The 16 Best Eyelash Growth Serums of 2024, Reviewed by Experts

Say goodbye to lash extensions.

Thylane Blondeau, beauty detail, is seen outside Miu Miu, during Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Fall/Winter 2020/2021 : Day Nine on March 03, 2020 in Paris, France.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

As someone who may have the world’s shortest eyelashes—ones that fall out with every nightly wash of my face—I dream of the kind of thick, fluttery lashes that seemingly only models and celebs are blessed enough to have. Sure, the best mascaras out there promise sky-high, voluminous lashes in a few swipes, but the effect is only temporary, and sometimes—well, actually, all the time—your lashes are begging for some TLC.

Eyelash extensions, false and magnetic eyelashes, makeup removers, and even some mascaras can all weaken lashes over time. Thankfully, because we live in the 21st century, the beauty gods have blessed us with a kind of technology only money can buy: eyelash serums. The best eyelash serums will take your lashes from short and stubby to long and luscious in a matter of a few weeks. I myself have had some impressive results with two serums—GrandeLASH-MD and The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum (more on these products down below). After a few months of consistent use, my lashes are long enough that I can confidently step out with just a swipe of mascara.

But if you’re skeptical of the magic of lash serums, we’ve consulted lash experts—Dr. Nazanin Saedi and Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo—to get the lowdown on everything you need to know. Read on to shop our favorite lash-growing serums and hear from the pros on the ingredients to look for, safety concerns, and how to achieve the results of your dreams.  

Safety and Risks of Eyelash Growth Serums

No, not all eyelash growth serums are safe. In fact, Dr. Hilal-Campo says there are “very few” serums she actually recommends her patients use, and it all boils down to one specific ingredient commonly found in serums—Prostaglandin analogues. Prostaglandins are fatty lipids naturally found in the body, whereas prostaglandin analogues are lab-made and used in serums to prolong the growth phase of the lash growth cycle. “While they do effectively stimulate lash growth, they come with lots of risks and side effects,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. 

Side effects include fat atrophy around the eyes, discolored eyelid skin, pigment changes of the iris, red, dry eyes, cystoid macular edema, and iris cysts. To see if an eyelash growth serum contains prostaglandin analogues look out for bimatoprost, isopropyl cloprostenate, and dechloro-dihydroxy-difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide in the ingredient list. Dr. Hilal-Campo does not recommend any eyelash growth serums that contain prostaglandin analogues as they could cause permanent harm to the eye.

She warns that cosmetic companies have made their own versions of Latisse that are not regulated, do not come with side effects disclosed, and may even be stronger than the prescription strength Latisse, causing greater side effects. All in all, it’s important to research the ingredients of an eyelash growth serum before purchasing, and if you start to experience any side effects or irritation, stop using the serum immediately

The Best Eyelash Growth Serums

Latisse

If you have extra sensitive eyes, especially sparse lashes, or hair loss, it may be worth talking to your doctor about Latisse. Latisse, aka bimatoprost, is the only FDA-approved eyelash growth serum and it requires a prescription from your doctor. Dr. Hilal-Campo explains that Latisse was originally approved as a glaucoma eyedrop treatment and eye doctors are aware that eyelash growth is a side effect of the medication, as well as the side effects mentioned below. “When you're at risk of losing vision with glaucoma, which is a blinding eye disease, these side effects are worth it. They are not if you solely want longer lashes,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. 

It is clinically proven to make eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker, and I've seen firsthand the dramatic results you can achieve with Latisse. My mother, who's in her 60s, struggled with short, sparse lashes before talking to her doctor about Latisse, and now has the long, fluttery lashes of her dreams, also inspiring me to get a prescription. 

For an easy and quick doctor's appointment, I recommend using Ro, an online telehealth portal. See a doctor or nurse practitioner in the comfort of your home with Ro's online visits. Online, you will detail your symptoms, health history, and goals, then one of Ro's healthcare professionals will review your information, ask any follow-up questions, then make a personalized treatment recommendation. At any time you can ask your healthcare provider questions and check their credentials through Ro's online portal. I personally used Ro for my Latisse prescription and I've never had a more easier or seamless doctor's appointment. 

How Do Eyelash Growth Serums Work?

Eyelash serums have become a tried-and-true method for many seeking a doll-eyed look and their miraculous results all come down to the serum’s lash-boosting ingredients. Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Nazanin Saedi, MD, explains that these serums contain “peptides, biotin, keratin, oil, and other natural and active ingredients.” With these ingredients, lash serums “work by supporting and strengthening the hair follicles within your lash line and stimulating and extending the growth cycle.” 

When it comes to eyelash serums and their ingredients, you can also decide to go the all-natural route, which also comes derm-recommended. “I highly recommend only looking for growth serums that use natural ingredients to promote longer lashes,” says Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of twenty/twenty beauty. “These ingredients include castor oil, which features fatty acid ricinoleic acid to help grow lashes, and nutrients like selenium and biotin, which support healthy hair growth.” 

What to Look For

As you can see, there are plenty of eyelash growth serums on the market, all with different formulas. When shopping for the best serum for you, there are a few factors to consider:

  • Eyelash goals

First and foremost, consider what you are hoping to achieve with an eyelash growth serum. Are you wanting spidery long lashes à la Kim Kardashian? Consider Latisse or other serums with prostaglandins, which will have a far more effective lengthening effect than serums free of prostaglandins. Maybe you're looking to strengthen and hydrate dry, brittle lashes. If that's the case, look for serums that contain strengthening ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, biotin, peptides, and amino acids.

  • Ingredients

Even if you do want long, luscious lashes, your eyes may be too sensitive to handle the potential side effects of prostaglandins (outlined above). Consider your sensitivity levels and whether you want to risk any side effects before reaching for a prostaglandin eyelash serum. Don't think you're safe from side effects just cause your serum is prostaglandin-free, either. Preservatives, parabens, hormones, and silicones, can also be irritating to sensitive eyes. If you really want to steer clear of any irritation, consider all-natural formulas such as Vegamour's Gro Volumizing Lash Serum or the LashFood PhytoMedic Eyelash Enhancer.

How to Apply Eyelash Growth Serums

While you apply most eyelash growth serums the same, it's best to read the instructions thoroughly before applying. The majority of serums work by applying a thin line on your lash line as you would eyeliner, however, other serums are applied similar to mascara through the root and tips of your lashes. Frequency differs from serum to serum as well—some you apply once a day, others you apply twice. Again, make sure to check the instructions of your serum to ensure proper application.

How Long Before You See Results From Eyelash Growth Serums?

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “consistency is key” when it comes to diet and exercise, but the phrase also applies to your lashes. “As with any hair growth journey, you need to be committed and consistent,” says Dr. Saedi. She recommends adding your lash serum to your daily skincare routine and if you stick with it, you should start to see fuller, thicker lashes in about three months. 

Of course, pay attention to the serum’s application instructions, as this could affect your results. Some serums are only applied once a day, while others are applied in the morning and evening. Don’t make the mistake of impeding your results by not bothering to read the instructions! 

Meet the Doctors

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Dr. Nazanin Saedi, MD FAAD

Dr. Nazanin Saedi is a leading board-certified dermatologist serving patients throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. She is a clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University and the Department Co-Chair of the Laser and Aesthetics Surgery Center at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting. Dr. Naz specializes in a wide variety of cosmetic, medical and surgical procedures, offering the latest, cutting edge technology and services to her patients. Dr. Naz graduated cum laude from Princeton University with an A.B in Anthropology. She attended The George Washington University School of Medicine, where she graduated with distinction and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical society. She completed her residency at the University of California, Irvine where she served as chief resident, followed by her fellowship in Cosmetic Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Portrait of Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo
Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo

Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo is a Board Certified General Ophthalmologist who is highly skilled in both medical and surgical eyecare. Dr. Hilal-Campo has been practicing in Oakland, New Jersey for more than 23 years. She is a graduate of Columbia University, and was in the first class that accepted women at Columbia College in 1987. Dr. Hilal-Campo then went on to receive her medical degree from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her internship in internal medicine at Columbia and then went on to complete her residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Hilal-Campo is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an active member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. She is also a founding member of a group for female Ophthalmologists in New Jersey. After spending decades treating female patients struggling with dry eye and other painful conditions caused by makeup and beauty treatments, she developed her own brand of eye-friendly formulas, twenty/twenty beauty.

Brooke Knappenberger
Associate Commerce Editor

Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes across the board from fashion and beauty to books and celebrities. As a pop culture junkie, Brooke obsessively consumes and writes about the latest movie releases, streaming TV shows, and celebrity scandals. She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.