How do lash growth serums work?

Lash growth serums essentially stimulate your eyelash hair follicles and keep them in the anagen phase (the active stage of the hair growth cycle ). Formulas usually contain nourishing and strengthening ingredients, like biotin, peptides, and amino acids as well. You'll also find lash growth serums formulated with prostaglandins. Though the mechanism isn't very well understood, this class of ingredients has a hormone-like response that tricks the normal hair-growth cycle, effectively stopping the resting phase and stimulating growth wherever it's applied.

Are lash growth serums safe?

Though eyelash growth serums are generally considered to be safe, Henry shares that there are some potential risks and side effects to keep in mind. “Some people may experience irritation, redness, or itching around the eyes, especially if they have sensitive skin,” she explains. “In rare cases, eyelash growth serums can cause changes in the color of the iris or the skin around the eyes. It's also possible to experience eyelash breakage or brittleness if the serum is overused or applied incorrectly.” If you have sensitive skin or eyes, it’s wise to consult with your doctor before trying one out. Henry also stresses that in order to ensure you’re using a lash growth serum safely, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. She also says to avoid getting the serum in your eyes and be sure to wash your hands after application.

Can you use lash growth serums with eyelash extensions?

According to Imani, you can pair lash growth serums with eyelash extensions . She recommends opting for a formula that focuses on lash health to strengthen your natural lashes throughout the life of your extensions.

How long do lash growth serums take to work?

On average, it'll take anywhere from three weeks to two months for a lash growth serum to start working. It may technically begin working sooner, but the growth will likely be too small to see with the naked eye until a bit later. But bear in mind that this isn't a once-in-a-while treatment like a hair mask . You'll have to use the product every day (potentially twice a day), as directed, to achieve the desired results.

The 6 Best Lash Growth Serums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Collage of people applying lash growth serum with a brush — Byrdie / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

TL;DR

Our top pick for best eyelash growth serum is the Borboleta Lash Serum, as it's ophthalmologist- and clinically-tested, has a thin consistency and great ingredients, and it proved to noticeably improve lash length in our testing process. If you're looking for quick results, the RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum delivers on length, too.

A generous coat of your favorite mascara will work wonders for creating the appearance of longer, more voluminous eyelashes. But let’s be real—we’d all love some naturally full lashes. That’s where eyelash growth serums come into play. “Eyelash growth serums can help boost the length and fullness of your lashes,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, MD. “They typically contain special proprietary complexes that feature peptides, antioxidants, or prostaglandins—all ingredients that help promote hair growth.”

Unlike mascara, eyelash growth serums' potentially positive results take some time to see. So, we put 31 of the most popular and highly rated lash serums to the test for 10 weeks. We evaluated each one on its ease of use, absorption, sensitivity, and strengthening and lengthening capabilities. Ahead, find the six eyelash growth serums that performed the best.

What to Look for in a Lash Growth Serum

Peptides: Jas Imani, a New York City-based licensed esthetician, recommends looking for formulas that contain peptides, which are great for "fortifying lash hair and helping lashes grow stronger." Peptides are also helpful when it comes to nourishing lashes that are brittle and frail, so consider them a must if you’ve been too rough with mascara removal or wear waterproof formulas on the regular (Here are our tips for removing eye makeup gently!).
Biotin: You’re probably already familiar with biotin in supplement form, which is great for helping the hair and nails grow strong and healthy. Imani recommends looking for lash growth serums that also contain this powerful ingredient to help your lashes grow long and strong, too.
Conditioning formulas: To maintain long and healthy lashes, you’ll want to look for a formula that contains conditioning ingredients to keep them soft and prevent future breakage. Alternatively, if you love a formula that doesn’t contain conditioning ingredients, you can also purchase a separate lash conditioner to help maintain lash health.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Borboleta Lash Serum at Amazon ($65)

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Eyes:

Lancôme Lash Revitalizing Serum at Ulta ($49)

Jump to Review

Best Volumizing:

Grande Cosmetics Lash Enhancing Serum at Amazon ($68)

Jump to Review

Best for Quick Results:

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum at Ulta ($50)

Jump to Review

Best Dual-Purpose:

Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Eyelash Serum at Amazon ($35)

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner at Amazon ($100)

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Borboleta Lash Serum

PHOTO:

Borboleta

$65 at Amazon View on Borboleta.com

What We Like

Fast-absorbing formula
Thin, non-sticky consistency
Works beautifully for lengthening the lashes
Non-sensitizing

What to Consider

Doesn’t do much for thickening the lashes

Highlighted Ingredients: Biotin, peptides, keratin, plant-based stem cells | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Powered by a blend of biotin, peptides, keratin, and plant-based stem cells, this cruelty-free, ophthalmologist-tested, and clinically tested lash growth serum seriously impressed us. With just one swipe of the small brush across the lash line, we were able to apply the serum quickly and easily. The thin consistency dried down within seconds, and it didn’t leave a heavy or sticky residue on our skin or between our lashes.

