Before I started testing the best eyelash growth serums, I would tell my friends that I had “baby lashes”—eyelashes only a few centimeters long that not even a lengthening mascara could fix. Tired of the habitual application of a strip lash on each makeup wear or a pricey trip to a lash tech for extensions, I made it my mission to find something that would promote long-lasting results for thicker, stronger, and longer eyelashes. Turns out, I wasn’t alone on my quest.
A spot alopecia diagnosis about a decade ago left Vogue’s beauty shopping writer Conçetta Ciarlo with periods of lash loss and a delayed re-growth cycle. While she initially turned to Latisse (the only FDA-approved eyelash growth treatment), it required a dermatologist’s prescription and left her with some subtle hyperpigmentation along her upper lash line. Both of which were not ideal. Over time, her long lashes grew back, albeit less dense and a bit more prone to falling out. Ready to try a different approach, she started experimenting with over-the-counter options—often those trending on social media, in search of something more accessible, yet comparatively effective.
Vogue’s Favorite Eyelash Growth Serums
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“Lash growth serums work to strengthen, nourish, and condition the eyelash hairs, which may give a thicker and healthier appearance with consistent use,” board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD tells Vogue. “By improving the health of the lash hair, it may also help make it less susceptible to breakage.”
While my lashes are short and curly, and Ciarlo’s are long and straight, both of us have found success with growth serums throughout our years-long tests—a testament to the fact that these formulas can benefit all lash types and concerns. It’s really just about finding the right formula for your needs. “Eyelash serums work when used properly,” says board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, founder of Visha Skincare, who recommends a consistent routine of daily application, adding that “it takes at least a month to see results.”
Below, eye experts—including ophthalmologists, optometrists, and dermatologists—share everything you need to know about eyelash-enhancing serums, alongside some of their favorite formulas that have also been tested by our team.
In This Story
- What to Look for in an Eyelash Growth Serum
- Key Ingredients to Consider For Lash Growth
- What are the potential side effects of prostaglandin eyelash serum?
- Do lash serums work?
- How do lash serums work?
- Do lash serums grow back?
- How long does it take for lashes to grow?
- Is eyelash growth serum safe for your eyes?
- More Formulas We Considered
- How We Tested
- Meet The Experts
Best Overall: Vegamour Gro Lash Serum
- Why We Love It: Vegamour’s lash-growing serum takes a clean beauty approach, blending natural-derived ingredients that are also ophthalmologist-approved. “Vegamour’s formula contains peptides as well as mung bean extract, which is rich in selenium,” board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo tells Vogue. Selium, she explains, is an “often-overlooked mineral that is believed to play an important role in hair growth.” Plus, the formula is best known for being prostaglandin-free, so you can swipe it on without fear of hyperpigmentation.
- Editor’s Note: “Vegamour’s lash serum is the one I reach for most consistently. For years, it’s become a safety net for me to stave off lash fallout. There are other formulas I’ve used that have worked well, but I’m almost always left with some skin darkening at my lash line—Vegamour’s option gets the job done with clean ingredients, without spooky side effects.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Red clover, mung bean extract, peptides
- PGAs: No
- How to Apply: According to Vegamour, apply the serum to the upper and lower lash line twice daily for the first two months, reducing cadence to once daily following.
- More To Know: Vegan, cruelty-free, prostaglandin-free, sulfates-free, paraben-free, and toxins
- Size: 3 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Vegan, cruelty-free, and plant-based formula | While the formula is effective, some report it takes longer to see results |
| PGA-free |
Best With PGA: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum
- Why We Love It: Aside from Grande Cosmetics’s GrandeLASH long list of celebrity endorsements (think: Brooke Shields), Dr. Garshick gives this eyelash growth serum her stamp of approval. “This contains a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to help promote fuller, healthier-looking lashes as early as 6-8 weeks,” she says. “It also contains hyaluronic acid, which works to condition, hydrate, and protect the brows.” Plus, its thin applicator means you can apply the serum directly to the lash line with precision.
- Editor’s Experience: “The first buzzy lash serum that got my attention, this was habitually repurchased throughout my college days. Whenever I experienced excess lash fallout, this serum always kickstarted my regrowth, and I’d notice little lash stubble within weeks. While it is consistently high-performing, because I’m prone to hyperpigmentation, I did start to notice some darkening at my lash line.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Isopropyl cloprostenate (a prostaglandin analogue), radish root ferment, grape seed extract, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, honey, aloe vera, glycerin, panthenol
- PGAs: Yes
- How to Apply: According to Grande Cosmetics, apply a thin stroke of serum to your upper lash line once daily for three months. Repeat along your lower lash line as desired.
