19 best eyelash growth serums that genuinely work, reviewed by editors
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Over 24,000 people search for the best eyelash growth serums every month. And having always been insecure about having thin and brittle eyelashes, I can relate. I've tried many remedies to transform them into thick, long lashes over the years – from taking vitamins for hair growth to slathering my eyelashes in castor oil. Yet, the improvements were minimal at best.
Last summer, I finally invested in a formula that claimed to be the best lash growth serum on the market – and despite initial scepticism, witnessed the benefits first hand. In just three weeks, my eyelashes appeared visibly thicker, darker, longer, and, above all, stronger. A single coat of mascara and I had everyone asking me whether or not I was wearing false lashes or eyelash extensions. I was hooked.
“A lash growth serum provides numerous advantages,” says Lauren Hogsden, brow expert and senior makeup artist at Benefit. “You can expect increased length and volume, more strength and nourishment, reduced breakage, and accelerated growth, often visible within weeks.”
But with so many options on the market, how exactly do you go about picking the right lash serum to avoid the risk of irritation or sensitivity? That's where we come in. As experienced beauty editors with years of product testing experience, we've curated a definitive roundup of the very best eyelash growth serums, having consulted with industry experts and tested said formulas first-hand. Here's everything you need to know.
SKIP TO: Our full reviews | Do any lash serums really work? | How long do lash growth serums take to work? | Do eyelash serums have any side effects? | What happens if you stop using an eyelash growth serum?
Meet the experts:
- Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLash Cosmetics.
- Nima Pourian, founder of Uklash.
- Lauren Hogsden, brow expert and senior makeup artist at Benefit.
How we tested the best eyelash serums
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team – alongside our freelance writers – have tested hundreds of eyelash serums from a variety of brands – from e.l.f. to RevitaLash – ranging in terms of price, packaging, and ingredients (biotin, castor oil, peptides, and panthenol are just some effective ingredients you can keep an *eye* out for).
Because what may work for your friend's lashes may not work for you, make sure to always do a patch test on your wrist or behind your ear to check for reactions before using it near your eyes. We've also assessed whether the formulas resulted in any irritation or stinging for us, as well as its efficacy and how quick it helped us achieve optimal results (find out how we test here).
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Which eyelash growth serum is best? GLAMOUR's top pick
RevitaLash is a brand behind one of the most popular eyelash enhancers, largely due to its ability to target hair growth whilst defending against environmental damage, with antioxidant-packed green tea and the BioPeptin complex.
Our former Senior Visual Editor, Chelsea Hughes, reviewed the RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner over the course of six weeks, and this is what she had to say: “To sum this product up; I’ve had numerous friends and family physically inspect my lashes to check whether or not I’m lying about them being real. The improvement is phe-nom-en-al!” Now, if this doesn't convince you, we don't know what else will. Other brands that are definitely worth considering include Uklash, Augustinus Bader, Elizabeth Arden, Maybelline, Lancome and Olaplex, to name a few.
Ahead, the best eyelash growth serums, reviewed.
- Best for: Effective and long-term results.
- Key ingredients: BioPeptin Complex, ginseng and Swertia Japonica extracts, saw palmetto, amino acids and vitamin B.
- When to apply: Once a day, but allow to dry completely (2-3 minutes) before applying eye makeup or going to sleep.
- Results after use: 98% of testers reported stronger, healthier-looking lashes.
Why we love it: A gentle yet mighty formula that's developed by physicians and comes clinically approved by both ophthalmologists and dermatologists. It contains a biopeptin complex packed with biotin, green tea, peptides and lipids, which work together to help strengthen lashes and stimulate healthy hair growth. Plus, this bestselling lash growth serum is also packed with plenty of natural ingredients, including plant and flower extracts, as well as vitamins and antioxidants. And did we mention it's also hypoallergenic, oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free and suitable for sensitive skin? One swipe along the lash line each evening is all it takes to achieve the lashes of your dreams in a matter of weeks.
