We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Haircare Products The 8 Best Eyelash Growth Serums to Volumize and Lengthen Your Look These serums bring dull, thin lashes back to life. By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional mental health and wellness writer. She uses her 9+ years of clinical healthcare and diverse medical background to write about mental health, chronic conditions, and medicine. health's editorial guidelines Updated on December 3, 2024 Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Health.com. He is a seasoned journalist and editor with over two decades of experience, he has held several leadership roles at major publications. health's fact checking process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Expect from Eyelash Growth Serums Ingredients to Look for in Eyelash Growth Serums Our Testing Process The Experts What to Know About Eyelash Growth Serum More Eyelash Growth Serums to Consider Who We Are Health There's no denying a set of luscious lashes brings more attention to your eyes, but there's also a health component to consider. Dry, brittle eyelashes indicate damage to the follicles, which may result from factors like age, genetics, and environmental elements. Eyelashes are also crucial for protecting your eyes against airborne particles like dust. Thankfully, a good lash serum may make all the difference in the strength and appearance of your lashes. Lash serums contain active ingredients that target and nourish the hair follicles from the root. This encourages growth and conditioning, resulting in thicker, healthier-looking lashes. While prescription medications and professional treatments like Latisse (an FDA-approved prescription serum) require a doctor's visit, plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) options are available without a prescription. Most OTC lash serums are safe, though they're not created equal. While some boast impressive results, others may not have the same impact or contain potentially irritating ingredients. We spoke with board-certified dermatologists and tested over 25 popular serums to compare ease of use, results, and overall satisfaction. Here are our top picks based on expert guidance and thorough testing. What to Expect from Eyelash Growth Serums Growth Goals: Most people want longer, thicker, and more voluminous lashes, but some people may be more interested in enhancing their curl or conditioning their lashes. Some lash serums target multiple goals while others focus on specific outcomes like length. To get the desired results, carefully read the product description and customer reviews before buying an eyelash growth serum.Results Time: Results from lash growth serums can vary. While some see changes in 8 weeks, most people see noticeable results in 12 weeks or longer. Consistency is key, as the anagen phase of eyelash growth can take up to 10 weeks. Ingredients to Look for in Eyelash Growth Serums Growth serums for eyelashes use a combination of ingredients to improve the length, fullness, and appearance of lashes, says Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, founder and director of The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Eyelash growth serums contain active ingredients like vitamins, peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and compounds such as biotin, keratin, and lipids. These ingredients aim to extend the growth phase of lashes and prevent breakage. The products on our list contain one or more of the following active ingredients, which come recommended by our experts: Biotin: A vitamin (B7) that helps nourish and improve the strength of hair and nailsKeratin: A protein that strengthens and helps to protect hair from damageLipid compounds: Help protect and nourish the hair folliclesProstaglandin analogues: Synthetic compounds that work to extend the growth phase of the lashes; examples include bimatoprost, latanoprost, and isopropyl cloprostenateHyaluronic acid: A naturally occurring molecule that helps to hydrate, plump, and protect the lashesSodium hyaluronate: A derivative of hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisturePanthenol (vitamin B5): A humectant that helps lock in moisturePeptides: Chains of amino acids that help stimulate and nourish the lashes Our Top Picks Best Overall: Borboleta Lash Serum at Amazon $65 Jump to Review Best Value: SALE Maybelline Lash Sensational Eyelash Serum at Amazon $14 $11 Jump to Review Best Splurge: RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Best Natural: EssyNaturals Eyelash Serum at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Eyes: SALE RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum at Amazon $46 $37 Jump to Review Best Thickening: Âme Pure Lash Boost Eyelash Growth Serum at Unineed.com Jump to Review Best Strengthening: Lancôme Cils Booster Lash Serum at Nordstrom $49 Jump to Review Best Dual-Purpose: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD at Amazon $68 Jump to Review Best Overall Borboleta Lash Serum PHOTO: Borboleta $65 at Amazon View on Borboleta.com Why We Like It The heaps of lash products on the market promise voluminous results, but very few deliver on them. Borboleta Lash Serum is one of the few we’ve come across that blew us away. As our top pick, it