While we didn’t notice a difference in the density or thickness of lashes, we were blown away by how well this serum worked at lengthening them. After consistently using the serum throughout our 10-week test, we noticed a significant improvement in the length of our eyelashes. The difference was so noticeable that a coworker (who had no idea we were testing a lash serum) complimented our eyelashes, a welcomed first for us. If length is what you hope to improve, we highly recommend this formula.

Closed eye of a person before and after using Borboleta Lash Serum — Byrdie / Ashleigh Morley

Best for Sensitive Eyes

Lancôme Lash Revitalizing Serum

Lancôme Cils Booster Lash Revitalizing Serum

PHOTO:

Nordstrom

$49 at Ulta $49 at Nordstrom View on Lancome-usa.com

What We Like

Non-irritating on the skin or eyes
Makes the lashes feel stronger
Helps minimize lash loss
Provides minor lengthening benefits

What to Consider

Could be more effective for promoting lash density

Highlighted Ingredients: Amino acids | Cruelty-Free: No

If you have sensitive skin or sensitive eyes, you may hesitate to use a lash serum. However, there are options that may work for you without causing irritation, such as this one, which did not irritate our tester's eczema-prone eyelids. Another plus: The formula has been ophthalmologist tested and utilizes the power of amino acids to help fortify lashes that have been damaged by consistent makeup wearing. What's more, the brand claims that this formula minimizes the amount of lashes that fall out during the makeup removal process.

Before and After using Lancome Cils Booster Lash Revitalizing Serum — Byrdie / Cindy Mathieu

Best Volumizing

Grande Cosmetics Lash Enhancing Serum

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum

PHOTO:

Ulta

$68 at Amazon $36 at Sephora $68 at Ulta

What We Like

Fast-absorbing formula
Thickens eyelashes and eyebrows
Small brush is easy to use and evenly distributes the serum

What to Consider

Doesn’t do much in terms of lengthening
Can be sensitizing on the eyes

Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acid | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Chances are, you’ve either seen ads for the ultra-popular Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash-MD growth serum or you know someone who’s tried it. We are seriously impressed by how well it thickens lashes and brows. Our hairs appeared fuller, felt stronger, and were noticeably more resistant to breakage. In terms of the application, the fine brush applicator makes for a mess-free, targeted distribution without having to constantly re-dip into the tube. Do note that if you get the formula into your eyes, you might experience significant eye sensitivity. So, while we highly recommend this for people who are looking to thicken their lashes, we suggest taking your time to apply it very carefully.

Before and after using Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum — Byrdie / Elena Garcia

Best for Quick Results

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum

PHOTO:

Ulta

$50 at Ulta $50 at Dermstore $50 at Target

What We Like

Fast-absorbing serum
Non-sensitizing
Helps to significantly lengthen the lashes
Relatively affordable considering the quick, positive results

What to Consider

Doesn't do as much for thickening as it does for lengthening

Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, biotin, amino acids | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Eyelash growth serums require a consistent application and a whole lot of patience before you notice results; that’s just the nature of these products. But, with this pick, we noticed an immediate thickening and lengthening within a few weeks as lashes went from short and stubby to longer and more uniform. We also loved that the brush picks up just the right amount of the formula, and once applied, it absorbs within a matter of seconds without causing any irritation. Though it’s not a budget option by any means, this one is relatively easy to find, making it a great option for those hoping to lengthen their lashes ASAP.