Review: “I started to see the difference after 3-4 weeks of use, so much so that everyone around the office started asking whether I was wearing eyelash extensions. I didn't notice any irritation whatsoever, and the results speak for themselves,” – Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.
- Best for: Boosting volume.
- Key ingredients: Biotin Peptide, vitamin B5, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 and green tea extract.
- When to apply: For best results, apply in the evening and allow the serum to work overnight.
- Results after use: 85% of testers saw longer, fuller lashes.
Why we love it: Fortified by nutrient-rich ingredients that stimulate keratin growth such as grape seed extract, swertia japonica extract, pentapeptide-17 and vitamin B7, this viral eyelash serum is bound to deliver fuller and longer lashes quickly and effectively. It lengthens and strengthens your lashes at the same time and is even suitable for wearers of both false lashes and eyelash extensions. It's also reasonably affordable when it comes to lash serums, which is always a big plus in our book. One of the best lash conditioners around.
Review: “The Uklash eyelash serum truly deserves all the hype it gets. It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin and the redness is minimal. It only took me a couple weeks of use to start notice improvement and by week 8, the results were undeniable.” – Neamh Randall, GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor.
- Best for: Quick results.
- Key ingredients: L-Proline, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, panthenol, glycerin and aloe barbadensis leaf juice.
- When to apply: Use once a day and allow 1-2 minutes for it to dry.
- Results after use: 94% of testers saw healthier looking lashes and 91% saw longer looking lashes.
Why we love it: Looking to achieve naturally longer and thicker lashes? Say no more. Powered by a blend of amino acids, prostaglandin, peptides and hyaluronic acid, this moisturising eyelash serum will give you what you want and then some. Its ultra-slim, soft applicator makes it easy to target shorter, more fragile lashes, and it's also suitable for people who wear contact lenses and lash extensions. Although it's certainly an investment, the good news is that it's frequently on sale on Amazon for a fraction of the price. Plus, the chic golden tube and the fact it promises visible results in just 4-6 weeks has us sold.
Review: “I've used the GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum for just under 4 weeks, and judging by the impressive results, this might just be one of the most effective eyelash growth serums I've tried. Not to mention, I've started noticing the results after just 2 full weeks of use, which definitely scores extra points in my book." – Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
- Best for: Effectively boosting length.
- Key ingredients: Hexatein 1 Complex, amino acids, pumpkin seed extract, biotin and panthenol.
- When to apply: Use once a day in the evening and allow to dry before going to sleep.
- Results after use: 86% of testers experienced thicker, stronger and longer looking lashes.
Why we love it: Proven to improve the appearance of your lashes and boost their natural length as well as volume, this high-quality eyelash enhancing serum is enriched with Hexatein 1 Complex, a high-quality cocktail that combines six high-grade ingredients: peptides, biotin, amino acids, panthenol, soybean oil and pumpkin seed extract. Targeting lashes from every angle as well as helping to shield them from environmental aggressors like dust and pollution, this conditioning formula is ideal for brittle, thin or short lashes that need a little TLC. It's also said to deliver visible results in up to 8 weeks, so be patient, and wait for the compliments to start rolling in.
Review: “I'm always on the lookout for a quality lash serum, and this iteration from RapidLash is definitely one of my favourite formulas. I was first intrigued by its affordable price, but what impressed me most was the boost of length that I noticed after 5 weeks of use, which worked amazingly alongside my go-to mascaras.” – Fiona Ward, GLAMOUR's Acting Website Director.
- Best for: Those after an affordable yet worthy formula.
- Key ingredients: Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 and caffeine.
- When to apply: Apply a thin layer along the lash line and eyebrows in the morning and evening.
- Results after use: Thicker-looking lashes and brows.