- More To Know: Paraben-free, cruelty-free, ophthalmologist-tested, safe for contact lens wearers and lash extensions
- Size: 2 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Users report effective growth | Some report slight lash line hyperpigmentation |
| Easy, one swipe application with a thin brush for precision | Some report lash growth in their inner corner |
Best Conditioning: Shiseido Full Lash Brow Serum
- Why We Love It: Japanese skincare is in the spotlight at the moment, and deservedly so. Much like K-Beauty, J-Beauty offers gentle and thoughtfully-formulated products—Shiseido’s lash and brow serum is no different. “Here, the active ingredient is arginine, an amino acid that’s essential to keratin production and responsible for making hair healthy and strong,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. Plus, the additional of vitamin E in the formula can “help reduce oxidative stress on the hair follicle, and promote blood circulation,” she adds. It’s worth noting, this formula acts more as a conditioner for existing hairs than as a formula to promote re-growth after hair loss.
- Editor’s Experience: “This is the serum I’d recommend to someone just beginning their growth journey. Apt for both the lashes and brows with a Japanese formulation, it’s effective for most skin types and use cases, conditioning the hairs to grow without breakage. It’s a gentle entry into the category for those not needed more prescriptive care.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: Arginine, glycerin, zizyphus jujuba fruit extract
- PGAs: No
- How to Apply: According to Shiseido, apply to the lash line morning and night.
- More To Know: Cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested
- Size: 6 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Conditioning and nourishing formula | Not a pararaben-free formula |
| Works well for both lashes and brows |
Best Pure Castor Oil: Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil Eyelash Serum
- Why We Love It: “Castor oil can be a great, natural way to grow your eyelashes,” says plastic surgeon Kevin Sadati, DO. “Castor oil is widely used and regarded as a safe alternative to medical actives—but like any other products, make sure it stays out of your eyes.” He also provides a pro tip: “Because it’s an oil, it generally isn’t safe to use with eyelash extensions.”
- Editor’s Experience: “While there are many merits to an expert-concocted growth serum, sometimes a botanical oil will do the trick. Case in point: Sky Organic’s serum. Best for those whose skin does well with face and body oils (castor oil can be heavy), this is excellent to transform dry, brittle lashes prone to fallout or breakage. Plus this comes with both spoolie and eyeliner tip wands for customized application.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: 100% pure, virgin castor oil
- PGAs: No
- How to Apply: According to Sky Organics, apply one to two drops nightly to the lashes and brows.
- More To Know: Vegan, 100% organic
- Size: 30 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Single ingredient, natural castor oil formula | A more natural approach takes additional patience to see results |
| Promotes lash and brow growth |
Best Brush-On Formula: Typology L37 Eyebrow Eyelash Serum With 2% Pea Peptides + Castor Oil
- Why We Love It: French cosmetics brand Typology specializes in simply formulated, clean beauty products, and its lash and brow serum follows suit. The cult-favorite, 96% naturally-derived formula is frequently sold out because it’s just that good. Rather than applying to the lash line with a thin applicator tip, Typology opts for a spoolie wand to brush on like a mascara. Here, pea peptides, castor oil, and glycerin help to condition lash and brow hairs, improving overall density and preventing breakage.
- Editor’s Note: “My pension for waterproof mascaras leaves my lashes dryer than normal. I’ve been swiping on this serum morning and night for two months and counting—my lashes are noticeably softer and denser, including in the area I previously over-tweeze. Praise be.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, pea peptide, glycerin, panthenol
- PGAs: No
- How to Apply: According to Typology, apply the serum directly to your eyelashes and eyebrows, and don’t rise off. Apply once or twice daily, just make sure you leave enough time for the formula to dry before layering on other products.
- More To Know: 96% naturally-derived formula, fragrance-free, vegan, hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested
- Size: 0.50 fl oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
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| Safe for sensitive eyes thanks to it’s vegan, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free formula | Provides, slower, more progressive results |
| Swipes onto brows and lashes to condition from root to tip |
Best with Keratin: Kosas GrowPotion Fluffy Brow + Lash Boosting Serum
- Why We Love It: “Kosas uses panthenol and amino acids from wheat and soy to promote healthier growth as well as biotinoyl tripeptide-1, an ingredient that helps prevent hair loss while stimulating new growth,” says Hilal-Campo. “It even contains clover extract, which has been shown to help promote hair growth in those with alopecia. I also like the applicator — the sponge tip allows for really targeted application to areas that are particularly sparse.” After three months of use, the brand shares that an expert-graded study showed that 97% of subjects saw measured improvement in brow length and lash volume, and 90% agreed it restored the appearance of overplucked brows.
- Editor’s Note: “Two and a half years after my initial review of the Kosas GrowPotion, this remains central to my routine. Application is seamless with its sponge-tip applicator that deposits its clean serum with ease. I like that the formula has a light, gel-like texture that almost feels refreshing. My lashes have never been longer, and my brows never denser so certainly I have Kosas to thank for that.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, keratin, vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid
- PGAs: No
- How to Apply: According to Kosas, apply one dip of serum to the lashes and brow area nightly.
