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The growth serums that actually work for long, strong lashes. Hard Steel Pills
Shannon M. Bauer is a Senior Commerce Editor for Dotdash Meredith's Beauty & Style Group. She joined the Shape team in 2022 and works with a team of talented freelance writers to create expert- and research-driven product roundups. Shannon has seven years of experience writing, editing, and producing beauty and wellness content for top print and digital publications. Shannon was previously a Beauty Editor at Parents, Parents Latina, and Shape print magazines.
Who doesn’t want long, naturally luscious lashes? To boost the length, volume, and shine of your lashes, you'll want to focus on eyelash growth serum formulas that contain peptides and proteins (which are key for preventing lash breakage). "Serums can deliver nourishment and result in longer and thicker eyelashes with their protein-based formulas that help repair hair follicles," explains Michelle Henry, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetics Surgery of Manhattan.
To narrow down our favorites, Shape considered different formulas and the types of results consumers are looking for. We also consulted with dermatologists to ensure that every eyelash growth serum we featured was helpful—not harmful—for the delicate skin around your eyes. Here are the best eyelash growth serums on the market.
Why We Like It: It's a dermatologist-recommended and award-winning formula.
It's Worth Noting: There is a chance it can cause darkening of the eyelid.
The RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is a big hit in the lash serum world and our testing, and for good reason — it really works. After a month of use, our eyelashes nearly doubled in length—our friends even asked if we had gotten a lash lift. (RevitaLash also makes one of our favorite eyebrow growth serums.) We also liked that it was super simple to use: The fine brush tip didn’t deposit too much product or drop into our eyes, and it dries almost instantly.
Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, recommends this pick to her patients. "Revitalash is an over-the-counter favorite eyelash growth serum boasting significant improvements in growth," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "Because there is less prostaglandin compared to Latisse, Revitalash has a reduced chance of side effects."
Dr. Henry also loves this lash serum. "RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is also a great serum option for fuller lashes," she says. "This serum is infused with helpful peptides that protect the lashes from breakage while also delivering shine."
Size: 0.67 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Latanoprost | Results: 6 weeks
Why We Like It: This pick went viral on TikTok for its lengthening effects.
It's Worth Noting: Some folks have cited irritation with this product.
The Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum is probably one of the most popular and well-known eyelash growth serums on the market. With daily application, you should start to see results within four weeks. We confirmed that you could see significant length and strength improvements within the four weeks. Both lashes and brows were noticeably thicker, and lashes were less prone to breaking or falling out. While this pick is a fan favorite amongst many lash serum stans, it's important to note that some folks have reported irritation from this product—it might sting your eyes and/or make the lash line appear red and inflamed. Because of this, it's important to patch test this pick before applying it to your lashes.
Size: 0.07 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Panthenol | Results: 4 weeks
Why We Like It: This pick targets a specific phase of the lash cycle for longer, fuller lashes.
It's Worth Noting: It's on the pricier side for a lash serum.
The Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum is a high-end eyelash growth serum designed with the brand's proprietary NouriPlex Technology. This tech is a combination of ingredients, including panthenol, biotin, sodium hyaluronate, and a unique lipid compound. Although we love this product's ease of use and efficacy, it is one of the pricier options on the list. It's important to note that the second ingredient in this formula is dehydrolatanoprost, which is a type of prostaglandin (the controversial ingredient used in many lash serums). On its website, Obagi warns that this product "may cause increased brown iris pigmentation of the colored part of the eye, which is likely to be permanent" and that it "may cause darkening of the eyelid skin, which may or may not be reversible." Similar warnings and precautions are listed for prescription lash serum Latisse, too.
Size: 0.10 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Dehydrolatanoprost | Results: 8 weeks
Why We Like It: It’s affordable.
It's Worth Noting: You’ll have to apply it twice daily to see results.
This eyelash growth serum is quite popular for a reason. It's affordable, prostaglandin-free, doesn’t irritate sensitive eyes, and contains ingredients like panthenol, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl tetrapeptide-3, and Trifolium pratense flower extract to help increase density and thickness in your lashes and brows. While we wished that you didn't have to apply this twice a day to truly see results, we were happy by how it dries down fast results can be visible in as little as four weeks.
Size: 0.16 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Panthenol, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl tetrapeptide-3 | Results: 4 weeks
Why We Like It: It's great for those with sensitive eyes.
It's Worth Noting: This product doesn't contain prostaglandin, which is an ingredient in other lash serums that promotes rapid lash growth. So, you might not see super fast results with this pick.
If you've noticed that other lash serums irritate your eyes, consider the Lashfood Phyto-Medic Natural Eyelash Enhancer. We experienced zero sensitivity during our testing, and we think that's attributed to this product's more natural, clean formulation compared to others. It's even considered the world's first and only Ecocert natural eyelash enhancer since it's made of 99 percent natural and organic ingredients.