Why we love it: When it comes to affordable yet reliable beauty products, not many do it better than The Ordinary. This water-based eyelash and eyebrow serum is suitable for all skin types and has a lightweight, non-greasy formula that nurtures both the hairs and skin. It comes with 11 (yep, 11) different active ingredients, including arginine, four peptide complexes, and a whole set of natural extracts to give your lashes and brows the boost they deserve. Not only that, but it's also brimming with the brand's Sympeptide Xlash technology to nourish, and Widelash technology to promote length and volume.
Review: “I'm a firm believer that quality beauty products shouldn't always come with a premium price tag, and this eyelash serum from The Ordinary is proof. I've been trialling this formula for over 6 weeks now, and I'm already seeing some promising results, having noticed a sizeable improvement to the length of my lashes as well as volume.” – Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
Save money on this eyelash serum with these LookFantastic discount codes.
- Best for: Conditioning lashes.
- Key ingredients: Panthenol, biotin, safflower extract, hibiscus extract, sunflower seed oil and hydrolysed rice protein.
- When to apply: Nightly to clean, dry lashes.
- Results after use: 98% of testers said lashes feel conditioned and 94% said lashes look more volumised.
Why we love it: Looking to support your lashes and prevent any unwanted hair loss? Say no more. This formula from Benefit is fortified with a blend of plant extracts, vitamins, biotin and rice protein, which help to condition your lashes and breathe new life into them. “It enhances the appearance of lashes, making them look healthier and more volumised in as little as six weeks. Gentle and clinically tested, it’s suitable for sensitive eyes, allowing for confident application,” says Lauren Hogsden, makeup artist and brow expert at Benefit.
Review: “I have tried many a lash serum for my stubbornly short lashes, but I always find myself turning back to this one. I like its precise applicator, which is super slim to really target shorter, thinner lashes. Just one dip is all you need to get plenty of formula for both eyes, which I like as it's literally two sweeps and you're done in about 5 seconds. The formula is so silky too; you could be forgiven for thinking you were applying a high-grade face serum to your lashes. And the shiny, pearlescent pink packaging means I look forward to using it, and never forget a night's use.” - Emma Hobday, Freelance Commerce Writer.
- Best for: Reducing breakage and strengthening.
- Key ingredients: Redensyl, Probiometa, peptides, and panthenol.
- When to apply: Once or twice a day.
- Results after use: 89% of testers saw experienced reduced eyelash breakage after 8 weeks’ use.
Why we love it: Okay, get ready to be seriously impressed, because we are. This Beauty Pie offering is simply packed with hard-working ingredients to make brittle, weak lashes a thing of the past. Its star ingredient is 3% Redensyl, developed by the brand's Lash Fuel labs to reduce hair loss - it's in Beauty Pie's bestselling Renewed Density Anti Hair Loss Treatment too. There's also the Korean kimchi-derived postbiotic, Probiometa, which Beauty Pie have taken and boosted by 400x to reap its optimum soothing, conditioning benefits. There's also a Lash Fuel Peptide to enhance length and thickness, panthenol to retain moisture, and panax ginseng root extract to strengthen and prevent thinning and breakage. The traditional price you would pay is £90, so snap this up to see endlessly fluttery, long and luscious lashes.
- Best for: Softening and strengthening lashes.
- Key ingredients: Kerasolution Complex, hyaluronic acid, cica.
- When to apply: Twice a day.
- Results after use: 88% of testers said lashes looked more supple and soft, and 87% said that lashes felt stronger.
Why we love it: Achieve the silky soft lashes of your dreams with this eye-con, which softens, strengthens and lengthens. It's infused with hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration deep into the hair follicle, which in turn improves the resilience of your lashes (so you don't need to send a silent prayer to the lash lords the next time you're out in the wind). It's also powered by a Kerasolution Complex, which consists of four amino acids to repair and protect the hair’s natural barriers. There's cica in the mix too, which conditions, nourishes, and revitalises.
- Best for: Extending the growth phase of each lash.
