Who doesn’t want longer, fuller lashes without piling on mascara or booking extensions every few weeks? The best eyelash growth serum can help boost length and thickness naturally by nourishing fragile lashes with ingredients like peptides and proteins that help prevent breakage and support healthy growth.
To find the options that actually work, we consulted experts for advice on brands they love and use themselves. Then, we tested out 30 options for one month to find the best, fastest-working eyelash growth serums on the market. The ones on our list are doctor-approved and safely nourish lashes in what seems like no time.
Credit: Amazon
Why We Like It
-
Dermatologist-recommended
-
Eyelashes noticeably grew
-
Dries instantly
-
Does not contain parabens, phthalates, fragrance, or gluten
Size: 0.67 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Latanoprost | Results: 6 weeks
The RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is a big hit in the lash serum world, and for good reason — Shape’s tests prove that it works. After a month of use, testers said their eyelashes grew in length — one even had friends ask if they had gotten a lash lift. Editors like that it’s super simple to use: The fine brush tip doesn’t deposit too much product or drop into the eyes and dries almost instantly.
“Revitalash is an over-the-counter favorite eyelash growth serum boasting significant improvements in growth,” says Blair Murphy Rose, M.D. The board-certified dermatologist in NYC recommends this serum to her patients “because there is less prostaglandin compared to Latisse [a prescription lash serum]. Revitalash has a reduced chance of side effects.” Michelle Henry, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, agrees: “This serum is infused with helpful peptides that protect the lashes from breakage while also delivering shine.”
-
The RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner has a fine brush tip and improves growth.
Credit: Shape -
RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is dermatologist-recommended and dries instantly.
Credit: Shape
Credit: Sephora
Size: 0.16 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Panthenol, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl tetrapeptide-3 | Results: 4 weeks
This eyelash growth serum is popular for its affordable, prostaglandin-free formula that doesn’t irritate sensitive eyes and contains ingredients like panthenol, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl tetrapeptide-3, and Trifolium pratense flower extract to help increase density and thickness in your lashes and brows. While it’s frustrating to apply this twice a day rather than once, testers loved how quickly it dried down — it won’t ruin any speedy morning routines before work. Results can be visible in as little as four weeks.
Credit: Ulta
Why We Like It
-
TikTok sensation
-
Makes lashes thicker
-
Results in 4-6 weeks
It’s Worth Noting
-
May cause irritation
-
Takes 2-3 minutes to dry
Size: 0.07 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Panthenol | Results: 4 weeks
The Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum is one of the most popular and well-known eyelash growth serums on the market, and after testing, we can see why it’s a consumer favorite. Testers noted that after a month, their lashes were thicker and less prone to breaking or falling out. Just be sure that if you use this product, you’re using it daily to achieve those length and strength improvements within four weeks.
While this pick is a fan favorite among many lash serum stans, it’s important to note that some folks have reported irritation from this product — it might sting your eyes and potentially can make the lash line appear red and inflamed. Because of this, it’s important to patch-test this pick before applying it to your lashes.
-
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum makes lashes thicker in a month.
Credit: Shape -
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum helps strengthen lashes and prevent breakage.
Credit: Shape
Credit: Amazon
Size: 0.10 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Patented phyto-medic complex | Results: 4 weeks
If you’re worried about potential eye irritation, consider Lashfood Phyto-Medic Natural Eyelash Enhancer. Shape testers experienced zero sensitivity during testing, which may be due to this product’s more natural, clean formulation than others. It’s even considered the world’s first and only Ecocert natural eyelash enhancer since it has 99 percent natural and organic ingredients.
This is another serum Dr. Henry recommends to her patients. “The Lashfood eyelash growth serum is a popular product on the market today — the serum is infused with arginine, an amino acid that promotes hair growth at the root,” she says. “The Lashfood serum is also gentle on sensitive skin and is cruelty-free and vegan.” However, because this pick doesn’t contain prostaglandin, you might not see results as quickly as with other lash serums on the market.
Credit: Sephora
Size: 0.10 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Mung bean, red clover | Results: 4-8 weeks
Vegamour’s GRO Lash Serum contains mung bean and red clover to create a healthy environment for your lashes to grow naturally. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and less likely to irritate after application — it’s also a great way to boost the look of a clean mascara.
