Seventeen posted "14 Eyelash Serums That Actually Help Lashes Grow" in which Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Patel, explains that, while protaglandin (PGA) serums more quickly enhance lashes than products that don't contain the lipids, we should soundly avoid products with essential oils or edible ingredients. Otherwise, we risk irritation and infection.
Consider these an assist in your quest for wispy lashes.
Lengthening mascaras and magnetic eyelashes help achieve the lash looks of your dreams, but the results are temporary. Lash extensions applied by a professional also only last a few weeks, and falsies can be tough to apply. Eyelash serums, on the other hand, help your lashes grow over time for consistently longer and stronger lashes. Infused with growth-enhancing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and castor oil, eyelash serums work to improve the condition and length of eyelashes. Even better? Some of the best eyelash serums are available at the drugstore, without a prescription. There are so many options with impressive formulas that claim to give you crazy long, thick lashes, but are they too good to be true?
Yes, eyelashes serums do work, but it all depends on what your eyelashes need. Prostaglandin serums, like FDA-approved Latisse (which does require a prescription), promote lash growth, while non-PGA serums nourish, hydrate, and improve the condition of lashes. The best eyelash serums can be used on sensitive skin and are enriched with ingredients like "vitamins, collagen, and peptides to condition, strengthen, and promote growth," according to Hilary Clark, licensed esthetician, founder, and president of holistic skincare brand Beauty HAC.
Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and Visha skincare founder, suggests that PGA serums can garner results in up to four weeks, while non-PGA serums can see results in 8 to 12 weeks. While eyelash serums improve the appearance and length of lashes, they can irritate sensitive skin, cause contact dermatitis, and increase the likelihood of eye infections. Eyelash serums can also cause contact dermatitis if they contain essential oils, Dr. Purvisha Patel explains. She also advises users to steer clear of serums with edible ingredients like coconut and olive oil as they can grow bacteria that can lead to eye infections and sites. As with any skincare, it's important to do a trial run to ensure the products you love work well with your body chemistry. Irritations can make an appearance when exploring new products, so be sure to patch test to see how eyelash serums react on your skin.
Ready to get the lashes of your dreams? Here are the best eyelash serums.
Our Top Picks
1 Most Affordable
Healthy Lashes Lash Enhancer Serum
Neutrogena
2 Best Drugstore Option
Lash Sensational Boosting Eyelash Serum
Maybelline
3 Most Hydrating
Hydra-Strength Conditioning Lash Treatment
Equate
4 Best Applicator
Full Lash Serum
Shiseido
5 Derm and Expert-Approved
Eyelash Enhancing Serum
RapidLash
1 Most Affordable
Healthy Lashes Lash Enhancer Serum
Neutrogena
Pros
- Can also be used on sparse eyebrows
- Keeps lashes full and thick
Cons
- Results are not seen immediately
Use this drugstore staple twice daily for the ultimate lash boost. Biotin and peptides hydrate, condition, and improve the appearance of lashes.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, Peptides
Size: 0.08 ounce
Customer Review: "I've tried a few, and this one is the best. It takes a while, and if you stop using it, it stops working. But I don't have to wear mascara anymore, and the missing part of my eyebrow is back. You have to give it at least three months before you really notice a difference."
2 Best Drugstore Option
Lash Sensational Boosting Eyelash Serum
Maybelline
Pros
- Hydrates lashes
- Can be applied directly on to the eyelash
Cons
- Customer reviews express concerns about applicator
Eyelash shedding can be frustrating. Maybelline's Lash Sensational Boosting Eyelash Serum conditions and revitalizes lashes, protecting against fallout.
Key Ingredients: Pro-Vitamin B5, Glycerin, Arginine
Size: 0.18
Customer Review: "I have been using this for about 4 months and I have seen results. I have never really had a problem with my eyelashes falling of course one or two normal but nothing exaggerating. This serum has made my eyelashes fuller and longer. I enjoy using it easy to apply twice a day."
3 Most Hydrating
Hydra-Strength Conditioning Lash Treatment
Equate
Pros
- Strengthens lashes
Cons
- Hard to find in-store
Eyelashes undergo tons of wear and tear with very little notice. Constantly wiping your eyes, and pulling strands out with old, clumpy mascaras can result in dry, brittle lashes. Equate's Hydra-Strength Conditioning Lash Treatment nourishes and revives lashes.
Key Ingredients: Peptide complex
Size: 0.13 ounce
Customer Review: "I found this during my holiday shopping and could not believe how well this stuff works! I put it on in the morning and evening. My lashes not only grew longer, but they became fuller too. [I] went back to the store and could not find it. I did find it online. Walmart, please keep this in stock. I ordered two more just in case."
4 Best Applicator
Full Lash Serum
Shiseido
Pros
- User-friendly applicator
- Absorbant
Cons
- Customer reviews note stinging if it gets in the eyes
With 150 years under its belt, it's safe to say that Shiseido knows a thing or two about beauty. This serum uses the antioxidant arginine to help protect and repair damaged lashes.
Key Ingredients: Arginine
Size: 0.21 ounces
Customer Review: "My new obsession! I swear this has made my lashes healthier and more visible without mascara! I love it"
5 Derm and Expert-Approved
Eyelash Enhancing Serum
RapidLash
Pros
- Encourages lash growth
- Safe for contact users
Cons
- Some customer reviews note breakage after extended use
This gem comes highly recommended by not one but two of our experts. Dr. Patel and Clark suggest this PGA-derived product because it conditions and encourages growth.
