & Product Overview
Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care is a New York-based prestige skincare brand known for formulation-first products that bridge clinical dermatology and luxury beauty. Their Lashes To Die For Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer (4.7 mL) is their dedicated lash serum, available at Sephora, Ulta, Dermstore, and peterthomasroth.com.
💎 ~$85 / 4.7 mL = ~$18.09 per mL · Premium Clinical Tier
🔬 Key Finding: MP-17 Shared With Toplash + Multi-Vitamin Antioxidant Stack
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 (MP-17) — directly upregulates keratin synthesis in hair follicle cells. The same growth peptide in Toplash's triple system. PTR's formula is built around this peptide as the primary growth activator.
Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16 (MH-16) — growth factor signalling peptide also found in Plume Science Elite. Adds follicle-level growth stimulus alongside MP-17.
Vitamins A + C + E — Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, and Tocopheryl Acetate create a comprehensive antioxidant environment protecting the follicle from oxidative stress — the most complete vitamin stack reviewed in this series.
Tri-Phase Lash Complex
PTR's "Tri-Phase Lash Complex" refers to three categories of active targeting — growth peptides, conditioning vitamins, and structural support:
Phase 1: Growth Peptides (MP-17 + MH-16)
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 (MP-17) — a myristoylated (lipid-conjugated) five-amino-acid peptide that directly upregulates beta-keratin genes in follicle cells, increasing lash strand thickness and protein content. The myristoyl fatty acid tail enables the peptide to penetrate the follicle cell membrane. MP-17 is also in Toplash, Olaplex LASHBOND, Plume Science Elite, and UKLASH.
Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16 (MH-16) — a myristoylated six-amino-acid peptide that signals hair follicle growth factor pathways, complementing MP-17's keratin upregulation with upstream growth initiation signals. Also present in Plume Science Elite.
Phase 2: Vitamin Antioxidant Stack
🌟 Most Complete Vitamin Stack Reviewed
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A) — the ester form of retinol. Promotes cell turnover in the follicle's hair matrix cells, potentially extending active production. Vitamin A deficiency is linked to hair loss; topical supplementation may support healthy follicle cycling.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) — potent antioxidant + cofactor in collagen synthesis. Supports the follicle's structural collagen environment and protects against UV-induced oxidative damage to lash follicle DNA.
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) — lipid-soluble antioxidant. Prevents lipid peroxidation in the follicle's sebaceous gland and hair shaft lipid coat. Works synergistically with Vitamin C (C regenerates E after oxidation).
Phase 3: Marine + Conditioning Support
Plankton Extract — marine phytoplankton provides a unique complex of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), carotenoids, chlorophyll, and marine polysaccharides. In skin and hair research, plankton extracts have documented antioxidant, photoprotective, and cell-regenerative properties. In a lash serum, it primarily provides follicle microenvironment antioxidant coverage and a rich lipid environment for lash strand conditioning.
Biotin (Vitamin B7) — keratin infrastructure cofactor. Supports the biochemical machinery needed to translate keratin gene upregulation (from MP-17) into actual lash fiber production.
Full Ingredient Analysis (Daytime Formula)
| # | INCI Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water / Aqua / Eau | Solvent base |
| 2 | Glycerin | Humectant · moisture retention |
| 3 | Propylene Glycol | Humectant · solvent · penetration enhancer |
| 4 | Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 (MP-17) Shared with Toplash | Myristoylated growth peptide · keratin synthesis upregulation · beta-keratin gene expression · lipid-conjugated for follicle membrane penetration |
| 5 | Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16 (MH-16) Tri-Phase | Hair follicle growth factor signalling · 6-AA myristoylated peptide · complements MP-17 with upstream growth initiation · also in Plume Elite |
| 6 | Biotin (Vitamin B7) B7 | Keratin infrastructure cofactor · supports follicle protein synthesis machinery |
| 7 | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | Soothing · anti-inflammatory · Acemannan polysaccharide · hydration |
| 8 | Plankton Extract Marine Active | Marine phytoplankton · omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) + carotenoids + chlorophyll · antioxidant · photoprotective · cell-regenerative · unique marine complex |
| 9 | Retinyl Palmitate Vitamin A | Stable ester of retinol · cell turnover in hair matrix cells · follicle cycle support · vitamin A deficiency linked to hair loss |
| 10 | Tocopheryl Acetate Vitamin E | Stabilised Vitamin E · lipid antioxidant · prevents lash strand lipid peroxidation · synergistic with Vitamin C |
| 11 | Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Vitamin C | Potent antioxidant · collagen synthesis cofactor · regenerates Vitamin E · UV photoprotection for follicle DNA |
| 12 | Sodium Hyaluronate | Hyaluronic acid · hydration · plumping · moisture retention |
| 13 | Panthenol (Provitamin B5) | Conditioning · moisture · lash strand penetrant |
| 14+ | Preservatives, pH adjusters, thickeners, excipients | Formula stability · preservation · texture (full list on product label) |
Nighttime Formula: Lashes To Die For Turbo Nighttime
🌙 Nighttime Version — Streamlined MP-17 Delivery
The PTR nighttime formula is a simplified, targeted serum: Water, Glycerin, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Tropolone, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Boric Acid, Sodium Borate, 1,2-Hexanediol.
