Dr. Susan Lin is a board-certified physician in OB/GYN who also practices anti-aging medicine and who founded MD®. She trained at Boston University School of Medicine as an NIH Scholar in a six-year accelerated BA/MD program (1985–1991), with clinical fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering and MD Anderson, residency and clinical work at Kaiser Permanente, and academic appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF School of Medicine. She has practiced medicine for over 35 years.

MD is a physician-formulated beauty and wellness brand created by Dr. Susan Lin, M.D., a board-certified physician with over 35 years of clinical experience. The brand develops products for lash conditioning, hair and scalp care, skincare, and wellness. Its flagship, MD Lash Factor, was evaluated in a peer-reviewed clinical study published in 2008; its formulation is described in U.S. Patent 8,206,695. All but three MD products are manufactured in the United States in facilities that follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, under physician oversight.

MD is owned by La Canada Ventures, Inc., a California corporation with offices at 448 N. San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, California. La Canada Ventures, Inc. owns the trademarks and other intellectual property behind the MD product line. The company and its formulations are under the supervision of Dr. Susan Lin, M.D.

MD was founded in 2007 by Dr. Susan F. Lin, M.D., with MD Lash Factor® as its flagship product; the founding peer-reviewed clinical study was published in 2008. The brand has grown over nearly 20 years into a full physician-formulated lash, hair, skin, and wellness line, with patents and trademarks dating back to the late 2000s.

Yes. MD was founded by Dr. Susan Lin, a board-certified physician in OB/GYN who also practices anti-aging medicine, with more than 35 years of clinical experience. She personally formulates the products, is the named inventor on the underlying patents, and serves as Chief Medical Officer of MD Laser & Cosmetics Center in addition to leading La Canada Ventures, Inc.

La Canada Ventures, Inc. holds a portfolio of registered marks. Documented USPTO registrations include MD® (#4,471,494), MD Factor® (#6,309,386), MD By Susan F. Lin M.D.® (#5,860,508), MD Wellness by Susan Lin M.D.® (#6,251,811) and MD Intimate Restore® (#4,603,019). MD Lash Factor® is also a registered mark. International protection is held through the WIPO Madrid Protocol and through national registrations in the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Korea.

Yes. Dr. Lin authored two chapters in Harry's Cosmeticology, 9th Edition (Chemical Publishing Co., 2015; eBook ISBN 978-0-8206-0179-3): Part 3.3.5, on eyelash anatomy and lash conditioners, and Part 3.8, "Feminine Rejuvenation." Harry's Cosmeticology is a reference text in the cosmetic science industry.

Dr. Lin has served as a Strategic Board member of the MIT McGovern Institute, as an Expert Reviewer for the Medical Board of California, and as an appointee to the U.S. Department of Commerce District Export Council for Northern California. She is also the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of MD Laser & Cosmetics Center.

Dr. Lin trained at Boston University School of Medicine as an NIH Scholar in a six-year accelerated BA/MD program from 1985 to 1991. She completed residency and clinical work at Kaiser Permanente Oakland (1991–1996) and San Francisco (2004–2006), NEMS San Francisco (1995–1999), Memorial Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, and UCSF School of Medicine.

Yes. Dr. Lin maintains active clinical practice as the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of MD Laser & Cosmetics Center, where she sees patients in addition to her work formulating MD products. She has been in continuous medical practice since 1991.

MD Lash Factor is a physician-formulated eyelash conditioning serum developed by Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. Its active ingredient is dechloro ethylcloprostenolamide, a cosmetic-grade prostaglandin analogue, combined with botanical extracts and conditioning agents that support the appearance of longer, healthier-looking lashes. It is sold as a non-prescription cosmetic, and its formulation is the subject of U.S. Patent 8,206,695.

MD Lash Factor is applied once nightly along the base of the upper lash line. Its active ingredient, dechloro ethylcloprostenolamide, is a cosmetic-grade prostaglandin analogue used at cosmetic concentration to condition the lash line, supported by botanical extracts and conditioning agents that help maintain the appearance and condition of natural lashes.

Dechloro ethylcloprostenolamide is a cosmetic-grade prostaglandin analogue — a synthetic compound structurally related to prostaglandins and used as a cosmetic ingredient in eyelash conditioning products. It is not bimatoprost, latanoprost, travoprost or unoprostone. It is the active ingredient in MD Lash Factor and is the compound evaluated in our published 2008 clinical study and in the independent ocular safety, dermal irritation and sensitization testing that supports the formulation. Customers who prefer a formulation without prostaglandin compounds can choose MD Lash Factor Ultima.

