MarthaStewart.com posted "These Expert-Approved Eyelash Growth Serums Will Help You Naturally Achieve Your Fullest, Longest Lashes?" and features Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Purvisha Patel's expert commentary on eyelash serums, including information on applying on dry lashes at night.
Forego eyelash extensions and use on of these powerhouse products instead.
When searching for a product that will produce the lashes you've always wanted—thick, dark, and curled to perfection—there's one powerhouse item that might be the answer: eyelash growth serum. Aptly named, eyelash growth serums help promote healthy lash growth. "A good eyelash serum should assist in improving the condition of your natural lashes with minimal risk of irritation," Veronica Tran, founder and master stylist of Pretty in The City Lash & Brow Bar, says. She further explains that there are two different types of eyelash serums: a conditioning product and a growth stimulator. The conditioning ones act like a hair conditioner to protect lashes from further damage thanks to nourishing and hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. The ones that stimulate growth will contain active ingredients to help extend the cycle of an eyelash, such as prostaglandin and peptides.
"Prostaglandin serums are very effective in seeing new growth of eyelashes," Tran says, but notes that it's important to remember using these come with a higher risk of adverse reactions like irritation and hyperpigmentation. "Peptide-based growth serums work by nourishing the follicle. It is also effective in promoting growth and comes with less risk of adverse reactions than prostaglandin-based serums," she explains.
In general, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare Dr. Puvisha Patel says to apply an eyelash serum after you cleanse your face. It should be put on dry lashes and at night so it can work while you sleep. Most people can use these serums, though Dr. Patel advises those with skin allergies or sensitive skin to avoid them as they may cause irritation. With all this in mind, Tran, Dr. Patel, and board-certified dermatologist at the Shafer Clinic Dr. Dendy Engelman shared their recommendations for the best eyelash growth serums on the market, to ensure your lashes look their best, without adding any discomfort or irritation.
Latisse
Dr. Patel says that Latisse is the only FDA-approved prescription treatment for lash growth. "The active ingredient is a prostaglandin called bimatoprost, [which] lengthens the growth cycle of eyelashes leading to longer, darker, and fuller lashes," she explains. It requires an eye exam before use and she does warn that it may create post-inflammatory hypergimentation on the lash line (though it is rare), so ask your primary care physician or dermatologist if this is a good option for you.
Blink Brow Bar
"I like Blink Brow Bar London Lash Oil because it includes a host of ingredients which promote regrowth," says Dr. Engelman. "[Ingredients include] castor oil to nourish, jojoba oil to strengthen, apricot kernel oil to condition, bamboo to promote shine, and—most importantly—rosemary to stimulate growth."
Lashfood
Tran touts Lashfood's natural ingredients, such as anti-inflammatory lavender water and soy protein, which strengthens and conditions lashes.
Grande Cosmetics
Dr. Patel says this is one of her favorite lash serums, and it's one she personally uses. It's made with a blend of vitamins, peptides, and amino acids to help strengthen and elongate short and brittle lashes.
Peter Thomas
"I like [this] because it uses peptides to improve lash density and length," says Dr. Engelman. "It has been proven to improve at all stages of the hair growth cycle. It doesn't have parabens, sulfates, or phthalates which will limit the risk of any irritation."
EyEnvy
Another pick for Tran is EyEnvy. "We've been carrying EyEnvy for many years now," she says. "It is a very effective peptide-based serum that helps grow eyelashes."
RevitaLash
Another one of Dr. Patel's picks, this eyelash growth serum peptides, botanicals, and a BioPeptin complex to hydrate lashes and encourage hair growth. "I have personally used all of these brands and find them to be a great alternative to the gold standard [of] Latisse," she says.
Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals
"Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Eyelash Serum is pure castor oil," says Dr. Engelman. "Full of vitamin E and fatty acids to nourish lash hair."
RapidLash
Dr. Patel says the biotin in this serum is what makes it a standout. "Biotin is a B vitamin and helps lashes grow longer and thicker and stimulates the growth of additional eyelash follicles," she explains. It also contains ingredients like soybean oil, pumpkin seed extract, and amino acids to condition and add extra shine.
Hydroppeptide
"It uses peptides to improve lash density and length," says Dr. Engelman of this top serum. "Peptides help to nourish and repair damage to hair protein, which strengthen lash hair, improving shine and elasticity."
Vegamor
Dr. Patel lists this lash serum as one that rivals Latisse in terms of effectiveness. It's one hundred percent vegan and cruelty-free and plant-based, with ingredients like CBD, red clover, and mung bean to help lashes grow longer and healthier.