nourishes lashes from root to tip and enhances their natural beauty with just one nightly swipe. Formulated with strengthening ingredients like biotin, keratin, and peptides, this serum deeply conditions the lashes to give them a more voluminous appearance. And because it's safe for lash extensions, you can reap the benefits regardless of whether or not you’re using false lashes to enhance your look prior to growing your natural lashes. However, this product isn’t suitable for use on the lower lashes. The quick absorption and simple application process impressed us. Plus, this serum contains amino acids that promote fullness and moisturizing agents that lock moisture into every strand. All these benefits combine to give you the best possible results—something the company promises within eight weeks of regular use. We can attest to that, too—we saw some serious length and volume within that time frame. Product Details: Active Ingredients: Biotin, keratin, soybean oil, pumpkin seed extractSize: 3.0 mLApplication: Apply one swipe of serum to clean upper lashes nightlyResults: Conditioning, thickening, lengthening PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Value Maybelline Lash Sensational Eyelash Serum PHOTO: Ulta $14 $11 at Amazon $11 at Target $14 at Ulta Why We Like It Maybelline’s extensive line of makeup and beauty products has been around for over a century, so it makes sense its Lash Sensational Boosting Eyelash Serum ranked highly during testing. We think it's an excellent option for those not ready to fork over a ton of cash for a lash product. Thanks to the amino acid arginine, this serum enhances lashes to help prevent early breakage that contributes to sparse and thinning lashes. It also contains vitamin B5 (panthenol), a conditioning agent that promotes optimal health. We noticed softer and shinier lashes after just a few weeks, which is impressive considering the price point. It takes a few attempts to nail down the application, but it's well worth the practice if you're cost-conscious with your beauty routine. It's Worth Noting Our only issue was with the wand—it's hard to control how much product comes out on the applicator. The serum leaves behind an unwanted residue when applied too thick. Product Details: Active Ingredients: Arginine, vitamin B5 (panthenol)Size: 5.3 mLApplication: Apply a thin layer to lashes and lash line twice dailyResults: Conditioning, softening PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Splurge RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon $59 at Nordstrom $100 at Dermstore Why We Like It If you're willing to invest a little extra on your lash-care regimen, look no further than RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner. This physician-developed serum contains a complex of peptides and botanicals that nourish, condition, and protect lashes from environmental stressors. We loved how quickly it absorbed into our lashes—it dried within minutes of applying without leaving any greasy residue behind. The conditioning effect was also incredible; our lashes felt much stronger and less prone to breakage after just one month. We attribute this to its mix of professional-grade ingredients, like the biotin and amino and fatty acid complexes. It's also hypoallergenic and vegan-friendly for those with sensitive skin and restrictions. It's Worth Noting You should only use water-based cleansers to remove makeup and eye products, as oil-based ones can interfere with how the product bonds with the lashes. Product Details: Active Ingredients: Biotin, lipids, vitamin B5 (panthenol), green tea extractSize: 3.5 mLApplication: Apply a thin line directly to clean lash line once dailyResults: Conditioning, strengthening, lifting Best Natural EssyNaturals Eyelash Serum PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon View on Beautysuppliers.org Why We Like It Natural beauty products are becoming increasingly popular thanks to social media and consumer demand. And while we're here for it, not all of them deliver upon the promised results—which is why we're so impressed with EssyNaturals Eyelash Serum. This serum is free from artificial, oil-based, and harsh ingredients that can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes. Instead, it contains natural amino acids and plant-based peptides to enhance your lashes (and eyebrows). The application during testing was a breeze, and we had notable results within three weeks—which only improved over time. This product also comes at a great price, which is sometimes hard to come by in the world of natural beauty. It's Worth Noting While the results were impressive in terms of length, we hoped for a bit more volume. However, most lash-enhancing products take at least three months to achieve maximum results—something to consider when opting for a natural boost instead of falsies or extensions. Product Details: Active Ingredients: Arginine, lysine, ginseng rootSize: 3.0 mLApplication: Apply to the base of the lash line (like eyeliner) once dailyResults: Thickening, lengthening PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Sensitive Eyes RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum PHOTO: Ulta $46 $37 at Amazon $50 at Target $50 at Ulta Why We Like It People with sensitive eyes need something specifically formulated for delicate skin. Otherwise, you'll likely wake up to a burning sensation, redness, itchiness, or other signs of an allergic reaction or skin sensitivity. RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum is our go-to for reaction-prone skin. We were impressed by the applicator's precision and how quickly it absorbed into our lashes. In a few weeks, we noticed stronger, longer eyelashes that weren't dry or brittle. Even more impressive was the lack of irritation, something we've experienced with other serums. The most noteworthy active ingredient is biotin, which helps nourish and condition the lashes. We also appreciate its blend of vitamins and minerals, which gives our lashes the best chance of healthy growth. However, our experience makes us believe this one's best suited for adding length rather than thickness. Still, we were happy with the results we achieved during the testing period. It's Worth Noting It's still possible to be allergic to the ingredients. Product Details: Active Ingredients: Biotin, panthenol (vitamin B5), soybean oil, pumpkin seed extractSize: 3 mLApplication: Apply to the base of the upper lashes before bedResults: Conditioning, thickening, lengthening Best Thickening Âme Pure Lash Boost Eyelash Growth Serum PHOTO: Amazon View on Unineed.com Why We Like It Nothing beats having long, natural lashes without extensions or synthetics. But if you're looking for something a bit more dramatic, ÂME Pure Lash Boost Eyelash Growth Serum pumps up the volume with its thickening formula targeting the hair follicles directly. We noticed a drastic improvement in the thickness of our lashes during the six-week testing period. Our brows were also more full and lush by the end of the trial. We also love how convenient the brush-on applicator is; it allows us to apply a precise amount of the product to the lashes and brows without any mess. The serum dries without flaking or residue within minutes, leaving buttery soft lashes behind. This product contains acetyl tetrapeptide-3, an amino peptide trending in the beauty industry for its potential hair growth benefits. When paired with red clover flower extract (Trifolium pratense), this serum is set to transform even the most brittle lashes into a stunningly full fringe. It's Worth Noting Each bottle lasts up to three months but should be used within nine months of opening for best results. Product Details: Active Ingredients: Acetyl tetrapeptide-3, Trifolium pratense (clover) flower extractSize: 3 mLApplication: Apply to clean lash line and brows nightly with an optional morning applicationResults: Conditioning, thickening, volumizing PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Strengthening Lancôme Cils Booster Lash Serum PHOTO: Nordstrom $49 at Nordstrom $49 at Ulta $49 at Neiman Marcus Why We Like It Infused with an amino acid complex specific to hair growth and conditioning, LANCÔME Cils Booster Lash Revitalizing Serum helps condition and protect your lashes from breakage. Makeup, extensions, and even weather can be harsh on the delicate hairs along your lash line, but this serum brings life to those precious strands. We applied the product directly to our lash line each night and were impressed by how lightweight the serum felt. It has a medium consistency (not too tacky or watery) and locks onto the lashes without feeling heavy or greasy. It dries within five minutes, and our lashes were left feeling more resilient than ever. After six weeks of use, we saw a noticeable improvement in fullness and strength—plus, it didn't irritate our eczema-prone eyelids. It's Worth Noting The only downside to this serum is the packaging: the bottom of the bottle is rounded, so you can't stand it upright for storage. Product Details: Active Ingredients: Amino acid complex (threonine, arginine, serine, proline, alanine), biotinSize: 3.8 mLApplication: Apply twice daily to clean the upper and lower lash line along with the lashes themselvesResults: Conditioning, strengthening PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Dual-Purpose Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD PHOTO: Ulta $68 at Amazon $68 at Target $36 at Sephora Why We Like It We can't say we don't love a multi-functional product, and the GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum made us swoon. Not only does the serum contain hyaluronic acid, a fan-favorite hydrator that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, but it's also enriched with amino acids for strengthening and botanical extracts like chamomile for conditioning. We applied the serum to our clean lashes and brows every evening and noticed considerable changes in terms of strength, thickness, and overall fullness. We are head over heels for our brow results (thickness and definition), which was an unexpected yet welcomed bonus. The serum has a glossy finish that dissipates quickly after application. The powerful peptides help create healthy hair follicles and promote the look of fuller lashes—but only if you keep up with regular applications. The company recommends switching to every other day application after achieving results to maintain the look. It's Worth Noting We also experienced some eye irritation, so it's important to patch test before using it. Product