- Key ingredients: Pumpkin seed extract, biotin, hyaluronic acid, keratin, myristoyl pentapeptide-17 and panthenol.
- When to apply: Nightly to clean, makeup-free lashes.
- Results after use: Longer, fuller, thicker lashes.
Why we love it: Supercharged with strengthening superhero biotin and keratin, which is naturally found in your skin, hair and nails, this lash serum creates lustrous lashes in 4 to 6 weeks. It also stars panthenol (or vitamin B5) to moisturise, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid and pumpkin seed extract, which is packed with vitamins and antioxidants to aid hair growth. Maintaining and extending the growth phase of each individual lash, this formula also features myristoyl pentapeptide-17 to encourage shine, length and thickness.
- Best for: Daytime use.
- Key ingredients: Biotin, castor oil, peptides, Korean red ginseng.
- When to apply: Once a day.
- Results after use: Fuller and longer-looking lashes.
Why we love it: A conditioning, nourishing formula that envelops lashes in a blend of 6 rejuvenating ingredients, this multi-benefit serum is designed to create fuller and longer-looking lashes. Drying clear with zero stiffness or stickiness (so you can pop your mascara on afterwards as normal, after the serum's dry), this kind formula is also ophthalmologist tested, vegan, and cruelty-free. It also contains a host of effective ingredients, from Korean red ginseng to make lash hair appear thicker, to softening panthenol and strengthening biotin. There's also a nourishing, protecting element in the form of castor oil, and peptides to shield against breakage.
- Best for: Those after a gentle and antioxidant-rich formula.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, castor oil, panax ginseng root extract and hyaluronic acid.
- When to apply: Apply to your upper and bottom lash line and brow hairs in the morning and evening.
- Results after use: Stronger, longer lashes and thicker brows.
Why we love it: Get ready for friends and family to ask you whether you're wearing falsies or if you've had eyelash extensions done, because this e.l.f. lash serum will deliver longer-looking and fuller, natural eyelashes faster than you can say “antioxidants” – all thanks to its blend of amino acids and vitamins. Vegan and cruelty-free, reviews mention that it works a treat for filling in sparse patches on brows from over-plucking, and also that it dries down perfectly to look like nothing is on. It doesn't shine, pill or flake either. A lash lift and superior brow growth for less than £10? Day. Made.
- Best for: Promoting strength and growth.
- Key ingredients: Roselle and safflower extracts, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, TFC8 technology and biotin.
- When to apply: Use morning and night. Apply a few strokes onto each brow using the flat side of the brush. Apply above the lash line using the thin side of the brush.
- Results after use: Improved growth, hydration, and strength.
Why we love it: With over 30 years of research and innovation to its name, Augustinus Bader has been blessing our skin, hair and limbs with its high-grade formulas. Now turning its attention to our lashes and brows, this option helps to stimulate follicles to support the growth of thicker hairs. Starring a fusion of the utmost quality ingredients, you can welcome a hydrating hyaluronic acid complex, peptide-rich turmeric, strengthening icon biotin, and moisturising, shine-inducing roselle and safflower extracts. Absorbing quickly without any stickiness, it also features the brand's famed TFC8 technology (Trigger Factor Complex), comprised of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and peptides for strong, silky lashes and thicker, fuller brows.
- Best for: Those looking for a premium option.
- Key ingredients: Triple peptide complex, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and botanicals.
- When to apply: Once a day, in the evening.
- Results after use: 100% of testers showed an improvement in their lashes, with up to 40% improvement in the appearance of length, thickness and density of lashes in 4 weeks.
Why we love it: This clinically tested and dermatologist tested eyelash serum is proven to work in as little as two weeks, helping you achieve visibly longer and fuller lashes with ease, as well as thicker, healthier-looking brows. Featuring a triple peptide complex and a range of vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E), this formula is designed to support your natural lash growth cycle so they look shiny, strong and luscious. It also helps to minimise breakage and help your lashes recover from environmental, chemical and physical damage. And with the statistic of 100% showing an improvement in their lashes, we are literally adding it to our bag as we speak.
- Best for: Rapid growth.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin and Zizyphus Jujuba fruit extract.
- When to apply: Morning and night on lashes and brows.
- Results after use: 80% of users noticed visibly longer and denser lashes after 4 months.
Why we love it: If there's one thing we can always rely on from Shiseido, it's their expertise in the skincare industry. This ophthalmologist-and-dermatologist-approved eyelash serum is backed by years of research, boasting a unique formula that's just waiting to promote rapid growth. Fast-absorbing with no sticky residue, it stars a doe-foot applicator for easy application, delivering a generous amount of formula in one pump. It's enriched with arginine to condition and moisturise, which prevents hairs from becoming brittle and sparse, and Zizyphus Jujuba fruit extract to aid healthy re-growth.
- Best for: Strengthening your natural lashes.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, ginseng root, turmeric root, alma extract, caffeine, arginine, acetylcarnitine, HCL and peptides.
- When to apply: Use nightly.
- Results after use: 97% agreed that their lashes looked longer, fuller or darker after 12 weeks.
Why we love it: Filled to the brim with hyaluronic acid, ginseng root and plenty of peptides, this nourishing amplifying serum delivers serious results when it comes to improving the overall lash length, as well as the general look and health of your lashes. Caffeine is included in the formula to stimulate the follicles, as well as antioxidant-rich, conditioning vitamin E. Equipped with a felt-tip-like wand to ensure a more precise and fuss-free application, it couldn't be simpler to sweep it on before bed and watch your lashes get longer and stronger.
- Best for: Those looking for a mostly natural option.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, castor oil, hyaluronic acid and clover flower extract.
- When to apply: Once a day in the evening.
- Results after use: Improved density and growth, with reduced lash fall out.
Why we love it: Made with 98% natural ingredients, this deeply conditioning formula is designed to treat sparse or thinning lashes and brows. It stars moisturising castor oil and a derivative of hyaluronic acid to condition and plump your lashes and brows, to make them appear thicker and fuller. There's also an anti-hair loss blend of red clover extract and biomimetic peptides, which together has been clinically shown to help re-grow eyelashes. This particular fusion also works in tandem to lessen the likelihood of hair fall out too. And it's vegan, fragrance-free and paraben-free.
- Best for: Promoting healthy regrowth.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, glycol, green tea leaf extract, clover flower extract, biotin and Wasabia Japonica root ferment extract.
- When to apply: Use every evening on clean, dry lashes.
- Results after use: Longer, more volumised lashes.
Why we love it: This viral eyelash serum has been all over #BeautyTok for quite some time now, and for a good reason. Sold exclusively at Beauty Bay, the Glow For It Lash Growth Serum is formulated to lengthen, thicken and strengthen your natural lashes. You can give thanks to its highly effective formulation that's filled to the brim with ingredients such as multi-peptides to stimulate hair growth, biotin to strengthen, panthenol to reduce breakage, and chamomile extract to soothe and reduce inflammation. It also features an ingredient called saw palmetto extract, which helps to lessen sparsity and help with thicker growth. It's been proven to work in just under 2 weeks too.
- Best for: Sensitive eyes.
- Key ingredients: Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Rice Protein, Aloe Vera, Amino Acids.
- When to apply: Once a day, apply one thin line directly to clean, dry upper eyelashes only, above the lash line. Dip applicator brush into the bottle one time for both eyes. Let dry completely (2-3 minutes) before applying additional beauty products or going to sleep.
- Results after use: 96% of testers experienced stronger, more nourished lashes.
Why we love it: If you're someone who has sensitive eyes and are a bit cautious about trying out an eyelash growth serum, we've got good news for you, because this clever formula from Revitalash has been created for this exact concern. Approved by ophthalmologists, this serum will help you achieve impressive results without causing any irritation in the process – all thanks to a unique technology that offers slow-release ingredient absorption into the hairs. The five-amino acid peptide and antioxidant complex will also help protect your eyelashes from long-term breakage and brittleness.
