For me, the words "You really don't know what you got until it's gone" ring true when I think about my eyelashes. You see, I used to have full, thick, and long lashes for a short moment in time. They were so good that I would get stopped mid-conversation sometimes and ask how I got my eyelashes looking so good.
My secret? Well, ironically and unfortunately, it was my eye drop medication for my glaucoma. The drops I was on for a few years were made with the same ingredients as Latisse, hence the amazing growth. Eventually, my ophthalmologist took me off them, so my lashes turned back into a "pumpkin," meaning I was stuck with the sparse, thin, and short ones I was born with.
Needless to say, I'm always looking for products that can give my lashes a boost. I'm talking about volume-pumping mascaras and falsies, and lately, I've been considering a lash serum. It's taken me a while to find one to buy—not because there aren't enough to choose from (there are so many), but because I don't want to spend money on something that won't work for me. Most importantly, I want to make sure I'm using the serums safely, so I decided to ask some experts for their best application tips and recs. Read on to see what I learned.
Are Eyelash Serums Safe?
If you're not familiar with eyelash serums, they're designed to make lashes longer and thicker. "Most are clinically developed to address the visible signs of thinning and/or inadequate eyelashes, and with committed daily use, can visibly improve the overall health of the lashes," explains Joie Tavernise, medical esthetician and founder of Manhattan's JTAV Clinical Skincare clinic. "Various eyelash serums have been on the market for years, but I have seen their popularity grow in recent years. People want to embrace their natural beauty, and one easy way to do this is with longer, thicker lashes."
While a lot of people seem to be using these serums, I wondered if they were safe and if there were any side effects. It turns out they're relatively okay to use. "Lash serums are generally safe for use. However, some sensitive-eye consumers may experience redness or irritation depending on sensitivity to certain ingredients and depending on the lash serum," says celebrity esthetician Joshua Ross of SkinLab.
What to Look for in an Eyelash Serum
When shopping for an eyelash serum, there are some effective ingredients to look for. "The ingredients most proven to help lashes grow are prostaglandin analogs like bimatoprost and other similar molecules," says Dean Vistnes, MD, FACS, SkinSpirit's medical director and co-founder.
Other ingredients include peptides, amino acids, vitamins (like vitamin B5), biotin, and conditioners or hydrators (like hyaluronic acid). "These ingredients are helpful because they nourish and hydrate, strengthening lashes and stimulating growth," Tavernise says.
How to Apply Eyelash Serums
First, you should make sure your lash and eye areas are clean. Next, apply a thin layer directly to your lash line. Tavernise recommends starting at the inner corner and moving out toward the outer lash line. Give it enough time to dry (about five to 10 minutes) before applying mascara, and make sure you're following the manufacturer's directions on how often you should be using the product.
Ross also advises that you should frequently clean the applicator with soap and water to prevent bacteria.
How Long Does It Take for Eyelash Serums to Work?
It's all about consistency if you want the serums to actually work. "With any effective product, it takes time to see true results," Tavernise says. "I suggest applying an eyelash serum twice a day consistently, and you will most likely see growth and increased lash density after three months."
Best Overall Eyelash Serum: Latisse Eyelash Serum
Vistnes says the two best-known products that have effective active ingredients are Latisse and RevitaLash. Latisse is one you'll have to get prescribed, but again, it can make your lashes look so much longer. Beauty Director Erin Jahns tried it and saw results in about six weeks. It contains a prostaglandin analog. prostaglandin is a hormone-like substance that helps lengthen and thicken lashes. Some people prefer to avoid this ingredient in their lash serums; others don't. Read up on the controversial ingredient.
Customer Review: "You definitely have to have patience and consistency but the payoff is huge! My lashes went from space to luxurious. I love how they look now. I only need one swipe of mascara to set the curl and they stay looking amazing all day. If you have stubby or sparse lashes, I recommend giving Latisse a try"
Pros: This is one of the most effective growth formulas, and results can appear in about six weeks
Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
Key Ingredients: Bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog
Prostaglandin Analogues: Yes
Size: 0.17 ml
Application Frequency: Once a day for 16 weeks
RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
Vistnes adds that RevitaLash works similarly to Latisse but has another component that creates a curl in the growth pattern of the lashes.
Customer Review: "I've tried many eyelash serums, and RevitaLash is the best. Not only do I see a huge difference in my lash length, but the application is so easy. Unlike other serums that require a new brush each time, RevitaLash is similar to a liquid eyeliner applicator. Super convenient."
