The best eyelash serums can make your lashes grow so lush and full that you won't need or falsies. These eyelash serums help them grow longer than they typically would before shedding during the natural growth cycle, says , a board-certified ophthalmologist in Oakland, New Jersey. Others work by hydrating and conditioning lashes, or fortifying their structure.
Either way, experts say they really do work—as long as your patient and consistent with application. To help you narrow in on the formulas that really deliver those Hollywood lashes, we put more than a dozen of the most popular, dermatologist-recommended formulations to the test. Our team of editors dutifully swiped them on each day, taking notes on ease of use and overall efficacy.
We saw incredible results with Latisse, the only FDA-approved treatment for lash enhancement, but were similarly impressed with how thick, full, and darker a number of other over-the-counter options like RevitaLash made our reviewers' natural lashes. What is the most effective eyelash growth serum? Derms tell Latisse is technically the only real lash enhancer. “Bimatoprost, a prescription-strength prostaglandin found in Latisse, targets the hair follicles, effectively starting at the source of lash health—which is why it makes for the best lash serums,” says , a board-certified dermatologist.
It does have its downside, though. Prescription-strength prostaglandins carry the risk of some side effects, like discoloration of the skin and iris. Plus, this key ingredient means those who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn't use the beauty product.
More readily available OTC lash serums contain less potent ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol (a.k.a.
vitamin B5) or amino acids like arginine to boost keratin and . While they do work, they take longer (a few months as opposed to a couple of weeks) to work their magic and may not yield as dramatic results, says Dr. Palm.
“As we age, our lashes undergo a decrease in density and fullness,” says , a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego. And “mascara, eye-makeup removers, glue from eyelash extensions, and eyelash curlers can cause damage,” says , a board-certified ophthalmologist in Oakland, New Jersey. But besides all that, brittle lashes and hair loss is actually quite common.
Are lash growth serums safe? Both dermatologists and ophthalmologists alike say , though eye and/or skin irritation are always possible—particularly if you're using a more potent serum like Latisse, which can cause discoloration of the skin and iris. To avoid this, it's important to apply any serum properly and carefully. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should refrain from using Latisse as well, since —the product's main ingredient—is not considered safe for these individuals.
Ro The big advantage for Latisse, the only FDA-approved treatment for fuller or thicker lashes, is that the results are proven. “It has side effects, but if you lost lashes due to hormonal changes, chemotherapy, or want to use it temporarily, you will see a good effect,” says says , MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and founder of the eye care brand . The only drawback is that you have to see a health care provider for a prescription (which you can do virtually on a platform like Ro).
Our testers had overwhelmingly positive things to say about Latisse. “I have very light hair, and my eyelashes and eyebrows were basically nonexistent,” one tester told us. “It works pretty much immediately and only gets better with time.
By six months I was constantly getting compliments on how long and lush my lashes were. I don't think I'll ever go back to the before days.” Amazon Nordstrom Revitalash Formulated to accommodate sensitive eyes, this product was actually developed by a physician for his wife when she was undergoing cancer treatment.
It has a peptide complex to strengthen and soften the lashes, and is the only formula on the shelf to also give lashes a built-in curl—allowing you to lay off the curler and keep lashes that much healthier. The product also happens to be the “swears” by. Testers say they understand why.
“My eyelashes were never what you’d call stubby, but I decided to try Revitalash on a whim for a little extra and was very pleasantly surprised,” says contributor . “After about a month my eyelashes are much longer, seem to fall out less frequently, and have an impact even when I’m not wearing any makeup. When I do choose to put on mascara, I can go easy on the application and look polished with just a few swipes.
”.