Key Ingredients: Polypeptide, Biotin, Panthenol, Amino Acids, Soybean Oil, Pumpkin Seed Extract
Size: 0.1 ounce
Customer Review: "It's taken a while to see results but I'm thrilled with the fact this stuff has worked so well!!! I no longer wear strip lashes. Make sure to apply to the base of the lashes!!!"
6 Derm-Approved
Ultimate Eyelash Growth Serum
Talika
Pros
- Enhances curl
Cons
- Customer reviews noted eye irritation after application
This serum helps fill in sparse spots for a denser, longer, and stronger lash appearance. Clark suggests this plant-derived serum because it encourages growth and enhances lash curl and color.
Key Ingredients: Silk Proteins, Coleus Forskohliii
Size: 0.33 ounces
Customer Review: "I only noticed a small effect, if any. But mascara goes on nicely over this stuff. Not going to get Latisse lashes, that's for sure."
7 Editor's Pick
Lash Enhancing Serum
GrandeLASH - MD
Pros
- A little goes a long way, so this product is longlasting
Cons
- Product stings if it gets into eyes
Frequent use of falsies and lash extensions can wreak havoc on natural lashes. This serum helps restore and revive brittle, dehydrated lashes.
Key Ingredients: L-Proline, Hyaluronic Acid, Botanical Extract Blend, Glycosaminoglycans
Size: 0.7 ounce
Customer Review: "This product has grown out my eyelashes a lot and my sister even asked if I was wearing mascara when I wasn’t. Sometimes the liquid gets in my eyes in stings though so one quick swipe on the lash line is all that you need."
8 Best Two-in-One
Advanced Génifique Light-Pearl Eye Concentrate
Lancôme
Pros
- Allergy-tested
- Cooling and flexible applicator
Cons
- Sticky formula
We stan a multipurpose product. This brightening serum works double-time to improve dark circles and strengthen lashes.
Key Ingredients: Bifidus Prebiotic 10%, Caffeine, Vitamin E
Size: 0.67 ounce
Customer Reviews: "I bought this because it said [it] reduces puffy eyes, I have used it 2x a day for almost two months. The only thing I've noticed is it has made my eyelashes longer."
9 Expert-Approved
PhytoMedic Eyelash Enhancer
LashFood
Clark suggests this clean serum because it's enriched with antioxidants and fatty acids to help nourish and support hair strength.
Key Ingredients: Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Juice, Phyto-Medica Complex, Soy Protein, Arginine, Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Size: 0.1 ounce
Customer Review: "My eyelashes are definitely a little longer after using it for about a month. It doesn't have as obvious results as the medical-grade options but I like the clean ingredients and it helps a little."
10 Derm and Expert-Approved
GRO Volumizing Lash Serum
Vegamour
Pros
- Very hydrating
Cons
- Customer reviews note difficult applicator
Enriched with a plant-based formula, this vegan serum comes highly recommended by both Dr. Patel and Clark, and it strengthens the cells that make up the eyelash hair follicle to promote longer, thicker hairs.
Key Ingredients: Red Clover, Mung Bean, Amino Acid Peptide
Size: 0.1 ounce
Customer Review: "So, this is the third eye-lash serum I’ve tried and the most expensive one. It did work, even tho I forgot to use it daily. My lashes are longer! But - the other two serums were cheaper and worked just the same. For the price point I’m giving 4 starts. It’s nicely packed and all that, but I got the same lashes using twice less expensive and also neat looking product."
11 Lashes to Die For Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer
Peter Thomas Roth
Pros
- Works on lashes and brows
- Makes lashes appear fuller
- Small size
Cons
- Customer reviews note recent change in applicator and impact it had on application
This lightweight serum improves the appearance of natural lash length and fullness while hydrating and softening lashes.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, Peptide Complex 11%, Tahitian Plankton Extract
Size: 0.16 ounce
Customer Review: "Works great. Really lengthens and thickens lashes, BUT the vial is so small--it lasts for about 2 weeks."
12 Lash Enhancing Serum
neuLash
Pros
- No scent
- Longlasting
Cons
- A customer review noted uneven eyelash growth
Eyelash thinning is a common occurrence. This serum works specifically to nourish and strengthen weakened lashes for softer, thicker lashes.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, Pumpkin Seed Extract, Polypeptide-23
Size: 0.11 ounces
Customer Review: "My lashes are looking way longer and fuller. It takes a little bit of time, and you have to be consistent with application."
13 RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
RevitaLash
Pros
- Layers well with mascara
Cons
- Customer reviews notes that while this serum promotes length it doesn't increase thickness
This hypoallergenic, non-irritating nourishing lash conditioner protects from brittleness and breakage.
Key Ingredients: BioPeptin Complex, Peptides, Botanicals
Size: 0.067 ounce
Customer Review: "So far, so good. Very easy to apply. The applicator is thin so it goes on smooth. Have only been using a few weeks so not seeing but minimal improvement at this point."
14 FDA-Approved
Latiss
Pros
- Clinically proven to grow eyelashes
Coms
- Skin darkening
Latisse is the only FDA-approved eyelash serum that is clinically proven to promote lash growth. When deciding whether to use PGA formula eyelash serums, like Latisse, Dr. Patel suggests analyzing the risks because "serums that contain PGAs include possible discoloration of the skin and iris color as well as fat atrophy that can contribute to a sunken under eye look."