Careprost (Bimatoprost) 3ml

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

What Is Careprost and Why Is It More Affordable Than Latisse?

Careprost and Latisse are therapeutically equivalent products — both contain bimatoprost 0.03% as the active ingredient. The price difference reflects the difference between a branded product (Latisse, developed and marketed by Allergan/AbbVie) and a generic product (Careprost, manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical under their own quality standards).

The practical reality for Canadian users: Careprost, Latisse, Lumigan, and Bimat all contain bimatoprost 0.03% — the same molecule at the same concentration. The eyelash-growing mechanism is identical across all four products. A Canadian woman spending CAD$150–200 on Latisse every few months can achieve identical results with Careprost at $54.55 per bottle. The only functional advantage of Latisse is that it comes with 60 applicator brushes and carries Health Canada approval for this specific indication. Careprost includes applicator brushes in most packaging formats.

About Sun Pharmaceutical — Who Makes Careprost

Careprost is manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. — not a small generic producer but one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies:

• Founded 1983, headquartered in Mumbai, India
• Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SUNP)
• 5th largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company globally by revenue
• Products registered and sold in more than 100 countries worldwide
• US FDA-inspected manufacturing facilities — multiple US FDA and WHO-GMP certified plants
• One of the largest generic pharmaceutical suppliers to the US market

Canadian users purchasing Careprost from drugs-canada.com are buying a product from a publicly traded, globally regulated pharmaceutical manufacturer — not an unverified source.

How Bimatoprost Grows Eyelashes — The Biology

Human eyelashes cycle through three phases: anagen (active growth, 30–45 days), catagen (transition, 2–3 weeks), and telogen (resting/shedding, variable). The short anagen phase explains why eyelashes are naturally short compared to scalp hair — they simply do not grow for as long before entering the resting phase.

Bimatoprost acts on prostaglandin receptors (FP and EP3) in the dermal papilla of the eyelash follicle, producing three simultaneous and measurable effects on the lash growth cycle:

• Extends the anagen (growth) phase: Individual lashes spend more time actively growing before entering the resting phase — resulting in greater final length
• Increases the proportion of follicles simultaneously in anagen: At any given time, more lashes are in the growth phase — producing visibly greater density and fullness
• Stimulates melanin production in follicle melanocytes: Lashes gradually become darker as bimatoprost increases pigment deposition in the growing hair shaft

Clinical evidence from the pivotal Allergan eyelash trials (Latisse approval data):

• Lash length: +25% increase from baseline at 16 weeks
• Lash fullness/thickness: +106% increase from baseline at 16 weeks
• Lash darkness: +18% increase from baseline at 16 weeks
• Overall improvement rated significant or highly significant by 78% of subjects at 16 weeks

Since Careprost contains the identical bimatoprost 0.03% at the identical concentration, the same clinical results apply — the active ingredient's mechanism is independent of brand.

Step-by-Step Application Guide — Careprost for Eyelash Growth

What you need: Careprost solution and the included applicator brushes (or alternative precision eyeliner brushes). Use one fresh applicator per application — never reuse applicators as this increases contamination risk.

Complete application steps:

1. Prepare: Remove all eye makeup — mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow. Remove contact lenses and wait until the end of your routine to reinsert them (minimum 15 minutes after Careprost application)
2. Cleanse: Wash your face thoroughly and pat dry. The application area should be clean and free of any skincare products or oils that could dilute or block absorption
3. Load the applicator: Place one drop of Careprost solution onto the tip of the applicator brush. Do not apply more than one drop per application — using more does not accelerate results but increases side effect risk
4. Apply to upper lash line: Draw the loaded applicator along the skin at the very base of your upper eyelid lashes — from the inner corner to the outer corner — using the same motion as applying a fine eyeliner stroke. The goal is to deposit solution at the lash root, not on the lash shaft itself
5. Blot immediately: Using a clean tissue, gently blot any excess solution that runs below the lash line onto the lower eyelid or cheek skin. This is important — bimatoprost will cause hair growth wherever it contacts skin, so excess solution on the lower eyelid or cheek can produce unwanted fine hair growth in those areas
6. Do not apply to lower lashes directly: Apply only to the upper lash line. The solution migrates naturally to the lower lashes during blinking, producing lower lash enhancement without direct application. Applying directly to the lower lash margin increases the risk of skin darkening and unwanted hair below the eye
7. Discard the applicator: Use each brush once only. Reusing applicators can introduce bacteria into the solution bottle
8. Reinsert contact lenses: Wait at least 15 minutes after application before reinserting soft contact lenses

Frequency: Once daily — evening application before bedtime is recommended. Applying to clean skin before sleep maximises the time bimatoprost is in contact with the follicles without interference from makeup or other products.

