Lash serums to increase the length and volume of your eyelashes have become popular staples in many beauty routines. With so many options, however, it can be a challenge to choose the right one for you that has a proven, science-backed track record of delivering results. Use this guide to help you sift through your options and learn how to choose the best lash serum to get the long, thick eyelashes you’re looking for.
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Lash serums contain nourishing ingredients to encourage natural lash growth.
Consistent use over several months is key to seeing optimal lash growth.
Discontinue use if you notice eye or skin irritation.
Lash serums are specially formulated products designed to enhance the growth, thickness, and overall health of your eyelashes. These serums typically contain a blend of vitamins, peptides, and other nourishing ingredients aimed at stimulating eyelash follicles and promoting lash growth.
How Do Lash Serums Work?
Lash serums work by targeting the growth cycle of your eyelashes. Eyelashes grow in three phases:
Anagen (growth) phase
Catagen (transition) phase
Telogen (resting) phase.
Most lash serums contain ingredients that prolong the growth phase, allowing lashes to grow longer and thicker. They also nourish the lash follicles, leading to stronger and healthier lashes that are less prone to breakage.
Best Lash Serum Brands
These are some of my favorite eyelash serums that contain high-quality ingredients to promote lash growth and overall health:
GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum. This serum contains a potent blend of vitamins, peptides, and amino acids to promote longer, thicker, and healthier-looking lashes in as little as four weeks. It includes ingredients such as L-Proline (an amino acid essential for healthy hair), hyaluronic acid for hydration, and various botanical extracts that help condition and protect lashes from damage.
Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum is formulated with innovative technology and nourishing ingredients that support lash length, fullness, and darkness. The serum includes biotin, known for its ability to strengthen hair; panthenol, which helps to retain moisture; and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is an award-winning serum formulated with a unique BioPeptin Complex, which includes peptides, biotin, lipids, and green tea extract. This combination not only conditions and strengthens lashes but also helps to protect them from breakage.
Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 for Eyes & Lashes is a dual-purpose product designed to rejuvenate the skin around the eyes and promote lash growth at the same time. It contains rhamnose, a naturally-derived sugar known for its anti-aging properties, and hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin.
What to Look for In a Lash Serum
When choosing a lash serum, look for these characteristics:
High-quality ingredients. Look for lash serums with proven ingredients like amino acids, biotin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and vitamin E.
Clinical studies. If you are unsure about an ingredient, check to see if there are any clinical studies about the efficacy of that particular ingredient to promote lash growth.
Safety. Make sure the serum is ophthalmologist-tested and safe for use around the eyes.
What to Watch Out for In a Lash Serum
While lash serums are generally gentle enough to be used in the delicate eye area, there are some key factors to watch out for when choosing a product:
Hollowness of the eyes- Lash serums that contain prostaglandin analogues have been accused of causing hollowness around the eyes. This is likely true, so if you see loss of fat around the eye area, stop using the lash s growing serum.
Eye irritation and allergic reactions. Some ingredients commonly found in lash serums can potentially cause eye irritation or signs of allergy. Check the ingredients and avoid any serums that contain ingredients you know you are allergic or sensitive to.
Fragrances and dyes. These ingredients are sometimes added to lash serums but can cause signs of skin sensitivity or allergies.
Unverified claims. Some lash serums or “lash growth” mascaras claim to help your lashes grow but do not contain any proven ingredients. The brands I’ve highlighted in this guide contain ingredients backed by science.
How to Apply an Eyelash Serum
Most eyelash serums should be applied once per day. I recommend applying at night before bed when your face is clean and makeup-free. To apply, follow these simple steps:
Make sure your face is clean and dry before applying a lash serum.
Use the applicator to apply a thin line of product along the upper lash line of each eye, similar to how you would apply eyeliner. Some serums may come with a brush similar to mascara – if this is the case for the one you are using, apply the serum just like you would apply mascara.
Lash Serum Results
When using a lash serum, consistency is key. You should be able to notice subtle improvements in the length and fullness of your lashes within just a few weeks of using a lash serum. By weeks 6 to 8, more visible results should develop. However, it can take up to three months of consistent use to achieve optimal results from a quality lash serum. To maintain results, continue using the lash serum at least a few times per week.
Bottom Line
Lash growth products can be a safe and effective addition to your skin care routine if you are looking to enhance the length, volume, or darkness of your lashes. Choose a serum with proven ingredients like amino acids, biotin, and hyaluronic acid, and discontinue use or switch to a different product for your skin type if you notice signs of eye or skin irritation.
Yes, high-quality lash serums are effective when used consistently over a period of time. They work by nourishing the lash follicles and extending the growth phase of the lashes, leading to longer and thicker lashes. However, not all lash serums are created equally. Choose a science-backed product with proven ingredients.
Do you need a prescription for lash serums?
Latisse is a popular eyelash serum that requires a prescription because it contains potent active ingredients like bimatoprost. However, there are many over-the-counter options available that do not require a prescription and can be just as effective.
Does Vaseline make your eyelashes grow?
Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, does not promote eyelash growth. However, it can help condition and moisturize your lashes, making them appear fuller and healthier. It can also protect lashes from breakage, but it won’t stimulate growth like a dedicated lash serum.
Best References and Scientific Publications on Eyelash Growth:
Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
Smith, S. D., Cornell, R. C., & Bowling, D. M. (2012). Efficacy and safety of bimatoprost for eyelash growth in patients with hypotrichosis: A randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 66(4), 801-806
Green, M. R., & Wick, J. Y. (2011). Eyelash enhancement: A growth industry. Consultant Pharmacist, 26(9), 655-660.
Woodward, J. A., Haggerty, C. J., & Stinnett, S. S. (2010). Bimatoprost for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes: Results of a randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 9(4), 296-302.
Wirta, D., Baumann, L., Bruce, S., Ahluwalia, G., Weng, E., & Daniels, S. (2015). Safety and efficacy of bimatoprost for eyelash growth in postchemotherapy subjects. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 8(4), 11.
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