- Best for: Maintaining stronger lashes.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin.
- When to apply: Apply morning and night and allow to dry for at least 90 seconds.
- Results after use: Longer, thicker, stronger lashes.
Why we love it: After a lightweight eyelash serum that promotes healthy regrowth and delivers longer, fuller lashes in as little as four weeks? Say less. This deeply-conditioning formula from Olaplex is filled to the brim with growth-boosting and hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, biotin, as well as the brand's signature Olaplex Bond Building Technology. Vegan and cruelty-free, it's safe for use with contacts, false lashes, lash lifts and lash extensions, and 100% of testers reported an improved look of thicker lashes, with 97% seeing an improvement in length and density. You're literally going to look like Bambi before you know it.
Do any lash serums really work?
"Eyelash serums help to grow your natural lashes, making them longer and thicker after continued usage – it is a commitment, but worth it for beautiful, natural lashes," explains Nima Pourian, founder of Uklash. “Eyelash serums absorb into the lash and brow follicles to help stimulate growth, reducing fall out and enhancing the thickness of hair by strengthening roots.”
According to Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLash Cosmetics, eyelash serums are similar to a hair conditioner. "They hydrate the hair with conditioning ingredients for shine and flexibility, to prevent brittleness and breakage, they strengthen the hair with ingredients rich in vitamins and strengthening peptides," she shares.
“They protect the health of the hair with free-radical fighting antioxidants and they enhance the overall beauty of the lashes for healthier lashes.” "A comprehensive formula will contain a blend of ingredients like conditioners, vitamins, antioxidants and peptides to have a multi-faceted approach to beautifying the lashes and keeping them strong and healthier-looking," Claire explains.
How long do lash growth serums take to work?
According to Claire, results usually differ depending on the individual, however, the growth is often noticeable after six weeks of regular, daily use. "We conducted an independent consumer study with 63 participants. After six weeks of daily directed use, 98% reported improved lash appearance, 98% reported healthier-looking lashes, and 98% reported stronger lashes."
Meanwhile, Nima shared that the growth also depends on the stage of “your lash growth cycle.” "Our eyelashes and brows go through a cycle of around three months (12 weeks). This includes a growth phase (Anagen), a transition phase (Catagen) and a resting phase (Telogen)," Nima elaborates. “This is why Eyelash & Eyebrow serums are advised to be used once per day for 8-12 weeks to achieve best results - the same amount of time as a full growth cycle.”
Do eyelash serums have any side effects?
"Aside from the positive benefits, some users can experience redness or irritation, particularly if they are excessively using," says Larsen.
Similar to many other beauty products with active ingredients, it's always better to tread carefully and do a patch test to observe how your skin reacts to your chosen eyelash serum. “It is very rare that someone would have a reaction, but the eyes can be sensitive so always best to check first," says Pourian. “It is also important to follow instructions correctly and not to overuse the serum.”
You could also look for dedicated options for sensitive eyes, like the Revitalash Advanced Sensitive Eyelash Conditioner, and keep a beady eye for ‘ophthalmologist-developed/tested’.
What happens if you stop using an eyelash growth serum?
According to experts, you shouldn't stop or use your eyelash growth serum on and off, particularly if you're noticing results.
“You may gradually lose the benefits gained during its use. Typically, lashes return to their natural growth cycle, which can decrease their length and volume,” says Lauren Hogsden, makeup artist and brow expert at Benefit.
So, while your lashes may not go back to the same brittle and weak state as before, they might become less prominent - so if you're looking to maintain your results, keep using your eyelash serum. Our top tip? Pop it on your vanity next to your evening skincare, or next to your toothbrush, so you can't not see it.
For more makeup and skincare content from Glamour UK Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
