Eyelash growth serums have become increasingly popular in recent years. These serums are not just a gimmick by cosmetic companies, as they play a crucial role in addressing the natural thinning of lashes that occurs as we age. In this article, we will explore the best eyelash growth serums available on the market and how they can help boost your lash game.
Image: Woman applying mascara on eyelash
The good news is that you no longer need to visit a dermatologist to get your hands on the best eyelash serum. These serums can now be found in department stores and local drugstores, making them easily accessible for everyone. Moreover, using an eyelash growth oil has benefits beyond vanity and beautification. Eyelashes also serve the important function of protecting our eyes from debris and potential infections.
Eyelash Growth Serums: The List
Let's dive into the top eyelash growth serums available on the market:
Best Overall: Latisse Eyelash Serum, $120-140 Latisse is the ultimate eyelash growth serum. It is the only FDA-approved formula that stimulates growth within hair follicles that are not currently generating lashes. While a prescription is required for Latisse, it offers remarkable results in terms of longer and thicker lashes.
Best Prescription-Like Formula: Babe Lash Essential Serum, $65 Babe Lash contains prostaglandins, a powerful ingredient found in prescription eyelash growth serums. It also includes hyaluronate, which moisturizes and protects your lashes. This formula is dermatologist-tested, paraben-free, and safe for use with lash extensions and contact lenses.
Best Rapid Lash Growth: GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum, $65 GrandeLASH-MD is an award-winning serum that delivers visible results in just a few weeks. Packed with vitamins and acids, it promotes longer and fuller eyelashes. It is safe for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes.
The Best Packaging: Younique Moodstruck Esteem Lash Serum, $45 Younique Moodstruck Esteem Lash Serum stands out not only for its formula but also for its innovative packaging. With its mascara-like tube and screw-top spoolie wand, applying the serum is mess-free. The formula contains various extracts and peptides that strengthen and lengthen lashes.
Best Post-Extension Formula: HydroPeptide Lash Serum, $98 HydroPeptide Lash Serum is specifically designed for those who have had eyelash extensions. It fortifies and hydrates lashes with ingredients like biotin and peptides. It is free of gluten, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Best French Pharmacy Find: Vichy LiftActiv Eyes and Lashes Serum, $35 Vichy LiftActiv Eyes and Lashes Serum is a French gem that nourishes both eyelashes and the delicate under-eye area. With hyaluronic acid and peptides, it strengthens lashes and softens crow's feet and fine lines.
Best Drugstore Buy: L'Oréal Paris Eyelash Serum with Lash Caring Complex, $15 Recommended by Sir John, Beyonce's makeup artist, this affordable drugstore serum contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5 to promote healthy lash growth.
Best Splurge: Dr. Lancer Lash Experience Intense, $150 While this serum comes with a hefty price tag, it is worth the splurge. With biotin, panthenol, and glycosaminoglycans, it moisturizes and nourishes lashes, leaving them looking lush and healthy.
Best Natural: LashFood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancing Serum, $78 LashFood's Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancing Serum is a natural formula created by cosmetic scientists. It improves the appearance of lashes with a proprietary complex that enhances thickness and strengthens lash follicles.
Best for Luster: Rapid Lash Eyelash Serum, $49.95 Rapid Lash is a cult favorite worldwide. Its polypeptides strengthen weak lashes, while its soybean oil base provides a lustrous look to the lashes. This ophthalmologist-tested formula is safe and effective in promoting thicker and more resilient lashes.
Best Tinted Formula: Perricone MD No Makeup Lash Treatment and Mascara, $30 Perricone MD's tinted formula contains biotin and avocado oil to instantly improve the appearance of sparse lashes. Over time, it strengthens and stimulates lash growth. The mascara nourishes, conditions, and supports lashes.
Best for Thickness: Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die for Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer, $85 Peter Thomas Roth's formula contains a peptide complex to encourage lash growth and a conditioning complex to moisturize and soften natural lashes. It also includes biotin, which helps improve the length, thickness, density, and fullness of lashes.