Yes. MD Lash Factor is the formulation studied in a peer-reviewed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of 34 healthy volunteers, published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2008 (DOI 10.1080/14764170802054138; PMID 18569264). After four weeks of nightly use, eyelash length increased by 42% to 53% across the active groups, compared with 20% for placebo; every active group showed a statistically significant increase, measured by a blinded technician using a microcaliper.

No. MD Lash Factor is sold as a cosmetic conditioning serum, and the FDA does not approve cosmetics. It is manufactured in the United States.

No. MD Lash Factor does not contain bimatoprost, latanoprost, travoprost or unoprostone. Its active ingredient is dechloro ethylcloprostenolamide, a cosmetic-grade prostaglandin analogue used at cosmetic concentration. The formulation has been evaluated in a published, peer-reviewed clinical study and in independent ocular safety, dermal irritation and sensitization testing.

MD Lash Factor is applied at night with a fine-brush applicator along the base of the upper lash line — not into the eye — and, used as directed, it is not intended to come into contact with a lens. In an independent four-week in-use ocular safety study (CRL93007) of 35 adult women, about one-third of them contact lens wearers, conducted under an IRB-reviewed protocol with ophthalmologist supervision, examination found no clinically significant change in visual acuity, tear film or intraocular pressure under the conditions of that study. As with any eye-area cosmetic, remove contact lenses before applying and reinsert after the product has dried.

Apply once nightly to clean, dry skin along the upper lash line, using the supplied applicator like a fine liquid eyeliner. One stroke per eye is enough; applying more is not recommended. This is not a product for use in the eye. If it gets into your eye, rinse with water.

MD Lash Factor contains dechloro ethylcloprostenolamide, an ingredient classified as a prostaglandin analogue, at cosmetic concentration. It is not bimatoprost, latanoprost, travoprost or unoprostone. Applied as directed along the lash line, it is not intended to enter the eye.

Do not use on damaged or irritated skin, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are being treated for glaucoma or any other eye condition, are undergoing cancer treatment, or have dry eye, an eye infection, a stye or any other eye disorder, speak with your physician before using this product.

In our published clinical trial, 15 of 34 patients reported mild or minimal irritation. It was transient and typically resolved within a few days of continued use; one patient reported moderate irritation and discontinued. No iris pigmentation change, no darkening of the skin around the eye and no discoloration were observed during the four-week study. In the independent four-week ocular safety study (CRL93007, 35 adult women), examination found no clinically significant change in visual acuity, tear film or intraocular pressure under the conditions of that study.

Effects reported for this class of ingredient more broadly include temporary redness, itching, swelling, a burning sensation, dry or watering eyes, darkening of the skin at the lash line, and changes to the fat pad around the eye. Stop use and seek medical attention if any of these occur or persist. If that is a concern for you, MD Lash Factor Ultima is formulated without prostaglandin compounds.

Keep out of reach of children.

Yes — and we would rather show you the numbers than offer a reassurance.

MD Lash Factor has been evaluated in a published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial and in independent ocular and dermal safety studies. In the published trial, 15 of 34 patients reported mild or minimal irritation. It was transient and typically resolved within a few days of continued use. One patient reported moderate irritation and discontinued. No iris pigmentation change, no darkening of the skin around the eye and no discoloration were observed during the four-week study.

Reactions reported for cosmetic prostaglandin analogues as a class include temporary redness, swelling, itching, a burning sensation, dry eyes, watering of the eyes, styes, temporary darkening of the skin at the lash line, changes to the fat pad around the eye, and eyelash loss. Reported reactions of this kind typically resolve after stopping use. It is not known whether this product or some other factor caused reactions of this type.

If you experience any of these, stop using the product. If symptoms persist, consult your physician. If this is a concern for you, MD Lash Factor Ultima is formulated without prostaglandin compounds.

MD Lash Factor is applied to the skin along the upper lash line — not into the eye. The supplied applicator is designed to deposit a small amount of product at the lash line, and one stroke per eye is the full application.

Its ocular tolerance has been examined directly rather than assumed. In an independent four-week in-use study conducted under Institutional Review Board oversight, 35 subjects were examined by a board-certified ophthalmologist. The panel included contact lens wearers, non-wearers, and people with self-assessed sensitive eyes. Examination found no clinically significant change in visual acuity, tear film break-up time or intraocular pressure, and no corneal abnormalities on slit lamp biomicroscopy. Three subjects showed trace conjunctival inflammation, which the investigator judged unrelated to the test material. Under the conditions of that study, the test material did not demonstrate a potential for eliciting ophthalmic irritation.

