Buying guide for Best eyelash growth serums
Written by Jennifer Manfrin
Updated October 2024
For long, lush lashes, skip the endless hunt for the best lengthening mascara and the hassle of applying false lashes. Eyelash growth serums stimulate the growth of your own lashes, so they grow longer and more voluminous on their own.
However, not all eyelash growth serums are created equal, which means you might pay a pretty penny and not see the results you want. With so many of these beauty enhancers available, how do you find the right eyelash growth serum for your lashes?
Our comprehensive buying guide offers all the information you need to find the eyelash growth serum for you.
In addition to strengthening your lashes to prevent breakage, conditioning eyelash growth serums make lashes glossier, instantly making them appear thicker.
Eyelash growth serums 101
How do eyelash growth serums work?
Eyelash growth serums work in one of two ways. They either stimulate hair growth at the lash line, or they condition and strengthen lashes, which makes lashes less likely to break or fall out.
Stimulating eyelash growth serums:Serums that stimulate hair growth work by extending the active growth stage of your lashes, so they grow longer than they normally would. Some of these eyelash growth serums include ingredients regulated by the FDA, such as hormones, so they require a prescription. Other formulas utilize a peptide blend that stimulates growth, and they don’t require a prescription.
Conditioning eyelash growth serums:Conditioning eyelash growth serums contain ingredients that moisturize and strengthen your lashes, so they’re less prone to breakage. They don’t actually affect lash growth, though, so they’re not clinically proven to grow your lashes.
"A single eyelash typically grows for four to eight months."
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What results can you expect from eyelash growth serums?
The results from an eyelash growth serum depend on the current state of your eyelashes and the type of serum you choose. A conditioning eyelash growth serum keeps dry, brittle lashes from breaking, so your lashes look longer and fuller.
However, if your lashes are in relatively good condition but are simply not as long as you’d like, a conditioning serum won’t do much. Instead, you’ll need a stimulating serum that extends the follicle growth cycle to see changes in the long-term growth of your lashes.
How long does it take for eyelash growth serums to work?
Eyelash growth serums require patience. Even the best formulas take several weeks to show significant results.
In general, you’ll see some improvement in the growth of your lashes in two to four weeks. More substantial results usually require two to three months.
Did you know?
Once an eyelash reaches its maximum growth, it takes about 100 days for it to fall out.
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What to look for when buying eyelash growth serums
Formula
The best formula for an eyelash growth serum depends on the current state of your lashes and your personal preference.
A conditioning growth serum won’t make your lashes grow, so it may not offer the dramatic results that you’re after. Instead, conditioning formulas moisturize and strengthen your existing lashes, so they’re less prone to breakage and falling out, which makes them appear longer.
Eyelash growth serums that stimulate follicle growth offer more dramatic results. However, they’re also more costly, may require a prescription, and have more serious potential side effects, such as discolored irises.
"Eyelash growth has three phases: the anagen, when lashes are actively growing; the catagen, when lashes reach their maximum growth and follicles become smaller; and the telogen, when lashes are at rest."
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Ingredients
FDA-approved eyelash growth serums that require a prescription contain active pharmaceutical ingredients that prolong the growth phase of your lashes.
When it comes to non-prescription serums that encourage lash growth, look for formulas that contain peptides, which are linked amino acids that form proteins. In particular, look for serums that contain copper peptides.
For conditioning eyelash growth serums, look for these key ingredients.
Biotin: a B vitamin that strengthens the proteins that make up your hair and lashes.
Castor oil: coats the lashes, adds a glossy sheen, and helps prevent breakage.
Honey: helps hair and lashes absorb more moisture.
Kelp: thickens lashes so they appear denser.
Nettle: strengthens lashes to prevent breakage.
Green tea: an antioxidant that nourishes and protects lashes from breakage.
Wheat proteins: strengthen lashes to prevent breakage.
"Biotin is the most common ingredient in over-the-counter eyelash growth serums."
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Applicator
Nearly all eyelash growth serums come in a tube with an applicator wand.
Many eyelash growth serums are applied right at the base of your eyelashes. These serums have a small eyeliner-style applicator, so you can smooth the serum right at the root of the lashes.
Look for a serum with a fine-tipped brush or felt tip to ensure that you don’t accidentally apply too much product, which can get in your eyes.
Other eyelash growth serums are applied to the entire length of the lashes. These serums have a spoolie applicator like a mascara, so you can evenly coat your lashes from root to tip.
"When applying an eyelash growth serum, start at the inner corner and work your way to the outer corner."
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Versatility
While an eyelash growth serum’s main purpose is to lengthen and thicken your lashes, some products do double duty for the most bang for your buck.
Many eyelash growth serums can be used on your eyebrows to thicken the hairs and fill any gaps. Other growth serums work as mascara primers. They moisturize your lashes, so your mascara goes on more smoothly.
There are some eyelash growth serums that even double as eyeliner. These serums have felt-tip applicators and are dark in color, so you can apply the serum on your lash line and line your eyes at the same time.
How much do eyelash growth serums cost?
Eyelash growth serums vary in price based on the formula and ingredients, but you can typically expect to spend between $5 and $125.
Inexpensive
For a conditioning eyelash growth serum that contains only a few ingredients, you’ll usually pay between $5 and $15.
Mid-range
For a conditioning eyelash growth serum that contains a blend of strengthening ingredients, you’ll usually pay between $20 and $80.
Expensive
For a stimulating eyelash growth serum, you’ll usually pay between $100 and $125.
For your safety
Before starting any eyelash growth serum, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor.
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Tips for using eyelash growth serums
Always make sure that your eye area is clean and free of makeup before applying an eyelash growth serum.
Avoid applying too much eyelash growth serum to your lashes because it may seep into your eyes and cause irritation. A single dip of the applicator into the serum should be enough for both eyes.
Don’t apply eyelash growth serum to your lower lash line. It’s much easier for the formula to transfer into your eye from the lower lashes.
It’s important to be patient when using an eyelash growth serum. It can take up to two months to see any results.
If you experience any irritation or other side effects from an eyelash growth serum, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor.
Always remove your contact lenses before applying an eyelash growth serum.
Apply eyelash growth serum just once a day unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer. You’ll usually see the best results if you use your serum at night.
FAQ
Q. Are eyelash growth serums safe?
A. Most eyelash growth serums contain mainly conditioning and strengthening ingredients, so they’re safe for use around the eyes. However, it’s a good idea to check that any formula you’re considering is ophthalmologist-tested because most serums aren’t subject to FDA approval. You may also want to consult your dermatologist or eye doctor before using an eyelash growth serum.
Q. What side effects can occur with eyelash growth serums?
A. Depending on how sensitive your eyes are, you can experience itchy eyes, watery eyes, redness, and darkened eyelids. If you use an FDA-approved formula that stimulates the hair follicles, the pigmentation of your iris can change as well.
Q. What’s the best way to track the results from an eyelash growth serum?
A. It can be difficult to tell how much your lashes have grown or thickened from week to week solely from looking in the mirror. When you start using an eyelash growth serum, take a close-up photo of your lashes, so you have a baseline. Take a new photo each week and compare to see if there’s been any growth.