Dr. Henry recommends Lashfood to her patients. "The Lashfood eyelash growth serum is a popular product on the market today—the serum is infused with arginine, an amino acid that promotes hair growth at the root," she says. "The Lashfood serum is also gentle on sensitive skin and is cruelty-free and vegan." However, because this pick doesn't contain prostaglandin, you might not see as fast growth results as other lash serums on the market.
Size: 0.10 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Patented Phyto-Medic Complex | Results: 4 weeks
Why We Like It: This lash serum contains broad-spectrum CBD to soothe skin and promote lash growth naturally.
It's Worth Noting: The before and after photos aren't as impressive as other lash serums on the market.
The Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Lash Serum contains broad-spectrum CBD, mung bean, and red clover to create a healthy environment for your lashes to grow naturally. It's vegan and cruelty-free and less likely to cause irritation after application — also a great way to boost the look of a clean mascara. Because this formula is vegan and relatively natural, you probably won't see results with a wow factor. We saw the most amount of growth on the inner half of the eye. Those lashes had the beginning stages of more growth at the end of our one-month test. This formula may need more time to see the results you're looking for. That being said, if you prefer a lash serum that is gentle on the delicate eye skin and won't cause crazy side effects, this is the best option for you.
Size: 0.10 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: CBD, Mung Bean, Red Clover | Results: 4-8 weeks
Why We Like It: This option can be worn while wearing eyelash extensions.
It's Worth Noting: The applicator doesn't really allow you to apply this to the root of lashes.
Clementina Richardson, founder of Envious Lashes in NYC, created the Envious Lashes Lash Conditioning Serum for her clients to help them maintain healthy lashes while wearing eyelash extensions. It contains a slew of natural, botanical ingredients to maintain strong, soft lashes. The applicator is shaped like a mascara wand and can be used while wearing lash extensions (or not). Just note: applying this to the root of lashes might be difficult because of this design.
Size: 0.27 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Natural botanicals | Results: N/A
Why We Like It: The super simple ingredients (including castor oil) condition lashes.
It's Worth Noting: It doesn't contain any prostaglandins, known to rapidly increase lash growth.
Castor oil has been a widely-used, natural ingredient to promote hair growth and is one of the star ingredients in this pick. In fact, the Twenty Twenty Beauty Get Growing Lash & Brow Serum contains only three ingredients, all natural: castor oil, coconut oil, and argan oil. If you're worried about using a lash serum with prostaglandins in it, this is a great option for you. This lash serum will help hydrate and condition lashes, but it probably won't promote rapid growth in lashes. It won't cause irritation, redness, or eye discoloration, and it can be used on both lashes and brows, too.
Size: 0.33 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Castor oil | Results: 90 days
Why We Like It: This product was specifically developed for aging hair.
It's Worth Noting: It might take longer to see results since this pick doesn't contain prostaglandin.
Aging comes with many fun bodily changes, including sparser lashes. This pick from Better Not Younger was developed for folks experiencing hair loss as they age (but, of course, is safe and effective for use on those not yet experiencing hair loss due to aging). Dr. Murphy-Rose likes to recommend this pick to her patients. "Rich in growth-promoting vitamins and peptides, Better Not Younger's Superpower Lash Enhancing Serum has been shown to thicken and lengthen lashes," she says. "It combines pumpkin seed extract, biotin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid with a peptide complex to strengthen follicles, supporting healthier-looking lashes." Biotin supplements have long been taken to promote better skin and strong hair and nails, so its inclusion here is to be expected.
Size: 0.24 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Pumpkin seed extract, panthenol, biotin | Results: 4 weeks
Why We Like It: It's a longtime fan favorite and has a dual-purpose applicator.
It's Worth Noting: It might make eyelashes darker with continued use, so if you don't want darker lashes over time, don't choose this one.
The Talika Lipocils Expert is an award-winning lash serum that lengthens and darkens lashes with continued use, almost like an eyelash tint. "Talika's cult-favorite Lipocils Expert contains growth-enhancing peptides, lash curling silk proteins, plus coleus forskohlii, a natural pigmentation booster, to darken lashes," explains Dr. Murphy-Rose.
We also love the inventive, unique applicator, which is one part bristles, one part doe-foot applicator. We found the mascara-like brush and doe-foot applicator easy to swipe through our lashes and apply along your lash line. The strengthening benefits were also noticeable—we saw fewer lashes fall out when removing eye makeup or taking off false lashes than before. It also can darken lashes to give your lashes a bit more oomph, even when you’re not wearing any makeup. Just be sure to apply thin coats; our testing found that it made lashes feel heavy if too much was put on at once.