Consistency is essential: Bimatoprost works by gradually shifting lashes into and extending the growth phase — this requires consistent daily application over weeks. Missing applications slows and may reverse progress. Set a daily reminder if needed.

Results Timeline — What to Expect Week by Week

Weeks 1–3: No visible changes — bimatoprost is working at the follicular level, shifting lashes into and extending the growth phase. This phase is invisible to the naked eye. Continue daily application without interruption.

Weeks 4–8: First visible results begin to appear — lashes may appear slightly longer and darker. The change at this stage is subtle and more noticeable to people who see you regularly. Most Canadian users first notice a difference around weeks 5 to 7.

Weeks 8–12: Clearly visible improvement in length, fullness, and darkness. Partners and friends begin asking whether you have had eyelash extensions or are wearing mascara. Volume and thickness increases are often more noticeable than length at this stage.

Weeks 12–16: Full results — maximum length, density, and darkness achieved. At 16 weeks, the clinical measurements of +25% length, +106% fullness, and +18% darkness are reached in trials. Individual results vary based on genetics, baseline lash characteristics, and application consistency.

Maintenance phase: Once full results are achieved, many Canadian users reduce to every-other-day or 3 to 4 times weekly application to maintain results while reducing cumulative bimatoprost exposure and extending bottle life.

After stopping Careprost: Lashes gradually return to their pre-treatment baseline as the lash growth cycle normalises. The return to baseline typically takes 4 to 8 weeks after stopping. Results are not permanent — ongoing use is required to maintain enhanced lashes.

Side Effects — What Canadian Users Should Know

Common side effects (affect more than 1 in 10 users):

• Mild eye redness or conjunctival hyperaemia — more common when solution enters the eye; proper lash-line application minimises this
• Mild itching or irritation at the application site
• Mild dryness of the eyes
• Darkening of the eyelid skin at the application site — periorbital skin darkening is dose-dependent and related to skin contact. It is generally reversible after stopping treatment. Carefully blotting excess solution reduces this risk

Important — Iris Pigmentation (permanent iris colour change): Bimatoprost can stimulate melanin production in iris melanocytes, causing a gradual and irreversible darkening of the coloured part of the eye — particularly in eyes with mixed pigmentation (hazel, green-brown, blue-brown). This risk is substantially lower for cosmetic lash-line application (where the solution contacts the eyelid skin rather than the eye itself) compared to glaucoma patients who instil drops directly into the eye. However, some solution inevitably contacts the ocular surface during cosmetic use — the risk is not zero. The most significant concern for cosmetic users is asymmetric use: applying to one eye only for any reason (asymmetric lashes, testing) risks permanently mismatched iris colour between the two eyes. Always apply to both upper lash lines.

Unwanted hair growth: Bimatoprost stimulates hair growth wherever it contacts skin. If excess solution runs onto cheeks, the lower eyelid, or around the eye, fine hair growth can develop in these areas. This is the most commonly reported cosmetic side effect and is entirely preventable with careful application and immediate blotting of excess solution.

Less common:

• Deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus (the groove above the upper eyelid) — reported with long-term use; more common with glaucoma-dose eye drops than cosmetic lash-line application
• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Foreign body sensation in the eye

Rare but serious — seek medical attention:

• Severe allergic reactions — swelling of the eyelids or eye, difficulty breathing. Stop immediately and seek care
• Significant vision changes or eye pain — stop and consult an eye care professional
• Macular oedema — extremely rare with cosmetic application; a theoretical risk in patients with aphakia or known macular risk factors

Who Should Not Use Careprost

Avoid Careprost if you:

• Are known to be allergic or hypersensitive to bimatoprost or benzalkonium chloride (BAK)
• Have active eye infections or eye inflammation (conjunctivitis, uveitis, iritis)
• Are aphakic (no natural lens) or pseudophakic with known risk factors for macular oedema
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding — safety data insufficient; consult your physician
• Have uncontrolled glaucoma — cosmetic application is not a substitute for prescribed IOP therapy

Use with caution if you: wear soft contact lenses (remove before application, wait 15 minutes to reinsert), have known prostaglandin sensitivity, have had recent eye surgery, or are using other bimatoprost products (Lumigan eye drops) for glaucoma — do not add cosmetic bimatoprost on top of therapeutic bimatoprost without consulting your ophthalmologist.