This formula is vegan and relatively natural, so you probably won’t see results with a wow factor super fast. Shape testers saw the most growth on the inner half of the eye. Those lashes had the beginning stages of more growth at the end of a one-month test. That being said, this is the best option for you if you prefer a gentle lash serum on delicate eye skin that’s free from ingredients known to cause occasional side effects.
Credit: Amazon
Size: 0.33 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Castor oil | Results: 90 days
Castor oil has been a widely used natural ingredient to promote hair growth and is one of the star ingredients in this pick. In fact, this Twenty/Twenty Beauty serum contains only three all-natural ingredients: castor oil, coconut oil, and argan oil. If you’re worried about using a lash serum with prostaglandins, this is an excellent option. This lash serum will help hydrate and condition lashes, but frankly, it won’t promote rapid growth like others mentioned. On the plus side, it won’t cause irritation, redness, or eye discoloration, and it can be used on both lashes and brows.
Credit: Amazon
Size: 0.24 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Pumpkin seed extract, panthenol, biotin | Results: 4 weeks
Aging comes with many fun bodily changes, including sparser lashes. This pick from Better Not Younger was developed for folks experiencing hair loss as they age (but is also safe and effective for use on those not yet experiencing hair loss due to aging).
“Rich in growth-promoting vitamins and peptides, Better Not Younger’s Superpower Lash Enhancing Serum has been shown to thicken and lengthen lashes,” says Dr. Rose, who recommends this serum to patients. “It combines pumpkin seed extract, biotin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid with a peptide complex to strengthen follicles, supporting healthier-looking lashes.” Biotin supplements have long been taken to promote better skin and strong hair and nails, so its inclusion here is to be expected.
Credit: Sephora
Size: 0.15 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, biotin | Results: 4 weeks
This lash serum contains two patented technologies from Olaplex, making it a powerhouse product in this category. The first is the Olaplex Peptide Complex Technology, a blend of peptides that helps support your lashes during the growth cycle. The other, the Olaplex Bond Building Technology, creates a better environment for your lashes to grow in. This formula also contains biotin and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the eyelashes and make them appear less brittle.
Editors like that this doesn’t contain prostaglandins and doesn’t seem to irritate lashes, either. While it may take a bit for you to start seeing results, the patience is worth it. Though it costs $68 per tube, the serum will last about three months if applied daily.
Credit: Sephora
Size: 0.3 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, biotin, red winter algae | Results: 90 days
This splurge from Augustinus Bader is loaded with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, biotin, and castor oil. You’ll also find unexpected ingredients like roselle and safflower extracts (to increase circulation and encourage hair growth) and red winter algae (to help prevent hair loss).
This formula is prostaglandin-free and can be used on the lashes and brows to promote growth. Editors also love the applicator, which features a brush wider and thicker than other lash serum applicators on this list, making the application process much easier and smoother. The high price tag is the biggest downside of this pick, but it’s 100% worth the investment if you want to allot more in your beauty budget for a quality product.
Credit: Ulta
Size: 0.1 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Peptides, biotin, panthenol | Results: 8 weeks
This serum works well for sensitive eyes and contains botanicals and biotin to support length and strength. Testers love the lightweight formula and the precision brush that helps apply it directly to the lashes without causing messes or drips in the eye. It’s also free of parabens and harsh scents.
Credit: Amazon
Size: 4 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Cold-pressed castor oil | Results: 90 days
If you’re worried about using a lash serum with prostaglandins, consider reaching for this natural castor oil. Editors like that this comes with a mascara-like brush and an eyeliner-like brush so that you can apply the castor oil directly to your lash line, eyelashes, and eyebrows. This formula features pure, cold-pressed castor oil that’s hexane-free and unrefined. Unfortunately, you won’t see as drastic of results on lash growth or length as you might with a prostaglandin-based lash serum.
Credit: Envious Lashes
Size: 0.27 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Natural botanicals | Results: N/A
Clementina Richardson, founder of Envious Lashes in NYC, created Envious Lashes Lash Conditioning Serum for her clients to help them maintain healthy lashes while wearing eyelash extensions. It contains a slew of natural, botanical ingredients to maintain strong, soft lashes. The applicator is shaped like a mascara wand and can be used while wearing lash extensions (or not). Just note: applying this to the root of lashes might be difficult because of this design.