Size: 0.33 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Mythical plant complex | Results: 4 weeks
Why We Like It: It’s natural and safe to use on your lashes and eyebrows.
It's Worth Noting: It won’t work as quickly or effectively as other eye serums that have prostaglandins in them.
If you’re worried about using a lash serum with prostaglandins, consider reaching for this natural castor oil from PURA D’OR. We like that this comes with a mascara-like brush and an eyeliner-like brush so that you can apply the castor oil directly to your lash line, eyelashes, and eyebrows. This formula features pure, cold-pressed castor oil that’s hexane-free and unrefined. Unfortunately, you won’t see as drastic of results on lash growth or length as you might with a prostaglandin-based lash serum.
Size: 4 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Cold-pressed castor oil | Results: 90 days
Why We Like It: It’s gentle on eyes and eyelashes.
It's Worth Noting: Some folks haven’t noticed a huge difference after using this pick.
This lash serum contains two patented technologies from Olaplex, making it a powerhouse product in this category. The first is the Olaplex Peptide Complex Technology, a blend of peptides that helps support your lashes during the growth cycle. The other, the Olaplex Bond Building Technology, helps create a better environment for your lashes to grow in. This formula also contains biotin and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the eyelashes and make them appear less brittle.
We like that this doesn’t contain prostaglandins and doesn’t seem to irritate lashes, either. While it may take a bit for you to start seeing results, the patience is worth it. One aspect we don’t love about this pick from OLAPLEX is the price—it costs $68 per tube and will last you about three months if applied daily.
Size: 0.15 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, biotin | Results: 4 weeks
Why We Like It: The applicator brush is thick.
It's Worth Noting: It’s a very pricey eyelash serum.
This splurge from Augustinus Bader is loaded with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, biotin, and castor oil. You’ll also find unexpected ingredients like roselle and safflower extracts (to increase circulation and encourage hair growth) and red winter algae (to help prevent hair loss).
This formula is prostaglandin-free and can be used on both the lashes and brows for hair growth. Another thing we love is the applicator—the brush is wider and thicker than other lash serum applicators we’ve tried, making the application process much easier and smoother. The expensive price tag is the biggest downside of this pick, but we think it’s worth it if you have some extra cash to spend on a luxury haircare product.
Size: 0.3 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, biotin | Results: 90 days
We tested 30 of the top-rated eyelash growth serums over one month. Each tester got one serum to apply daily for the month, according to package instructions. They then recorded their experience with the product on a scale of five, considering the ease of use, absorption, strengthening, lengthening, sensitivity, overall final look, and price. Our testers were only required to use it on their lashes, but some also used it on their brows and recorded those thoughts, as well. We selected six winners from testing to make this list.
Once we had our favorite eyelash growth serums from testing, we also considered other options on the market. We looked at their active ingredients and price and consulted two experts on the topic — board-certified dermatologists Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose and Dr. Michelle Henry, who have done extensive work on understanding lash growth in their practices. They have also tested many of the products on the market on themselves and their patients and know which ones deliver results. The dermatologists provided quotes on the products on this list and weighed in on the benefits and potential pitfalls of using eyelash growth serums. We looked at more budget-friendly options, natural formulas, and ones designed for lash extensions before finalizing this list of the best eyelash growth serums.
Lash growth serums and conditioners work by stimulating the hair follicle to grow and keeping it in the growth phase of the hair cycle, also known as the anagen phase.
According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, prostaglandins stimulate lash growth by a hormone-like mechanism that is not yet well understood. Latisse contains bimatoprost, which is a prescription-strength prostaglandin. "Over-the-counter prostaglandin-based serums contain a weaker prostaglandin, such as latanoprost, that also stimulates growth but may take longer to achieve the same results. The benefit to using a weaker prostaglandin-based serum is that the risk of side effects is also lower," explains Dr. Murphy-Rose.
Although lash growth results are very individual and subjective, noticeable results can be seen as soon as two weeks or 20 days on average. "Most people see a major difference after two or three months of daily use," says Dr. Henry. "As the normal hair growth cycle is around six to eight weeks, lash growth serums halt the shedding phase and help increase the growth phase of the cycle." Many lash growth serums need to be used daily to see the desired results.
According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, you can use lash growth serums with lash extensions, but the increased rate of growth may require you to make more frequent visits to the lash salon.
Viagra Before Eating Food Daley Quinn is a freelance journalist, content strategist, and beauty industry expert with over ten years of experience in the media industry. You can find more of her work on her website or read the latest from her beauty and lifestyle blog, The Daley Dose. Daley has tried her fair share of lash serums on the market and knows what's worth buying and trying. We interviewed two board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose and Dr. Michelle Henry, for this story because of their extensive work done within the dermatological field and their comprehensive lash serum testing on both themselves and their patients.