Intraocular pressure is the endpoint that matters most for this category of product, and it was measured in our study.

No cosmetic is right for everyone. Do not use on damaged or irritated skin, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or — without speaking to your physician first — if you are being treated for glaucoma or any other eye condition. Apply along the upper lash line only, and stop use if irritation persists.

In the published clinical study of 34 healthy volunteers, a statistically significant increase in lash length was measured after four weeks of nightly use. Individual results vary; we recommend consistent nightly application.

Apply MD Lash Factor once nightly to clean, dry skin along the upper lash line using the supplied fine-tip applicator, much like a liquid eyeliner. One stroke per eye is enough. Avoid applying directly into the eye.

MD Lash Factor is formulated, studied and labeled for the upper lash line, and we do not make eyebrow claims for it. For brows, see MD Brow Conditioner.

The MD Lash Factor formulation is the subject of U.S. Patent 8,206,695, granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and assigned to La Canada Ventures, Inc. The same patent family is granted in China as ZL 201110061008.5 and its parent ZL 200810094338.2.

Yes. MD Lash Factor and the MD brand have received recognition including the ICMAD Award and the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Excellence award.

The peer-reviewed clinical study was published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2008. You can locate it using DOI 10.1080/14764170802054138 or PubMed ID 18569264.

MD Hair is a physician-formulated hair and scalp care system developed by Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. Its topical products are sold as cosmetics: the MD Follicle Activator and MD Follicle Energizer scalp serums, made for the appearance of fuller-looking hair; MD Scalp Essential, for scalp care; and a shampoo and conditioner. The line also includes MD Nutri Hair, a dietary supplement capsule containing lilac stem cell extract, marine collagen, biotin, flaxseed, and vitamin E.

No. MD Hair products do not contain minoxidil or finasteride, which are FDA-approved drugs. MD Hair is a non-prescription, physician-formulated system: its topical products are sold as cosmetics and MD Nutri Hair is sold as a dietary supplement. None of them is a treatment for hair loss or a substitute for a medical evaluation or a prescribed treatment.

MD Hair was developed by Dr. Susan Lin, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN, specifically with women's hair concerns in mind. It is non-prescription and contains neither finasteride nor minoxidil. MD Follicle Activator contains dechloro ethylcloprostenolamide, the same cosmetic-grade prostaglandin analogue as MD Lash Factor; as with MD Lash Factor, do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In a 50-subject repeat insult patch test of MD Scalp Essential conducted by Medcin Instituto da Pele, no sensitization was observed under the conditions of that study; that test covers MD Scalp Essential only. No product is right for everyone: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a medical condition, ask your physician before starting any new topical product or supplement.

Yes. MD Hair is formulated for adult men and women. It is non-prescription and contains neither finasteride nor minoxidil.

Individual results vary, and we do not promise results within a set time. The study on file is a 17-week self-evaluation of MD Follicle Activator and MD Follicle Energizer used together (sold together as the MD Hair Care System — Complete Set), run by Spincontrol North America: of the 24 people who completed it, 71% agreed the appearance of their hair improved and 75% would recommend the routine. These are self-assessed results for the two serums used together, not for either serum alone, not for the 3-step MD Hair Care System (MD Scalp Essential, MD Follicle Energizer and MD Nutri Hair), and not for MD Nutri Hair.

Postpartum hair shedding (telogen effluvium) is caused by the sharp drop in estrogen after delivery, which pushes a large number of hairs into the resting phase at once. It is usually temporary, peaking around 3 to 4 months postpartum.

Menopause hair thinning is driven by falling estrogen and progesterone alongside a relative rise in androgens, which shortens the hair growth phase and miniaturizes follicles.

Scalp aging is the gradual decline in scalp microcirculation, collagen content, and follicle function that accompanies hormonal and skin aging. It contributes to thinner, finer hair and slower growth.

Certain peptides are used in cosmetic scalp products to condition the scalp and hair for the appearance of fuller-looking hair. Cosmetic products are not a treatment for hair thinning; if you notice a sudden or significant change in your hair, start with a visit to your physician. This is general cosmetic science, not a claim about a specific MD product.

Usually not. Postpartum shedding is almost always temporary, peaking 3 to 4 months after delivery and resolving over the following 6 to 12 months as hormones rebalance.

MD Skin is the physician-formulated skincare line within the MD family, developed by Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. It focuses on clinically informed skincare.

No. MD does not test its finished products, including MD Skin products, on animals. Most MD Skin products are manufactured in the United States in GMP-certified facilities under board-certified physician oversight; the exceptions, made in Korea and Taiwan under GMP guidance, are listed under "Are MD products made in the USA?" below.