Contact Lenses and Careprost

Careprost contains benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a preservative. BAK is absorbed by soft contact lenses and can cause lens discolouration, altered optical properties, and corneal irritation. Canadian contact lens wearers must follow this protocol:

• Remove soft contact lenses before applying Careprost
• Complete the full Careprost application and blotting
• Wait a minimum of 15 minutes before reinserting contact lenses
• This applies to both daily disposable and extended-wear lenses

Storage and the 28-Day Rule

Before opening: Store at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C, or refrigerate between 2°C and 8°C. Protect from freezing and direct light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

After opening — critical 28-day rule: Once opened, Careprost must be used within 28 days regardless of how much solution remains. After 28 days, discard the bottle even if it appears nearly full — preservative effectiveness declines and contamination risk increases. Write the opening date on the box to track this.

Practical cost management for Canadian users: A 3ml bottle used for once-daily upper lash application uses approximately 0.05–0.1ml per session — theoretically providing 30–60+ applications. However, the 28-day discard rule means sharing one bottle between two users (both applying daily to upper lashes) is a widely practiced approach that keeps usage within the window and halves the cost per person to approximately $27 per month.

Price Comparison — Careprost vs Latisse in Canada

Delivery to All Canadian Provinces

drugs-canada.com ships discreetly to all Canadian provinces and territories. Standard delivery: 4–9 business days.

Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, Brampton) — British Columbia (Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Kelowna) — Quebec (Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau) — Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer) — Manitoba (Winnipeg) — Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Regina) — Nova Scotia (Halifax) — New Brunswick (Moncton, Fredericton) — and all remaining provinces and territories.

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

Frequently Asked Questions — Careprost in Canada

Is Careprost the same as Latisse? Yes — both contain bimatoprost 0.03% as the active ingredient. The eyelash-growing mechanism is identical. Latisse is manufactured by Allergan/AbbVie and is specifically Health Canada-approved for eyelash hypotrichosis. Careprost is manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical and used off-label for the same purpose. The difference is price — $54.55 vs CAD$150–200 per 3ml bottle — not efficacy.

How long does Careprost take to work? First visible results typically appear at 4 to 8 weeks of consistent daily application. Full results — maximum length (+25%), fullness (+106%), and darkness (+18%) — are achieved at 12 to 16 weeks. These figures come from the pivotal Allergan clinical trials supporting Latisse approval. Since Careprost contains identical bimatoprost 0.03%, the same timeline and results apply.

What happens if I stop using Careprost? Lashes gradually return to their pre-treatment appearance over 4 to 8 weeks as the lash growth cycle normalises without bimatoprost influence. Results are not permanent — ongoing use is required to maintain enhanced lashes. Many users maintain results with reduced application frequency (every other day or 3–4 times weekly) rather than daily use once full results are achieved.

Can Careprost change my eye colour permanently? Bimatoprost can cause permanent iris darkening (iris pigmentation) — particularly in eyes with mixed pigmentation (hazel, green-brown). This risk is substantially lower with cosmetic lash-line application than with glaucoma eye drops, as the solution contacts eyelid skin rather than the eye directly. However, some ocular contact occurs during normal application. Always apply to both eyes equally — asymmetric application risks permanently mismatched iris colour. The iris pigmentation risk is estimated at approximately 1–5% with long-term use.

Can I use Careprost with contact lenses? Yes — but remove lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting. Careprost contains benzalkonium chloride preservative which is absorbed by soft contact lenses and can cause irritation and lens discolouration.

How long does one 3ml bottle last? For once-daily application to both upper lash lines, one 3ml bottle provides approximately 4 to 6 months of solution. However, the 28-day discard rule means the bottle must be discarded 28 days after opening regardless of remaining volume. Many Canadian users share a bottle between two people to use the full volume within the 28-day window and reduce cost.

Can I apply Careprost to my lower lashes? Apply only to the upper lash line. Solution migrates naturally to the lower lashes during blinking. Direct application to the lower lash margin increases the risk of skin darkening below the eye and unwanted hair growth on the lower eyelid skin.

Is Careprost safe to use? Bimatoprost has a well-established safety profile from decades of use as an ophthalmic drug for glaucoma and from Latisse approval clinical trials. The main risks specific to cosmetic use are iris pigmentation (permanent eye colour change — low but non-zero risk), periorbital skin darkening (reversible), and unwanted hair growth if excess solution contacts surrounding skin (preventable with careful application). Consulting a Canadian physician or dermatologist familiar with bimatoprost before starting is advisable.

How long does delivery to Canada take? Standard delivery to all Canadian provinces takes 4 to 9 business days. All orders arrive in plain, unmarked packaging with no reference to contents or sender. Every order includes a tracking number.