Best for Prevention: neuLASH Lash Enhancing Serum, $150 Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining healthy lashes. neuLASH Lash Enhancing Serum provides protection, strength, and hydration to promote thick eyelashes. This serum contains peptides, biotin, panthenol, pumpkin seed extract, sodium hyaluronate, and copper peptide.
Best Multi-Use: Pronexa Hairgenics Lavish Lash Eyelash Growth Enhancer and Brow Serum, $28.99 This multi-use serum is highly popular, with nearly 40,000 reviews on Amazon. It makes both lashes and brows appear thicker and longer within 60 days. The formula is clinically tested, dermatologist-approved, and allergist-approved.
Image: 14 Eyelash Growth Serums for the Ultimate Lash Boost
The Science Behind Eyelash Growth Serums
Latisse, the top recommended eyelash growth serum, is the only FDA-approved treatment that stimulates growth in hair follicles that currently do not generate lashes. Other over-the-counter serums have not received FDA approval, but many have been tested by ophthalmologists and are backed by dermatologists.
While these serums may not stimulate new lash growth, they strengthen and condition lashes, reducing breakage and loss, especially during the delicate catagen phase.
What the Best Eyelash Growth Serums Have in Common
If you prefer non-prescription options, look for over-the-counter serums with lash-loving ingredients. Conditioning agents hydrate lashes, while biotin and peptides strengthen lashes and support healthy growth. Other beneficial ingredients include hyaluronic acid, castor oil, proteins, amino acids, ceramides, and collagen.
As lash growth serums are considered cosmetics, it can be challenging to determine the effectiveness of each ingredient. To ensure quality, read the label and choose reputable brands like the ones mentioned in our best list.
Precautions When Using an Eyelash Enhancer
Although lash growth serums can promote longer and fuller lashes, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Make sure the ingredients are clean, natural, and dermatologically tested to avoid inflammation and irritation.
- Avoid using lash serums if you have eye issues such as macular edema, uveitis, or conjunctivitis.
- Prevent the applicator from touching other surfaces to maintain cleanliness.
How to Apply an Eyelash Growth Enhancer
While each product may have specific instructions, here are some general guidelines for applying an eyelash growth serum:
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the serum, and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.
- Apply the serum to a clean, dry face. Ensure that your lashes are completely dry before using the product.
- Use the lash brush to apply the serum along the root of your upper lash line. Start from the outer corner and work your way inward, being careful not to get the serum in your eyes.
- Consistency is key. Incorporate the serum into your nighttime routine by applying it at the same time each evening. Place the serum in a convenient location like your bathroom sink or nightstand.
- Additionally, take care of your lashes by avoiding excessive use of lash curlers, rubbing your eyes, wearing false lashes regularly, and gently removing eye makeup.
Best Eyelash Growth Serum: The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the best eyelash growth serum is Latisse Eyelash Serum. It stands out as the only FDA-approved formula that stimulates growth in hair follicles not currently producing lashes. However, there are numerous options available on the market to suit various lash goals and budgets.
Using an eyelash growth serum can enhance your lashes' appearance and protect them from potential damage. When choosing a serum, look for conditioning agents, biotin, peptides, and other beneficial ingredients. It's important to prioritize clean and natural formulations, read labels carefully, and stick to reputable brands.
While eyelash growth serums can yield impressive results, it's crucial to use them safely. Ensure that the ingredients are gentle and dermatologically tested, and avoid use if you have any existing eye conditions. By following proper application techniques and taking care of your lashes, you can enjoy longer, fuller, and healthier-looking lashes.
Sources:
- "The Eyelash Follicle Features Anomalies: a Review," U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
- "Is There a Medication to Thicken Eyelashes?" Mayo Clinic
- "Why Are My Eyelashes Falling Out?" American Academy of Ophthalmology, February 2019