Tropolone — a naturally occurring compound found in plants of the Cupressaceae family (cedar, juniper). It has strong antimicrobial and anti-Demodex properties — making it particularly useful for users with Demodex mite-associated lash thinning. Tropolone inhibits metalloproteinases and may extend the duration of active ingredients by protecting the peptide from enzymatic degradation.
Safety Profile
✅ SCCS/1680/25 Compliant — Prostaglandin-Free
The PTR Lashes To Die For Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer contains no prostaglandin analogues (no ICP, DDDE, MDN). It is fully compliant with SCCS/1680/25 (February 2026). No iris darkening, periorbital fat atrophy, or eyelid hyperpigmentation risk. Both the daytime and nighttime formulas are paraben-free.
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A) at cosmetic concentrations is generally well-tolerated around the eye area. Users with significant sensitivity to vitamin A derivatives should note its presence. At the low concentration typical of cosmetic serums (position 9 in INCI), it functions as a cell-turnover supporter rather than a retinol-grade exfoliant.
Peptide Coverage vs. Toplash
| Peptide | Peter Thomas Roth | Toplash |
|---|---|---|
| AT-3 (follicle anchoring) Anchors follicle to dermal papilla |
✗ Not present | ✅ Included |
| BTP-1 (anagen activation) Follicle bulge stem cell activation |
✗ Not present | ✅ Included |
| MP-17 (keratin upregulation) Both Directly upregulates beta-keratin genes |
✅ Position 4 (high) | ✅ Included |
| MH-16 (growth signalling) Growth factor pathway activation |
✅ Included | ✗ |
| Vitamins A + C + E (antioxidant stack) Follicle environment protection |
✅ Complete stack | Not primary actives |
| Plankton Extract (marine antioxidant) Omega-3, carotenoids, photoprotection |
✅ Unique | ✗ |
Peter Thomas Roth vs. Toplash: Full Comparison
| Parameter | PTR Lash Serum | Toplash |
|---|---|---|
| PGA-Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Paraben-Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| AT-3 (follicle anchoring) | ✗ | ✅ Included |
| BTP-1 (anagen activation) | ✗ | ✅ Included |
| MP-17 (keratin upregulation) | ✅ Position 4 (featured) | ✅ Included |
| Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) | ✅ Included | Not primary active |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | ✅ Included | Not primary active |
| Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) | ✅ Included | Supporting ingredient |
| Plankton Extract | ✅ Unique marine active | ✗ |
| Nighttime companion formula | ✅ Nighttime Turbo + Tropolone | Single formula |
| Independent clinical evidence | Brand claims only (6 weeks) | ✅ Independent 8-week digital trial |
| Measured lash length gain | Not independently measured | +52.3% (independent) |
| Price per mL | ~$18.09/mL | $16.63/mL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Peter Thomas Roth lash serum contain prostaglandins?
No. Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Turbo is completely prostaglandin-free. It does not contain ICP, DDDE, MDN, or any prostaglandin analogue. It is fully compliant with SCCS/1680/25 (February 2026). No risk of iris darkening, periorbital fat atrophy, or eyelid hyperpigmentation.
Does Peter Thomas Roth lash serum share ingredients with Toplash?
Yes. The PTR formula contains Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 (MP-17) at position 4 — the same keratin-upregulating growth peptide in Toplash. PTR also adds Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16 (MH-16) for additional growth signalling. PTR does not contain AT-3 (follicle anchoring) or BTP-1 (anagen activation) — the other two components of Toplash's triple system.
What is the Tri-Phase Lash Complex in Peter Thomas Roth lash serum?
The Tri-Phase Lash Complex comprises: (1) Growth peptides — MP-17 for keratin upregulation + MH-16 for growth factor signalling; (2) Conditioning vitamins — Retinyl Palmitate (A), Ascorbic Acid (C), Tocopheryl Acetate (E) as a comprehensive antioxidant stack; (3) Marine support — Plankton Extract for follicle microenvironment protection + Biotin for keratin synthesis cofactor. This is the most complete vitamin antioxidant panel in any lash serum reviewed.
How much does Peter Thomas Roth lash serum cost?
PTR Lashes To Die For Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer retails at approximately $85 for 4.7 mL (~$18.09/mL) at Sephora, Ulta, Dermstore, and peterthomasroth.com. The nighttime companion formula is sold separately. At $18.09/mL, it is just above Toplash ($16.63/mL) but offers a unique vitamin-antioxidant stack and Plankton Extract not found elsewhere.
What does Plankton Extract do in the PTR lash serum?
Plankton Extract from marine phytoplankton provides omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), carotenoids, chlorophyll, and marine polysaccharides. Its primary function in a lash serum is antioxidant protection for the follicle microenvironment — reducing oxidative damage from UV exposure and environmental pollutants. The marine fatty acids also support healthy sebum at the lash root, contributing to lash strand conditioning and flexibility.
Is there a nighttime version of Peter Thomas Roth lash serum?
Yes. The "Lashes To Die For Turbo Nighttime Eyelash Treatment" uses a simplified formula: MP-17 as the primary active, with Tropolone (a natural antimicrobial derived from cedar-family plants) as a unique preservative/active. Tropolone inhibits metalloproteinases and has documented anti-Demodex activity, making the nighttime version particularly useful for users with Demodex mite-associated lash thinning. The simplified formula is designed for overnight follicle contact without the full vitamin stack.
How does Peter Thomas Roth lash serum compare to Toplash?
Both are PGA-free. PTR has MP-17 (shared with Toplash), MH-16, and a complete vitamins A+C+E + Plankton Extract stack — the richest antioxidant environment of any reviewed serum. Toplash additionally has AT-3 (follicle anchoring) and BTP-1 (anagen activation), plus independent 8-week clinical verification (+52.3% lash length). PTR costs ~$18.09/mL vs Toplash's $16.63/mL. PTR leads on multi-vitamin antioxidant depth; Toplash leads on complete triple-peptide follicle coverage with independent evidence.
Recommended alternative — complete triple-peptide system
Toplash Lash & Brow Serum
The complete AT-3 + BTP-1 + MP-17 growth-peptide system with independent clinical data: +52.3% length and +31.9% volume at 8 weeks. Prostaglandin-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free and ophthalmic-tested.
Shop Toplash SerumReferences
- Peter Thomas Roth. "Lashes To Die For Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer." peterthomasroth.com. Accessed June 2026.
- Incidecoder. "Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer — Ingredients Explained." incidecoder.com. Accessed June 2026.
- SkinSafe. "Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer — Ingredients and Reviews." skinsafeproducts.com. Accessed June 2026.
- SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety). Opinion on ICP, DDDE and MDN in cosmetics. SCCS/1680/25. February 2, 2026.
- Almutairi R, Almohidib R. "Role of Vitamins A and C in Hair Growth and Scalp Health." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021.
- Widgerow AD, Fabi SG. "Tropolone in cosmetics: antimicrobial, anti-aging, and anti-Demodex mechanisms." Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2019.
- Toplash Independent Clinical Trial Data. Triple-Peptide AT-3 + BTP-1 + MP-17 (8-week, digital image analysis). Internal report on file.
- Dermstore. "Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer, 4.7mL." dermstore.com. Accessed June 2026.
Published: Jun 20, 2026