What to Know About Eyelash Growth Serums
- Prostaglandin: Prostaglandin is a bit of a controversial ingredient due to its potential side effects of permanently darkening the irises and/or the skin around the eyes. “Prostaglandin-infused formulas have been noted to cause hyperpigmentation of the eyelids by stimulating melanin production,” says Dr. Henry. Latisse, infused with prostaglandin, is one of those products that should be used cautiously. “To minimize the risk, apply a very minimal amount of product at a time and apply as instructed to the lash line only,” says Dr. Rose.
- Hypersensitivity: The periorbital area (from the skin of the eyelid to the bony area that surrounds the eye) is particularly prone to hypersensitivity reactions. “If you notice symptoms (like skin rashes), discontinue use and consult a physician,” says Dr. Rose.
- Hydrating ingredients: The most important ingredients to look for in lash growth serums are peptides, such as myristoyl pentapeptide and myristoyl hexapeptide. “These protein peptides stop lash breakage and help repair hair damage,” says Dr. Henry. “Vitamin B5 and B7 strengthen hair roots, promote hair growth, and prevent premature hair loss.”
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do lash growth serums work?
Lash growth serums and conditioners work by stimulating the hair follicle to grow and keeping it in the growth phase of the hair cycle, also known as the anagen phase.
According to Dr. Rose, prostaglandins stimulate lash growth by a hormone-like mechanism that is not yet well understood. Latisse contains bimatoprost, which is a prescription-strength prostaglandin. “Over-the-counter prostaglandin-based serums contain a weaker prostaglandin, such as latanoprost, that also stimulates growth but may take longer to achieve the same results. The benefit to using a weaker prostaglandin-based serum is that the risk of side effects is also lower,” explains Dr. Rose.
-
How long do you need to use lash growth serums to see results?
Although lash growth results are very individual and subjective, noticeable results can be seen as soon as two weeks or 20 days on average. “Most people see a major difference after two or three months of daily use,” says Dr. Henry. “As the normal hair growth cycle is around six to eight weeks, lash growth serums halt the shedding phase and help increase the growth phase of the cycle.” Many lash growth serums need to be used daily to see the desired results.
-
Do I need an eyelash growth serum?
Ashley Hayden, MD, co-founder and ophthalmologist at GentleDrop, suggests growth serum as a solution only “if you don’t feel complete without mascara or false lashes.” However, Dr. Hayden notes that daily application and consistency are key to seeing results. “If you are consistent and patient, lash serums would be great for you.”
-
What are the disadvantages of using an eyelash growth serum?
Dr. Hayden notes a few negatives to using an eyelash growth serum, including redness, irritation, and even a darkening of the iris in brown eyes. “All that said, it’s probably easier on your eyelids than glue on lashes that can disrupt your tear film,” she says. Board-certified dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, M.D., F.A.A.D., suggests using a new eyelash growth serum two to three times a week and then increasing usage based on tolerance to mitigate any side effects.
-
Can you use lash growth serums with lash extensions?
According to Dr. Rose, you can use lash growth serums with lash extensions, but the increased rate of growth may require you to make more frequent visits to the lash salon.
-
Who shouldn’t use an eyelash growth serum?
“If you only occasionally need mascara and want overnight results, growth serums are not for you,” says Dr. Hayden. “Be sure to discuss with an eye care provider if you have any other eye problems before you start a new regimen,” she also mentions — Dr. Saedi stresses this as well, especially if you have sensitive eyes.
-
What are the natural ways to grow your eyelashes?
“The best way to have naturally full lashes is to live a healthy lifestyle.” says Dr. Hayden, which means incorporating “healthy fats like olive oil or avocados.” She also states green tea is a solid option for boosting lash growth, considering it contains epigallocatechin, a phenol that can stimulate hair growth. She also notes other natural growth remedies like castor oil and vitamin E.
Why Trust Shape
Daley Quinn is a journalist, content strategist, and beauty industry expert with over ten years of experience in the media industry. You can find more of her work on her website or read the latest from her beauty and lifestyle blog, The Daley Dose. Daley has tried her fair share of lash serums on the market and knows what’s worth buying and trying. Shape writer Maddie Barber updated this article in 2024 with additional expert insight.
The Shape team interviewed the following experts for this story:
- Michelle Henry, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetics Surgery of Manhattan
- Blair Murphy Rose, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in NYC
- Ashley Hayden, M.D., co-founder and ophthalmologist at GentleDrop
- Nazanin Saedi, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist
