After super-long lashes that look like falsies without needing to apply four coats of mascara? Try these eyelash growth serums for extra length.
Want long, lush lashes? While a good mascara does the trick for instant results, you might consider enlisting the help of a lash growth serum for an even bigger boost.
Experts point out that the prescription eyelash growth gel Latisse is the only FDA-approved treatment for hypotrichosis (inadequate lashes). “The active ingredient is a prostaglandin called bimatoprost,” says William Kwan, MD, a San Francisco-based dermatologist, adding that the formula is safe for all skin types. “It lengthens the growth cycle of eyelashes leading to longer, darker, and fuller lashes.”
That said, more and more brands are releasing over-the-counter formulations that claim to help lengthen lashes. Although you might not necessarily see dramatic results from these OTC serums right away, they contain nourishing ingredients that strengthen eyelash hairs over time, so they’re stronger and more resilient against breakage.
For best results, Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City, recommends looking for a formula that contains biotin, peptides, or lipids. “Biotin is a B vitamin and helps lashes grow longer and thicker and stimulates the growth of additional eyelash follicles,” she explains. “Lipids condition and moisturize the lashes, and peptides specifically act on the skin cells of lashes to create a healthier foundation and boost volume.”
Important to note: For some people, these formulas may cause sensitivity or an adverse reaction—itchiness along the eyelash line is one common side effect, says Dr. Jaliman. “Some might only be able to use an eyelash growth serum a couple of times a week instead of every day.”
Here Are the 12 Best Eyelash Growth Serums To Try for Fuller, Longer Lashes
- Best Dermatologist-Recommended Serum: RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
- Best Vegan Option: Hydropeptide Lash Fuller Longer Lusher
- Best Thickening Formula: Skin Research neuLash Lash Enhancing Serum
- Best Affordable: RapidLash Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancing Serum
- Best for Sensitive Skin: LashFood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer
- Best Multi-Use Formula: Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes
- Highest-Rated Serum: Pronexa Hairgenics Lavish Lash
- Best for Lower Lashes: Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For Lash Enhancer
- Best Strengthening Formula: Lancome Cils Booster Lash Revitalizing Serum
- Best Mascara: Velour Lashes Pretty Big Deal Peptide Tubing Mascara
- Best Hydrating Option: Grande Cosmetics Lash Enhancing Serum
- Best for Lashes and Brows: Shiseido Full Lash and Brow Serum
Best Dermatologist-Recommended Serum: RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
Dr. Jaliman recommends RevitaLash, one of the most popular eyelash serums on the market. “People usually see results,” she says. The formula contains peptides, botanicals, and a proprietary BioPeptide Complex. The .067 fluid oz. tube usually lasts about three months, although there’s a smaller .034 fluid oz. size available, too, if you’d like to test it out before committing to the larger version.
Best Vegan Option: Hydropeptide Lash Fuller Longer Lusher
Packed with biotin, peptides, and moisturizing hyaluronic acid, this eyelash growth serum helps fortify brittle lashes so they’re less likely to break off. Bonus: It’s vegan and fragrance-free. Shoppers also rave about how fast the serum works, with most people saying they saw amazing results in just a few weeks. “My eyelashes were nubs after removing lash extensions,” wrote one. “I bought this stuff in tears looking at my bald eyelids and within one month all of my natural lashes have grown back and are strong! I highly recommend if you are looking to grow out your lashes after extensions.”
Best Thickening Formula: neuLash Lash Enhancing Serum
Ingredients like biotin, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol (a provitamin of B5) come together in this formula from neuLash, which also contains pumpkin seed extract for lashes that look thicker and fuller. “Definitely worth every penny,” raved one customer. “I see a difference in my eyelashes, they are fuller and longer. Will definitely be repurchasing.”
Best Affordable: RapidLash Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancing Serum
This popular serum boasts more than 1,200 reviews and an impressive 4.2-star rating at Ulta. In addition to peptides, biotin, and hyaluronic acid, the formula has vitamins to boost shine and thickness. Shoppers say the thin applicator makes the serum super easy to apply to their lash line, and they love that it dries quickly. In addition to being fragrance-free, the serum is also ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested and safe for contact wearers. One user wrote, “I’m obsessed with this. I’ve always had pretty good lashes but this makes them unreal. Now all I use is one coat of mascara and everyone comments on my lashes.”
