For Longer and Healthier Lashes, Reach For These Eyelash Serums

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 in favor of other drops, 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 serum. It's taken me a while to find one to actually buy—not because there aren't enough to choose from (there are so many), but because I don't really want to spend a ton of money on something that won't quite 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 along to see what I learned.

Are Eyelash Serums Safe?

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

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

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(Image credit: @nataliemckeough)

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 Eyelash Serums

Best Overall: Latisse Eyelash Serum

RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash MD Lash Enhancing Serum

JTAV Clinical Skincare Eyelash Enhancing Serum

NeuLash Lash Enhancing Serum

Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty Platinum Long Lash Serum

Lancôme Cils Booster Lash Revitalizing Serum

EssyNaturals Eyelash and Brow Growth Serum

Vegamour Gro Volumizing Lash Serum

Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum

LashFood PhytoMedic Eyelash Enhancer

Maya Chia Power Fol Eyelash, Eyebrow Treatment

Velour Lashes Long & Strong Lash Serum

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum

Pronexa Hairgenics Lavish Lash

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

Plume Science Lash and Brow Enhancing Serum

Shiseido Full Lash Serum

Wet N Wild Boost Me Up Brow & Lash Serum

Milani Highly Rated Lash & Brow Serum

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.