Best Dual-Purpose

Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Eyelash Serum

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes

PHOTO:

Amazon

$35 at Amazon $35 at Dermstore $35 at Vichyusa.com

What We Like

Multiuse formula doubles as an anti-wrinkle serum
Comfortable, lightweight formula
Helps to strengthen the lashes

What to Consider

Doesn’t work to lengthen the lashes
Pump applicator dispenses a bit too much product

Highlighted Ingredients: Rhamnose, hyaluronic acid, Vichy volcanic water | Cruelty-Free: No

This serum combines your eye cream and eyelash serum application into one easy step, making it an excellent option for those who like to keep their beauty routines quick and easy. The formula doubles as an anti-wrinkle serum for the delicate skin in the eye area, as well as a lash fortifying and conditioning serum. You simply pump out some product onto your fingertip and apply it to the eye area, making sure to sweep a bit of it across your lash lines and gently coat your eyelashes. Although the pump applicator might be hard to control (it can dispense too much product), the results make using the serum well worth the inconvenience. After the full ten-week testing period, we saw a real improvement in the strength and fullness of our lashes. We also love that the formula helps reduce the number of lashes that fall out during makeup removal.

Before and After using Vichy LiftActiv Eyelash Growth Serum — Byrdie / Emma Phelps

Best Splurge

RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner

PHOTO:

Amazon

$100 at Amazon $100 at Dermstore $59 at Nordstrom

What We Like

Fast-absorbing formula
Helps strengthen lashes
Significantly improves the length of the lashes

What to Consider

Doesn’t help to increase lash density

Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, biotin, amino acids, vitamin B | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s no denying that this lash growth serum is expensive, but the results are very noticeable, so we can justify the price tag. Formulated with a blend of peptides, biotin, amino acids, and vitamins, the formula works to strengthen the lashes, protect against breakage, and significantly lengthen the eyelashes. We noticed eyelashes feeling stronger and more resistant to breakage throughout the testing period, but the dramatic improvement in the length of lashes is what really stood out. Between how well it works for lengthening and strengthening, how easy it is to apply, and how comfortable it is, this one has our stamp of approval.

FAQ

How do lash growth serums work?

Lash growth serums essentially stimulate your eyelash hair follicles and keep them in the anagen phase (the active stage of the hair growth cycle). Formulas usually contain nourishing and strengthening ingredients, like biotin, peptides, and amino acids as well.
You'll also find lash growth serums formulated with prostaglandins. Though the mechanism isn't very well understood, this class of ingredients has a hormone-like response that tricks the normal hair-growth cycle, effectively stopping the resting phase and stimulating growth wherever it's applied.
Are lash growth serums safe?

Though eyelash growth serums are generally considered to be safe, Henry shares that there are some potential risks and side effects to keep in mind. “Some people may experience irritation, redness, or itching around the eyes, especially if they have sensitive skin,” she explains. “In rare cases, eyelash growth serums can cause changes in the color of the iris or the skin around the eyes. It's also possible to experience eyelash breakage or brittleness if the serum is overused or applied incorrectly.”
If you have sensitive skin or eyes, it’s wise to consult with your doctor before trying one out. Henry also stresses that in order to ensure you’re using a lash growth serum safely, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. She also says to avoid getting the serum in your eyes and be sure to wash your hands after application.
Can you use lash growth serums with eyelash extensions?

According to Imani, you can pair lash growth serums with eyelash extensions. She recommends opting for a formula that focuses on lash health to strengthen your natural lashes throughout the life of your extensions.
How long do lash growth serums take to work?

On average, it'll take anywhere from three weeks to two months for a lash growth serum to start working. It may technically begin working sooner, but the growth will likely be too small to see with the naked eye until a bit later.
But bear in mind that this isn't a once-in-a-while treatment like a hair mask. You'll have to use the product every day (potentially twice a day), as directed, to achieve the desired results.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie, where she covers beauty and style. She gathered insights and testimonials from our experienced team of editors and in-house lab testers to curate this list of eyelash growth serums.

We spoke to two experts to get valuable insights to inform our selections for this story, including:

Jas Imani, a New York City-based licensed esthetician and certified Yumi Lash esthetician
Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough eyelash growth serums from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Edited by Lauren Pardee

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Jiang S, Hao Z, Qi W, Wang Z, Zhou M, Guo N. The efficacy of topical prostaglandin analogs for hair loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Mar 14;10:1130623. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1130623. PMID: 36999072; PMCID: PMC10043424.
Rushton, D H. “Nutritional factors and hair loss.” Clinical and experimental dermatology vol. 27,5 (2002): 396-404. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2230.2002.01076.x

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