MD Wellness is the nutraceutical and supplement line within the MD brand, developed by Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. Products are manufactured in the United States in GMP-certified facilities.

Yes. All MD Wellness supplements are manufactured in the United States in GMP-certified facilities under board-certified physician oversight.

No. MD Wellness supplements are dietary supplements and do not require a prescription.

The natural eyelash growth cycle is roughly 4 to 11 months and has three phases: anagen (active growth, 30 to 45 days), catagen (transition, 2 to 3 weeks), and telogen (resting, around 100 days). For the full biology of the cycle and why it limits how long lashes can grow, see our Lash & Brow Anatomy guide.

Lashes thin and shorten with age due to follicle miniaturization, slower cell turnover, hormonal shifts (especially estrogen decline), oxidative stress, and friction from cosmetics and lash extensions.

Common causes of brow thinning include aging, thyroid imbalance, over-plucking, nutrient deficiencies (iron, biotin, protein), hormonal shifts, and certain medications. How brow follicles differ from scalp hair is covered in our Lash & Brow Anatomy guide.

Yes. Lash extensions can damage natural lashes through traction, adhesive irritation, and friction. Repeated cycles often lead to thinner, sparser natural lashes.

Mascara itself is generally not damaging, but aggressive removal — especially with waterproof formulas — can break lashes and stress follicles.

Yes — all but three products are manufactured in the United States, with domestic and imported ingredients, in GMP-certified facilities under the oversight of Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. The exceptions are two BB creams manufactured in Korea and MD Extra White manufactured in Taiwan, both under GMP guidance.

MD products are non-prescription cosmetic and dietary-supplement formulations. They do not contain bimatoprost, latanoprost, travoprost or unoprostone, nor hair drugs such as minoxidil or finasteride. MD Lash Factor and MD Follicle Activator (and the sets and kits that include them) contain dechloro ethylcloprostenolamide, a cosmetic-grade prostaglandin analogue used as a cosmetic ingredient. MD Lash Factor Ultima is formulated without prostaglandin compounds.

No cosmetic is right for everyone, so we describe what has been tested rather than make a general safety statement. MD products are formulated by Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. and all but three are manufactured in GMP-certified U.S. facilities with domestic and imported ingredients.

MD Lash Factor has been evaluated in a peer-reviewed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, in which some participants reported minimal, transient irritation early in use; in independent four-week ocular safety testing of 35 adult women under an IRB-reviewed protocol with ophthalmologist supervision, which did not demonstrate a potential for eliciting ophthalmic irritation under the conditions of that study; and in a 209-subject human repeat insult patch test, which showed no clinically significant potential for dermal irritation or sensitization under the conditions of that study.

Directions, warnings and reported reactions for MD Lash Factor are set out in the MD Lash Factor section of this page. Stop using any product if irritation occurs, and ask your physician about any specific medical concern.

MD has received the ICMAD Award, Product of the Year, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Excellence award. MD Hair received Cosmopolitan Best of the Best recognition.

MD does not test its finished products on animals. The historical toxicology package that assessed ingredient safety for the original MD Lash Factor formulation included animal studies conducted at that time, as was standard for ingredient substantiation.

Yes. MD exports physician-formulated beauty and wellness products and has received the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Excellence award. Trademark protection extends through WIPO Madrid Protocol and into markets including the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Korea and Hong Kong.

Yes. All MD products are produced under the oversight of Dr. Susan Lin, M.D. She personally formulates the products and oversees quality standards.

MD ships across the United States from www.md-factor.com and is also available in select international markets.

Standard domestic U.S. orders typically ship within 1 to 2 business days, with delivery in 3 to 7 business days depending on carrier and location.

Unused, unopened items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Products marked "Final Sale" or "Non-Returnable" are not eligible. The one exception is the 90-day money-back guarantee on MD Nutri Hair, 3-Pack only, under which opened product is eligible. It applies to a first order, one per household, on US orders placed on md-factor.com and mdhair.com, and the refund must be requested between day 90 and day 100 from the ship date. See the Returns page for full terms, or contact customercare@md-factor.com.

You can reach MD customer service by email at customercare@md-factor.com or through the contact form at www.md-factor.com/pages/contact.

Yes, on eligible products. Subscribing to MD Lash Factor, MD Hair, and select MD Wellness products offers convenience and savings on recurring shipments.

MD is sold primarily direct-to-consumer through www.md-factor.com, and is also available in our official MD brand store on Amazon.

Yes. www.md-factor.com uses encrypted checkout and standard e-commerce security practices.