Do lash growth serums really work?

According to Imani, yes, they work. Because eyelashes are made up of over 90 percent protein, many formulas contain amino acids or peptides (the building blocks of protein) to help to nourish lash hair while repairing any damage. Some formulas contain collagen, which also helps to repair damage and keep the lashes strong. These ingredients don't necessarily stimulate new growth, but by strengthening the lash hair, they'll lend your lashes a thicker, fuller, and longer appearance. Very few formulas contain ingredients that will stimulate new growth, such as bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog which is the active ingredient in prescription-only Latisse.

Are lash growth serums safe?

Though eyelash growth serums are generally considered to be safe, Dr. Henry shares that there are some potential risks and side effects to keep in mind. “Some people may experience irritation, redness, or itching around the eyes, especially if they have sensitive skin,” she explains. “In rare cases, eyelash growth serums can cause changes in the color of the iris or the skin around the eyes. It's also possible to experience eyelash breakage or brittleness if the serum is overused or applied incorrectly.” If you have sensitive skin or eyes, it’s wise to consult with your doctor before trying one out. Dr. Henry also stresses that in order to ensure you’re using a lash growth serum safely, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. She also says to avoid getting the serum in your eyes and be sure to wash your hands after application.

What are prostaglandins?

If you’ve done your research on eyelash growth serums, perhaps you’ve heard of prostaglandins, a class of ingredients that are proven to stimulate lash growth. “Prostaglandins are naturally occurring substances in the body that play a role in a variety of physiological processes, including inflammation, blood clotting, and the regulation of hormones,” says Dr. Henry. “One type of prostaglandin, known as prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), has been found to promote eyelash growth. It works by increasing the length of the anagen (growth) phase of the eyelash hair cycle, which results in longer and thicker lashes.” While this class of ingredients does help with lash growth, they’re sometimes associated with side effects, like darkening and thinning of the surrounding skin and loss of fat in the eye area. If you’re concerned about these side effects, or you do experience them, it’s best to consult with a doctor who can advise you on next steps.

Can you use lash growth serums with eyelash extensions?

According to Imani, you can pair lash growth serums with eyelash extensions. She recommends opting for a formula that focuses on lash health to strengthen your natural lashes throughout the life of your extensions.

How do lash growth serums work?

Lash growth serums work by essentially stimulating your eye lash hair follicles and keeping them in the anagen phase (the active/growth stage of the hair-growth cycle). Formulas usually contain nourishing and strengthening ingredients, like biotin, peptides, and amino acids as well. You'll also find lash growth serums formulated with prostaglandins. Though the mechanism isn't very well understood, this class of ingredients appears to have a hormone-like response that tricks the normal hair-growth cycle, effectively stopping the resting phase and stimulating growth wherever it's applied.

How long do lash growth serums take to work?

On average, it'll take anywhere from three weeks to two months for a lash growth serum to start working. It may technically start working sooner, but the growth will likely be too small to see with the naked eye until a bit later. Formulas often contain about a three-month supply, and you should start seeing results by the time you finish the tube. But bear in mind this isn't a once-in-a-while treatment, like a hair mask. You'll definitely have to use the product every day (potentially twice a day), as directed, to achieve the desired results.

How do you apply lash growth serum?

Start by gently cleansing your eye area, removing all makeup, sunscreen, and other skincare residues. Gently pat your skin dry, and make sure it's entirely dry before beginning. Using the applicator wand, carefully glide the brush along your upper lash line to apply a thin layer of serum—almost like applying liquid eyeliner. Repeat the process on the lower lash line, and wait for the serum to dry completely before applying anything else. Carefully following the directions is crucial when using a lash growth serum. Some formulas are meant to be used daily, while others might call for twice-daily use.

The 7 Best Eyelash Growth Serums of 2023

Best Eyelash Growth Serums Tout — Byrdie / Reese Herrington

Though a generous coat of your favorite mascara will work wonders for faking the appearance of longer, more voluminous eyelashes, let’s be real—we’d all love some naturally full lashes. That’s where eyelash growth serums come into play. “Eyelash growth serums can help boost the length and fullness of your lashes,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry. “They typically contain special proprietary complexes that feature peptides, antioxidants, or prostaglandins—all ingredients that help promote hair growth.”

But unlike mascara, the potential positive results that eyelash growth serums create take some time to see. So, we put 31 of the most popular and highly rated lash serums to the test by having a group of independent testers try one product each over the course of ten weeks. Each one was evaluated based on ease of use, absorption, strengthening, lengthening, sensitivity, and overall look. Ahead, find the seven eyelash growth serums that performed the best.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Borboleta Lash Serum at Borboleta.com

Jump to Review

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Âme Pure Lash Boost Serum at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Eyes:

Lancôme Cils Booster Lash Revitalizing Serum at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Volumizing:

Grande Cosmetics Lash Enhancing Serum at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Quick Results:

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Dual-Purpose:

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes at Dermstore

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
How We Tested
Other Options We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Borboleta

View On Borboleta.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Strengthening

3.8/5
Lengthening

5/5
Sensitivity

4.8/5

What We Like

Fast-absorbing
Thin, non-sticky consistency
Works beautifully for lengthening the lashes
Non-sensitizing

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t do much for thickening the lashes

Powered by a blend of biotin, peptides, keratin, and plant-based stem cells, this cruelty-free, ophthalmologist-tested, and clinically tested lash growth serum seriously impressed us. With just one swipe of the small brush across her lash line, our tester was able to apply the serum quickly and easily. The thin consistency dried down within a matter of seconds, and it didn’t leave a heavy or sticky residue on her skin or between her lashes. While we didn’t notice a difference in the density or thickness of lashes, our tester was blown away by how well this serum worked at lengthening them. After consistently using the serum over the course of our 10-week test, she noticed a significant improvement in the length of her eyelashes as well as the curl. The difference was so noticeable that a co-worker who had no idea she was testing a lash serum complimented her eyelashes, a welcomed first for our tester. If length is what you’re hoping to improve, we highly recommend this formula.

Price at time of publish: $65

Highlighted Ingredients: Biotin, peptides, keratin, plant-based stem cells | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.9

Ame Pure Lash Boost Eyelash Growth Serum

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Amepurebeauty.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Strengthening

5/5
Lengthening

4/5
Sensitivity

5/5

What We Like

Brush picks up ideal amount of product
Fast-absorbing formula
No sticky residue
Works to thicken lashes
Works for eyebrows too

What We Don't Like

Could create more significant lengthening benefits

If lash thickness and strength are what you’re hoping to achieve by using an eyelash growth serum, we recommend giving this one a try. The water-based formula allows for maximum absorption of the active ingredients, and it contains a high concentration of pentapeptide-17, a common peptide used in lash-boosting products. Our tester shared that applying the serum was easy, considering that the brush picked up just the right amount of product and absorbed it quickly without creating a tacky residue. After weeks of consistent use, she noticed an impressive difference in the thickness of her eyelashes, noting that they felt stronger and absolutely looked thicker than they had previously. While she mentioned that she saw a very minor improvement in the length of her lashes, the real change was, without a doubt, in their thickness. She also noted that she used it in sparse areas of her brows (the serum claims to work for eyelashes and eyebrows), and she noticed that they looked thicker as well. It’s a fantastic option for increasing the density of your lashes and brows, so if you’re more concerned about that than lengthening, this product is a great option for you.