Details: Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, L-proline, botanical extracts (ginseng root, chamomile flowers, and bearberry leaves)Size: 2.0 mLApplication: Apply to the upper lash line like a liquid eyeliner nightly before bedResults: Strengthening, thickening, hydrating Our Testing Process We tested 30 eyelash growth products for six weeks to find the best eyelash growth serums. During our testing, we considered key attributes such as ease of use, absorption, and strengthening and lengthening results. We also noted any reactions or skin sensitivities experienced while using the serums. Finally, we considered the value based on our results, cost, and product size. Based on our expert sources and personal experience, we narrowed down the best eyelash serums on the market for healthy lashes. The Experts We consulted with the following skin and lash experts who recommended products with a combination of vitamins, peptides, and nourishing properties that target the lash follicles to help strengthen and thicken the lashes. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, founder and director of The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City and assistant professor of dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified New York City dermatologist and author of the book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, and immediate past president of the Women's Dermatologic Society What to Know About Eyelash Growth Serum Serum Safety According to Dr. Jaliman, eyelash growth serums are generally considered safe. While most people don't experience adverse reactions, she warns that those with sensitive eyes may experience minor irritation. The most common side effects include burning, redness, dryness, and flaking. Always patch-test the serum before use, apply it to clean skin, and discontinue it if it causes severe irritation. Avoid experimenting with over-the-counter products if you have conditions like inflammation, irritation, psoriasis, eczema, sensitive skin, rosacea, acne, pre-existing eye conditions such as glaucoma, or recently had eye surgery. It's best to consult your dermatologist before trying new products. Application Most eyelash growth serums should be applied to the upper lash line like a liquid eyeliner each night before bed. However, some can be used on the lower lash line and/or brows. It's recommended to apply once to twice daily for best results. Most products require ongoing maintenance—you can switch to every other day to maintain your look. Be sure to read and follow the directions for your specific product. It may take up to 12 weeks to see results, so be patient and consistent with your application. Discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist if you experience any irritation or skin sensitivities. Effectiveness Eyelash growth serums vary in effectiveness based on the chosen product, its active ingredients, and your individual biology. Most people begin to experience noticeable results within 12 weeks; however, it may take longer for others. It's critical to be consistent with the application, as the lash growth phase (called the anagen phase) of eyelashes can take up to 10 weeks, according to 2018 research published in the Journal of Optometry. After the anagen growth phase, the lashes enter a 15-day catagen phase, in which the eyelashes stop growing before entering the third and final telogen (or resting) phase. New lash growth is limited during this phase (which lasts up to nine months). However, each lash follows its own growth cycle, so it's possible to have some lashes in the growth phase while others are in the resting phase. For this reason, the total length and fullness of your lashes may not become immediately apparent. Follow the directions for your product of choice and give it several months before judging its effectiveness. Your lashes may not grow as long or full as you hope, but they should appear healthier with regular use. More Eyelash Growth Serums to Consider While these lash serums didn't make our top recommendation for each category, they're still worth considering. VICHY LiftActiv Eyelash Growth Serum: This option proved an effective conditioning serum that also softened the skin around our eyes. However, the pump bottle lacked functionality, and the overall results could have been more remarkable.Vegamour Gro+ Advanced Lash Serum: This serum boasts an impressive list of clean ingredients, but the results were less noticeable than expected, and the brush applicator doesn't work as well as the mascara wand-style applicators on other lash serums.The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum: We were amazed by the straightforward application, quick drying time, and fullness it delivers, but we would have loved to see some lengthier results. Who We Are Lindsay Modglin is a writer for Health.com. She's also a nurse and journalist with expertise in purchasing products for wellness. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 1 Source Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. John HE, Price RD. Perspectives in the selection of hyaluronic acid fillers for facial wrinkles and aging skin. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2009;3:225-230. Published 2009 Nov 3. doi:10.2147/ppa.s3183