Eyelash Serums for Growth and Lengthening
So you weren't born with gorgeously long, fluttery lashes? Welcome to the club. Lucky for you (and us!), there are a lot of ways to take your fringe to great lengths, from easy-to-use falsies to eyelash extensions to go-to curlers and do- it-all drugstore mascaras. But if you want something that'll actually help boost the length, volume, and health of your lashes, you may want to consider adding an eyelash serum to your routine.
Now, we know what you're wondering: Do eyelash serums really work?
The short answer: It depends. Currently, there is only one product proven effective for growth and thickness, which is Latisse. The FDA-approved serum is formulated with an active ingredient called bimatoprost, which not only causes existing lashes to become longer, but it also stimulates growth in hair follicles not currently producing lashes. But because it's a pharmaceutical drug, rather than a cosmetic, you'll need a doctor's prescription to get it.
If you're not ready to make a prescription-level commitment, consider an over- the-counter eyelash serum, which helps condition and strengthen lashes, leading to less breakage. As a result, it might seem like lashes are growing, but keep in mind that they can't technically make them grow. Ahead, we asked dermatologists and O's own beauty editors to recommend the best eyelash serums, from luxurious options worth the investment to cheaper drugstore finds that really deliver.
Eyelash and Brow Serum
With over 13,000 reviews on Amazon, this eyelash serum is ultra popularjust ask its fans why. One reviewer wrote, 'I was always skeptical if results from these types of products are real. So when I heard I could get a similar product that works for a fraction of the price, I thought it was too good to be true. But this product works! In less than a month I have noticed a significant difference in the length and thickness of my lashes.'
Latisse
Available with a prescription, Latisse is an FDA-approved solution that's been on the market since 2001. Dr. Tara Rao, from the Schweiger Dermatology Group, says when used as directed, it can 'increase growth and thickness.'
Lash Boost
Applied nightly on the upper lash line only, this product promises to deliver lush, longer-looking lashes. I'm not easily impressed, but just a few weeks after I started trying this brush-on serum, I noticed a huge difference. It got to the point where I had to stop using it because my lashes were getting too long (we're talking touching the lenses of my sunglasses long)', Brian Underwood, Beauty Director at O, The Oprah Magazine, says.
GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum
Loved over 75,000 times on Sephora.com, this serum is said to promote naturally longer, thicker-looking lashes in just four t0 six weeks. 'It not only stimulates healthy growth of new lashes, but it strengthens and hydrates lashes you currently have', says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at the Department of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai Hospital.
WooLash
According to Dr. Nazarian, the peptides and additional vitamins found in WooLash, a paraben-free serum, help you achieve longer, thicker, and natural looking lashes.
Full Lash and Brow Serum
This nourishing serum from Shiseido packs a one-two punch: Not only will it pump up the volume of your lashes, but it can also make your brows appear fuller thanks to the formula's MVP, arginine (an amino acid). Even better? The doe-foot applicator makes it easy to get to hard-to-reach spots between lashes and into the lashline.
Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer
A little thicker than other products, this is a clear gel that applies easily on the upper lash line. 'The soy protein helps enhance lashes and keeps them stronger and longer', Dr. Nazarian says.
Lashes to Die For Turbo Nighttime Eyelash Treatment
Sure, this potent blend of peptides, biotin, aloe vera, and Tahitian plankton will boost the length, thickness, and strength of your lashes (and brows, too). But the real reason we're making space for it on our bedside table: The magic wand includes both a precision tip (so you can easily apply the product along the upper lash line) and a denser applicator (so you can evenly distribute the product from roots to ends).
LiftActiv Eyes and Lashes Serum
Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group says the peptides and hydrators (like hyaluronic acid) in this gentle anti-aging serum assist in fortifying and conditioning eyelashes.
Lash Serum Intense
Make the most of your beauty sleep with this dreamy serum. As you catch zzz's, serious skincare ingredientsincluding fatty acid-rich pumpkin seed extract, polypeptides, biotin, and antioxidantsnourishes and fortifies the lash base, so lashes are stronger and grow longer.
HydroPeptide Lash Serum
Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, board-certified dermatologist says she started noticing new growth about two weeks into use and by the end of the first month her lashes were 'definitely stronger.' Made without any gluten, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates, she recommends this formula for anyone looking for a cleaner product. 'It has eyelash-fortifying peptides (amino acids), and hair- fullness peptides that offer superior results', she says.
Rapidlash Eyelash Enhancing Serum
'This serum contains a peptide to stimulate lash growth along with biotin to provide healthy building blocks for hair follicle activity', says Dr. Zeichner
RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
'This lash serum contains peptides which are like messengers that tell your eyelashes to grow', Dr. Zeichner says. If that's not enough to convince you, consider this: In a 2017 interview with Allure, Meghan Markle revealed she is also a fan of the product. 'I swear they are as long as they could ever be', she said.
Eyelash Enhancer Serum
I try to avoid putting products with preservatives near my eyes. Instead, I place some castor oil on a cotton swab and massage it in gently along the upper and lower lashes. Castor oil is rich in Vitamin E and has antibacterial properties', says Dr. Lamees Hamdan, Founder and CEO of Shiffa.
Lash Serum Solution
Worried about your lashes falling out while removing falsies or wiping off mascara? Reviewers saw less lash loss with this serum, which is formulated with ingredients like pro vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to help grow stronger, thicker eyelashes.
Eyelash Serum
This influencer favorite is jam-packed with natural vitamins and extracts, as well as peptides to fortify and moisturize lashes, leading to less breakage. The result is eyelashes that look fuller and longer in as few as 25 days.
The Lash Bond
This non-irritating formula is gentle enough for sensitive eyes, but can also be used on the brows for a darker, fuller look all around.
Healthy Lashes Lash Enhancer Serum
This affordable drugstore pick is formulated with biotin and peptides to condition and nourish lashes, leaving lashes feeling softer and looking fuller and healthier.
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