Pros: Helps create a natural curl in lash growth pattern, contains fortifying antioxidants and amino acids, and conditions lashes
Cons: Expensive
Key Ingredients: BioPeptin Complex
Prostaglandin Analogues: Yes
Size: 0.11 oz
Application Frequency: Once a day
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash MD Lash Enhancing Serum
I consistently see sustained and noticeable results on clients using GrandeLash MD," Ross says. "It contains just the right amount of active ingredients to see visible and sustainable results. In addition, this specific brand has a low occurrence of irritation. Some of the hero ingredients include amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, which are known to improve the keratin in the hair follicle of the lash while not being irritating."
Customer Review: "Holy grail omgggg. I accidentally ripped all my eyelashes out in an extension incident, used this and my lashes were completely back after three weeks. Kept using it and my lashes literally look like falsies with no issues!"
Pros: Contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to condition lashes and improves keratin in the hair follicle to support growth
Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
Cons: Expensive
Key Ingredients: Isopropyl Cloprostenate, radish root ferment, hyaluronic acid
Prostaglandin Analogues: Yes
Size: 0.067 oz
Application Frequency: Once a day for three months
JTAV Clinical Skincare Eyelash Enhancing Serum
"My specially developed JTAV Clinical Skincare Eyelash Enhancing Serum is my favorite eyelash serum," Tavernise says. "I developed it because I wanted a product that I could trust would deliver real results. What's even better is that it has not been associated with darkening of the eyes, color changes, or periorbital hollowing, which are some issues that have been noted as side effects of lash serums. JTAV Clinical Skincare Eyelash Enhancing Serum is formulated with powerhouse phyto-peptides and vitamins to support the structure of the follicle. It is also compatible with eye makeup and eyelash extensions so you don't have to worry about it interfering with your lash routine."
Customer Review: N/A
Pros: Contains phyto-peptides and vitamins to support the structure of the hair follicle, compatible with eye makeup and lash extensions, and doesn't cause darkening of the eye color
Cons: Expensive
Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, Aloe, matricaria flower extract, clover flower extract, silk amino acids
Prostaglandin Analogues: No
Size: 0.17 oz
Application Frequency: Once a day
NeuLash Lash Enhancing Serum
NeuLash's serum is formulated with sodium hyaluronate for hydration, softness, elasticity, and shine. There are also amino acids, peptides, biotin, panthenol, and pumpkin-seed extracts to promote strength and nourish the lashes.
Customer Review: "This is the most effective product that I ever had. [After] about one month, my eyelashes [were] enhanced a lot."
Pros: Deeply hydrates lashes with sodium hyaluronate and contains amino acids, peptides, and biotin to encourage healthy growth
Cons: Expensive
Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, amino acids, bioengineered peptides, biotin, isopropyl cloprostenate
Prostaglandin Analogues: Yes
Size: 0.1 oz
Application Frequency: Once a day
Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty Platinum Long Lash Serum
Dr. Lara Devgan's lash serum is a popular favorite that extends the eyelash life cycle and supports growth. It contains vitamin B5, phyto-peptides, and clover-flower extract.
Customer Review: "I had short, broken eyelashes from using false eyelashes every day of the week. I started using this product, and after a month and a half, I could see the density and length start to come through. I suggest everyone give this product a shot."
Pros: Extends the eyelash life cycle and supports healthy growth and contains vitamin B5, peptides, and clover-flower extract to condition lashes
Cons: Expensive
Key Ingredients: Phyto-peptides, provitamin B5, clover flower extract
Prostaglandin Analogues: No
Size: 0.17 oz
Application Frequency: Once or twice a day
Lancôme Cils Booster Lash Revitalizing Serum
Lashes can get damaged through makeup, eyelash curlers, extensions, and falsies. Give them some TLC with this conditioning serum.
Customer Review: "My lashes are stronger and feel fuller/longer. Using on thinner brows and also looks fuller."
Pros: Helps condition damaged lashes and is infused with amino acids to encourage growth
Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
Key Ingredients: Amino acids
Prostaglandin Analogues: No
Size: 0.13 oz
Application Frequency: Twice a day
Vegamour Gro Volumizing Lash Serum
With a plant-based formula, Vegamour's serum contains phyto-actives to get your lashes longer and thicker. Ingredients include red clover and mung bean to prevent hair loss and an amino acid peptide to regenerate the hair follicles.
Customer Review: "Complimentary from Vegamour. After using this for 65 days, I can say I enjoy and am so happy to find an effective product that doesn’t have any side effects on my eyes or sensitive skin around my eyes! This is easy to apply and my [lashes] are thicker after using it constantly."
Pros: Plant-based and contains phyo-actives to help lashes grow longer and thicker
Cons: May take a while to see results
Key Ingredients: Biomimetic amino acid peptide
Prostaglandin Analogues: No
Size: 0.1 oz
Application Frequency: Once or twice a day
Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum
This eyelash-enhancing serum contains NouriPlex Technology, which is a blend of four key ingredients to improve thickness, volume, and density.