Price at time of publish: $79

Highlighted Ingredients: Pentapeptide-17 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.3

Lancome Cils Booster Lash Revitalizing Serum

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Ulta View On Lancome-usa.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Strengthening

4/5
Lengthening

3/5
Sensitivity

5/5

What We Like

Easy to apply
Non-irritating on the skin or eyes
Makes the lashes feel stronger
Helps minimize lash loss
Provides minor lengthening benefits

What We Don't Like

Could be more effective for promoting lash density

If you have sensitive skin or sensitive eyes, perhaps you’re hesitant about applying a lash serum, but there are options out there that could work for you without causing irritation, including this one that caused no irritation on our tester's eczema-prone eyelids This formula is safe for sensitive eyes and has been ophthalmologist tested, and it utilizes the power of amino acids to help fortify the lashes that have been damaged by consistent makeup wearing. Interestingly enough, it claims to minimize the amount of lashes that fall out during the makeup removal process. We love that this formula leaves lashes stronger, softer, and more resilient.

We also love that there are slight lengthening benefits, though the improvement in the overall strength stands out the most to us. Worth noting, the brush is soft and effective for targeting the lash line.

Price at time of publish: $49

Highlighted Ingredients: Amino acids | Cruelty-Free: No

4.2

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum

Ulta

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Dermstore

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Strengthening

5/5
Lengthening

2/5
Sensitivity

3/5

What We Like

Fast-absorbing
Thickens eyelashes and eyebrows
Small brush is easy to use and evenly distributes the serum

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t do much in terms of lengthening
Can be sensitizing on the eyes

Chances are, you’ve either seen ads for this ultra-popular eyelash growth serum or you know someone who’s tried it—it’s been a staple on the market for quite some time, and we can see why. We are seriously impressed by how well it worked to thicken lashes and brows. Hairs appeared fuller, and they felt stronger and more resistant to breakage.

In terms of the application, we love how the fine brush applicator allows you to achieve targeted application while still distributing enough product without having to constantly re-dip into the tube. We also appreciate that the formula dried down quickly. Do note that if you get the formula into your eyes, you might experience significant eye sensitivity. So while we highly recommend this for people who are looking to thicken their lashes, we recommend taking your time to apply it very carefully.

Price at time of publish: $68

Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acid | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.6

Ulta

View On Ulta View On Target

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Strengthening

4/5
Lengthening

5/5
Sensitivity

5/5

What We Like

Fast-absorbing
Non-sensitizing
Helps to significantly lengthen the lashes
Relatively affordable considering the quick, positive results

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t work to thicken the lashes

Eyelash growth serums require consistent application and a whole lot of patience before you notice results; that’s just the nature of these products. We noticed an immediate thickening and lengthening within a few weeks, as lashes went from short and stubby to longer and more uniform.

We also love that the brush picks up just the right amount of the formula, and once applied, it absorbs within a matter of seconds without causing any irritation. Though it’s not a budget option, compared to other effective lash growth serums on the market, this one is relatively affordable and accessible, making it a great option for a wide range of consumers who are hoping to lengthen their lashes.

Price at time of publish: $50

Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, biotin, amino acids | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.3

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lash Serum Anti Aging Eye Cream Moisturizer and Eyelash Serum Lash Conditioner and Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream for Fine Lines and Crow's Feet Safe for Sensitive Skin

Amazon

View On Dermstore View On Vichyusa.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Strengthening

4/5
Lengthening

4/5
Sensitivity

4/5

What We Like

Dual-purpose adds to value
Comfortable, lightweight formula
Helps to strengthen the lashes

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t work to lengthen the lashes
Pump applicator dispenses a bit too much product

This serum combines your eye cream and eyelash serum application into one easy step, making it a great option for those who like to keep their beauty routines quick and easy. The formula acts as an anti-wrinkle serum for the delicate skin in the eye area, as well as a lash fortifying and conditioning serum. You simply pump out some product onto your fingertip and apply it in the eye area, making sure to sweep a bit of it across your lash lines and gently coat your eyelashes.

Although the pump applicator might be hard to control and it can dispense too much product, the results make using the serum well worth the inconvenience. We saw a real improvement in the strength and fullness of lashes. We also love that the formula helps reduce the number of lashes that fall out during makeup removal. If you’re looking for a dual-purpose product that will help to improve the quality of your eyelashes, we recommend giving this one a try.