Best for Sensitive Skin: LashFood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer
With lavender water, soy and rice proteins, peony root complex, and the brand’s signature Phyto-Medic Complex, this vegan formula helps strengthen frail lashes. Also good: In a consumer study, no testers noticed any irritation, according to the brand, so this might be a good choice for those with sensitive skin. “I saw really good results after four weeks,” wrote one shopper. “My lashes are longer and fuller, and the formula didn’t sting or anything. Super easy to apply.”
Best Multi-Use Formula: Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes
Crave a more streamlined routine? Opt for a multitasking formula like this one from Vichy. It can be used both on the delicate skin around eyes and on lashes to fight signs of aging and subtly boost lash volume over time. “I think this works great,” said one five-star review. “I also think the skin under my eyes and above my eyes looks much better since using. Bags practically evaporate. I know it’s not stated to do this and maybe I got lucky. All I can say is my eye lashes are much longer (had been affected due to a health issue) and the skin around and under my eyes looks great. For me this is a must buy.”
Highest-Rated Serum: Pronexa Hairgenics Lavish Lash
This top-rated eyelash and eyebrow growth enhancer is one of Amazon’s best-selling lash serums, and for good reason. The hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested serum uses a gentle formula of hyaluronic acid, biotin, and other botanically-derived ingredients to noticeably thicken and strengthen the follicles on your lashes and brows. Nearly 25,000 (!!) Amazon shoppers gave the product a perfect 5-star rating, with tons of reviews raving that it made a noticeable difference in their lash length and thickness. Over 30,000 (!!) Amazon shoppers gave the product a perfect five-star rating, with one writing, “I can tell you this is by far the best product, very noticeable growth in three weeks using in morning and evening before bed. Doesn’t leave red irritation on eyelash line and goes on very easy. By far the best lash serum I’ve used.”
Best for Lower Lashes: Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For Lash Enhancer
This Peter Thomas Roth serum comes with a unique applicator that makes it easy to apply the product on both the lash line and throughout the lashes, so you can use it on both your upper and lower lash line. The lightweight formula is packed with biotin, peptides, and Tahitian plankton extract, which work together to strengthen and hydrate lashes while promoting growth. “I’ve been using this on my upper lashers, lower lashes and eyebrows for about a month and can honestly say IT WORKS,” wrote one shopper. “It’s like miracle grow for facial hair! I would definitely recommend this product to anyone that feels that their brows or lashes are sparse or shot.”
Best Strengthening Formula: Lancome Cils Booster Lash Revitalizing Serum
If you’re looking to strengthen dry, brittle lashes, more than 1,200 Nordstrom customers recommend checking out this serum from Lancome. It’s specially formulated with amino acids to fix damaged lashes and help them grow longer and fuller with consistent use. One reviewer called it “liquid lash gold,” before adding, “My lashes and brows got so long! I paint this along my lash line every night, and then use the rest on my brows. I love that my lashes are thicker and look healthier too!”
Best Mascara: Velour Lashes Pretty Big Deal Peptide Tubing Mascara
Not only will Velour Lashes’ mascara make your lashes look longer instantly, but it also doubles as a serum that will help them grow over time. In a four-week consumer trial, per the brand, 98 percent of users said the peptide-infused product provided “smudge-proof results” that lasted all day, while 94 percent said their lashes “appeared noticeably longer” by the end of the study. One shopper wrote, “This mascara has seriously changed my life! It has literally lengthened my lashes so much in such a short amount of time. I love the way it wears too!”
Best Hydrating Option: GrandeLash Lash Enhancing Serum
In this GrandeLash serum, hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and vitamin E work together to hydrate and strengthen lashes, resulting in more length and thickness in just a few weeks. The ophthalmologist-tested formula is also safe to use on lash extensions, and for contact wearers and people with sensitive eyes. “Best lash serum I have used yet,” said one reviewer. “Started using this after having my lash extensions removed and within two weeks my natural lashes were back. It’s been almost a month now and my lashes look better than they did with extensions.”
Best for Lashes and Brows: Shiseido Full Lash and Brow Serum
If you’re looking to grow both your lashes and brows, check out this two-in-one serum from Shiseido. The best-selling product can make both areas fuller, healthier, and longer in as little as eight weeks, according to the brand. And shoppers say the serum’s flocked-tip applicator allows them to apply it to both their brows and lashes with ease. “I love this product,” raved one. “It works great for both my eyebrows and lashes. My brows and lashes look noticeably fuller after using this product for a few weeks. The price is great in comparison to other products I’ve tried and I love how it’s a dual use product.”