Customer Review: "This is the first eyelash serum I've tried. Haven't used it long enough to know how it's working but so far so good. No adverse reactions. I’m excited to see what my lashes look like after I finish this bottle."
Pros: Helps add volume, density, and length to the lashes and contains hydrating and growth-boosting ingredients like biotin
Cons: Expensive and may not be suitable for sensitive eyes
Key Ingredients: Biotin, sodium hyaluronate, dehydrolantanoprost
Prostaglandin Analogues: Yes
Size: 0.1 oz
Application Frequency: Once a day
LashFood PhytoMedic Eyelash Enhancer
LashFood's formula is 99.49% natural and completely nourishes and conditions your lashes, especially if they're damaged. It contains a blend of ingredients that jump-start the hair follicles and promote new growth.
Customer Review: "I've been using LashFood for about two years. Before that, I tried a number of other eyelash-enhancing products. Some didn't appear to have any effect on my eyelashes. Others were quite effective but very irritating to my eyes. They left me with dry, red, terribly itchy patches along my lash line. This is the only product I've found that continues to work without the irritation. My lashes look much darker, fuller, and longer, and it feels like the results just continue to improve. I don't even wear mascara for my daily routine now, just curl and go. And they maintain a curl until they get wet! Highly recommend."
Pros: Contains organic ingredients, naturally conditions lashes, promotes healthy growth, and is gentle and non-irritating
Cons: Expensive
Key Ingredients: Aloe, soy protein, arginine, Panax ginseng root extract
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: helps to hydrate, reduce irritation, and soothe skin
Prostaglandin Analogues: No
Size: 0.1 oz
Application Frequency: Once a day
Maya Chia Power Fol Eyelash, Eyebrow Treatment
Maya Chia's treatment is both for the lashes and brows. It encourages longer, fuller, and healthier lashes and brows while also accentuating them temporarily.
Customer Review: "I've been using this on my eyelashes for three months now, and I'm kicking myself for not taking before pics. It works, and I haven't had any irritation or discoloration/redness. I've used other products in the past, but they either didn’t work or worked but made my eyelids red. I don't look like I have falsies."
Pros: Can be used on both the lashes and brows and utilizes advanced, clean ingredients
Cons: Expensive
Key Ingredients: Peptides, Baikal skullcap root extract, clover flower extract, amino acids, ginseng root extract, chia seed extract
Prostaglandin Analogues: No
Size: 0.27 oz
Application Frequency: Once or twice a day
RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum
You can even use this serum on lash extensions. It's formulated with a Hexatein 1 Complex to condition and fortify, polypeptides, biotin, panthenol, amino acids, soybean oil, and pumpkin-seed extract.
Customer Review: "I have used RapidLash for a while and have found that it works for me, giving me the appearance that I actually have lashes, and that's a good thing. It is NOT instantaneous, but you will be able to see the difference in just a few weeks."
Pros: Contains polypeptides, biotin, panthenol, amino acids, and soybean oil to promote eyelash growth
Cons: Can take a while to see results
Key Ingredients: Polypeptides, biotin, amino acids, soybean oil, pumpkin seed extract, isopropyl cloprostenate
Prostaglandin Analogues: Yes
Size: 0.1 oz
Application Frequency: Once or twice a day
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
We're already big fans of The Ordinary, so we're excited about this lash and brow serum. The lightweight formula is enriched with four peptide technologies to make your lashes look thicker and healthier.
Customer Review: "I've used this product for one month now and have noticeably longer lashes. It doesn't contain prostaglandins, which can cause orbital fat loss and is the main reason why I stopped using growth serums years ago. It's very affordable and is worth the try."
Pros: Affordable and contains four peptide technologies to promote thicker, fuller lashes
Cons: Doesn't offer dramatic results
Key Ingredients: Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Larix Europaea wood extract, zinc chloride
Prostaglandin Analogues: No
Size: 0.16 oz
Application Frequency: Twice a day
Plume Science Lash and Brow Enhancing Serum
You don't have to worry about irritation here—people who wear contact lenses and have sensitive eyes can use this gentle serum. It contains nine botanical actives to nourish both your lashes and brows.
Customer Review: "Yep, I'm a doubter. This product proved me wrong. My brows and lashes are noticeably fuller, you can call me Brooke Shields because my brows are bangin'. Great product, def recommend."
Pros: Gentle on the eye area and suitable for contact lens wearers
Cons: Expensive
Key Ingredients: Organic aloe, vitamin E, hickory bark, watercress, coleus forskohlii, honey extract
Prostaglandin Analogues: No
Size: 0.2 oz
Application Frequency: Once a day
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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