Price at time of publish: $35

Highlighted Ingredients: Rhamnose, hyaluronic acid, Vichy volcanic water | Cruelty-Free: No

4.8

RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner

Amazon

View On Nordstrom View On Dermstore View On Neiman Marcus

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Absorption

5/5
Strengthening

4/5
Lengthening

5/5
Sensitivity

5/5

What We Like

Thin and fast-absorbing
Helps strengthen lashes
Significantly improves the length of the lashes

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t help to increase lash density

There’s no denying that this lash growth serum is expensive, but the results are noticeable and intense, so we can justify the price tag. Formulated with a blend of peptides, biotin, amino acids, and vitamins, the formula works to strengthen the lashes, protect against breakage, and significantly lengthen the eyelashes. We noticed eyelashes feeling stronger and more resistant to breakage throughout the testing period, but the dramatic improvement in the length of lashes is what really stood out. Between how well it works for lengthening and strengthening and how easy to apply and comfortable it is, this one has our stamp of approval.

Price at time of publish: $100

Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, biotin, amino acids, vitamin B | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

Our favorite lash growth serum is the Borboleta Lash Serum. It’s excellent for strengthening the lashes, it helps to minimize lash loss, and it provides lengthening benefits. But if you’re on the hunt for something that will really work to thicken your lashes and increase overall density, we recommend the GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum. And if lengthening your eyelashes is your goal, then go for the RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner.

Meet the Expert

Jas Imani is a New York City-based licensed esthetician and certified Yumi Lash esthetician. She’s known for her incredible lash lifts and often recommends (and uses) lash serums as part of a routine for maintaining beautiful, healthy lashes.
Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, is a Mount Sinai and Harvard-trained, board-certified dermatologist at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.

How We Tested

In order to discover the best eyelash growth serums on the market, we had testers take home one popular or highly rated serum and apply it according to the manufacturer directions over the course of 10 weeks. They took weekly progress photos and evaluated the lash serums based on ease of use, absorption, strengthening, strengthening, lengthening, sensitivity, and overall look. Those that ranked the highest appear on this list.

Other Options We Tested

LashFood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancing Serum

While this all natural eyelash enhancing serum was easy to apply and non-irritating, our tester saw no improvement in the appearance of her eyelashes.

Velour Lashes Long & Strong Lash Serum

Our tester liked the applicator on this popular lash serum, and while she felt that her lashes were slightly stronger after using it, she didn’t notice much improvement in terms of length or volume.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

Although our tester loved that this affordable eyelash serum enhanced the shine of her lashes, she didn’t notice an improvement in their quality or length.

What to Look for in a Lash Growth Serum

Peptides

Jas Imani recommends looking for formulas that contain peptides, which she says are great for fortifying lash hair and helping it grow stronger. Peptides are also great for nourishing lashes that are brittle and frail, so consider them a must if you’ve been too rough with mascara removal or wear waterproof formulas on the regular.

Borboleta Lash Serum, our best overall pick, is a great option that contains peptides. GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum is an excellent choice as well.

Biotin

You’re probably already familiar with biotin in supplement form, which is great for helping the hair and nails grow strong and healthy. Imani recommends looking for lash growth serums that also contain this powerful ingredient to help your lashes grow long and strong, too.

Both RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum and RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner contain growth-promoting blends of biotin, peptides, and amino acids.

Conditioning Formulas

In order to maintain long and healthy lashes, you’ll want to look for a formula that contains conditioning ingredients to keep them soft and prevent future breakage. Alternatively, if you’re loving a formula that doesn’t contain conditioning ingredients, you can also purchase a separate lash conditioner to help maintain lash health.

If conditioning your lashes is your main goal, go for Vichy LiftActiv Eyelash Growth Serum or RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner.

FAQ

Do lash growth serums really work?

According to Imani, yes, they work. Because eyelashes are made up of over 90 percent protein, many formulas contain amino acids or peptides (the building blocks of protein) to help to nourish lash hair while repairing any damage. Some formulas contain collagen, which also helps to repair damage and keep the lashes strong. These ingredients don't necessarily stimulate new growth, but by strengthening the lash hair, they'll lend your lashes a thicker, fuller, and longer appearance.
Very few formulas contain ingredients that will stimulate new growth, such as bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog which is the active ingredient in prescription-only Latisse.
Are lash growth serums safe?

Though eyelash growth serums are generally considered to be safe, Dr. Henry shares that there are some potential risks and side effects to keep in mind. “Some people may experience irritation, redness, or itching around the eyes, especially if they have sensitive skin,” she explains. “In rare cases, eyelash growth serums can cause changes in the color of the iris or the skin around the eyes. It's also possible to experience eyelash breakage or brittleness if the serum is overused or applied incorrectly.”
If you have sensitive skin or eyes, it’s wise to consult with your doctor before trying one out. Dr. Henry also stresses that in order to ensure you’re using a lash growth serum safely, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. She also says to avoid getting the serum in your eyes and be sure to wash your hands after application.
What are prostaglandins?

If you’ve done your research on eyelash growth serums, perhaps you’ve heard of prostaglandins, a class of ingredients that are proven to stimulate lash growth. “Prostaglandins are naturally occurring substances in the body that play a role in a variety of physiological processes, including inflammation, blood clotting, and the regulation of hormones,” says Dr. Henry. “One type of prostaglandin, known as prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), has been found to promote eyelash growth. It works by increasing the length of the anagen (growth) phase of the eyelash hair cycle, which results in longer and thicker lashes.”
While this class of ingredients does help with lash growth, they’re sometimes associated with side effects, like darkening and thinning of the surrounding skin and loss of fat in the eye area. If you’re concerned about these side effects, or you do experience them, it’s best to consult with a doctor who can advise you on next steps.
Can you use lash growth serums with eyelash extensions?

According to Imani, you can pair lash growth serums with eyelash extensions. She recommends opting for a formula that focuses on lash health to strengthen your natural lashes throughout the life of your extensions.
How do lash growth serums work?

Lash growth serums work by essentially stimulating your eye lash hair follicles and keeping them in the anagen phase (the active/growth stage of the hair-growth cycle). Formulas usually contain nourishing and strengthening ingredients, like biotin, peptides, and amino acids as well.

You'll also find lash growth serums formulated with prostaglandins. Though the mechanism isn't very well understood, this class of ingredients appears to have a hormone-like response that tricks the normal hair-growth cycle, effectively stopping the resting phase and stimulating growth wherever it's applied.
How long do lash growth serums take to work?

On average, it'll take anywhere from three weeks to two months for a lash growth serum to start working. It may technically start working sooner, but the growth will likely be too small to see with the naked eye until a bit later.

Formulas often contain about a three-month supply, and you should start seeing results by the time you finish the tube. But bear in mind this isn't a once-in-a-while treatment, like a hair mask. You'll definitely have to use the product every day (potentially twice a day), as directed, to achieve the desired results.
How do you apply lash growth serum?

Start by gently cleansing your eye area, removing all makeup, sunscreen, and other skincare residues. Gently pat your skin dry, and make sure it's entirely dry before beginning. Using the applicator wand, carefully glide the brush along your upper lash line to apply a thin layer of serum—almost like applying liquid eyeliner. Repeat the process on the lower lash line, and wait for the serum to dry completely before applying anything else.

Carefully following the directions is crucial when using a lash growth serum. Some formulas are meant to be used daily, while others might call for twice-daily use.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Additional input was provided by our product tester as well as lash and brow expert, Jas Imani, whose top-rated, New York-based studio draws celebrity clientele. All lash growth serums considered for this roundup are top-rated and contain clinically studied ingredients that actively condition and fortify lash hair. We also considered any potential irritation and how long serums take to deliver visible results.

The 12 Best Mascaras of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Updated by Jill Di Donato

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

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