- More To Know: Ophthalmologist-tested, prostaglandin-free, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Size: 3.5 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Clean and gentle formula | Doe foot applicator allows for less precise application |
| Dual-ended applicator tip |
Best with Biotin: Augustinus Bader The Eyebrow Lash Enhancing Serum
- Why We Love It: “This formula contains sunflower oil, biotin, panthenol, and castor oil—all ingredients that support healthy hair growth,” says Hilal-Campo of Augustinus Bader’s new lash serum, which can double as a brow treatment. In a 12-week clinical trial of subjects with self-perceived sensitive skin and eyes, lash length was said to increase by 34%, while lash and brow prominence increased by 130%. On top of the brand’s signature TFC8 complex, it provides a dose of moisture. “Hyaluronic acid and aloe help draw moisture into dry lashes,” Hilal-Campo notes.
- Editor’s Note: “As a big Augustinus Bader fan, I was really excited to test its lash enhancing serum and it fortunately didn not disappoint. My lashes drink its amino acid- and peptide-rich composition up, making them softer than ever.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: Roselle and safflower extract, biotin, red winter algae, hyaluronic acid
- PGAs: No
- How to Apply: According to Augustinus Bader, apply to brows and lashes morning and night.
- More To Know: Cruelty-free, ophthalmologist-tested, paraben-free
- Size: 8 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Naturally-derived formula is safe for sensitive eyes | One of the priciest growth serums on our list |
| Works well for both lashes and brows |
Everything You Need to Know
What to Look for in an Eyelash Growth Serum
Before applying anything to your eyes, the pros advise proceeding with caution, to ensure the formula is safe. Below, Manhattan-based optometrist Dr. Jennifer Tsai breaks down the key characteristics to look for when shopping for your new lash growth serum.
- Ingredients: “Effective eyelash growth serums that are gentle and safe for use around the eyes include ingredients like peptides, which stimulate growth,” Dr. Tsai tells Vogue. For those who want a simple and clean option, a dose of straight-up castor oil can make an impact. “I’ve been using castor oil on dry eye patients for years to help soothe their painful symptoms,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo, who noticed many of her patients developed thicker, longer lashes over time from this treatment.
- Application: “It’s important to avoid the water line, where your meibomian oil glands sit, which can cause irritation and dry eyes,” warns Tsai. Try to allow it to completely dry and avoid getting the serum into your eyes.
- Strength: For beginners, Tsai recommends starting with a lower-strength formula and gradually increasing from there. “Allow your skin and lashes time to adjust to the product to minimize any side effects,” she advises. However, most over-the-counter eyelash serums are generally formulated at a suitable strength and do not require a prescription.
Key Ingredients to Consider For Lash Growth
To help inform your buy, Dr. Garshick, breaks down the most common ingredients in lash growth serums, and how each of them work.
- Castor Oil: Although more data is needed, Dr. Garshick says that “castor oil can help to moisturize and nourish the lashes, improving overall health. Castor oil may also help to promote healthier and stronger hair as it uses ricinoleic acid—a type of fatty acid—to boost circulation which is thought to help promote healthier and stronger hair.”
- Prostaglandins: “Prostaglandin analogs (otherwise known as PGAs), such as Bimatoprost, found in Latisse are considered effective at increasing eyelash growth. Other prostaglandin analogs, such as latanoprost and travoprost, while not as extensively studied have also been shown to be effective, though are not considered FDA approved,” she says. However, using them is not without caution: “They are thought to work by prolonging the duration of anagen, promoting growth. In addition to a risk of hyperpigmentation, prostaglandin analogs may also be associated with a risk of prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy, which is characterized by changes including loss of fat in the periorbital area and deepening of the upper eyelid.”
- Keratin: “Keratin works to help strengthen and support the hair follicle.”
- Biotin: “Biotin can help to make the lashes look thicker and healthier. It is thought to help strengthen and support keratin, while also helping to condition the lashes.”
- Hyaluronic Acid: A skin care favorite, “hyaluronic acid works as a humectant to boost moisture and nourish the lashes. By helping to retain moisture, it helps to leave the lashes looking healthier.”
- Peptides: “Peptides work to strengthen and support the hair follicle, leaving the lashes looking fuller and stronger.”
- Botanical Extracts: “Some botanical extracts may have a role in protecting the lashes from oxidative stress using antioxidants and also may contain various minerals that help to nourish and support the lashes.”
What are the potential side effects of prostaglandin eyelash serum?
According to board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, key ingredients in some lash serums, According to board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, key ingredients in some lash formulations, prostaglandins, or PGAs, are still mysterious. “Latisse contains a prescription-strength prostaglandin called bimatoprost that is known to stimulate growth though the exact mechanism is not well understood,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Over-the-counter prostaglandin-based serums contain a weaker prostaglandin—the benefit to using a weaker prostaglandin-based serum is that the risk of side effects is also lower.”
Dr. Hilal-Campo recommends avoiding PGAs entirely, which have been in the collective conversation lately (not to mention TikTok feeds) for their side effects—they often have powerful results—but with a risk. She notes that there’s a 20% chance that users of serums with PGAs will experience side effects. “It’s easy to identify PGAs in an ingredient list — look for ingredients with “prost” in them, like isopropyl cloprostenate,” she explains. “Keep in mind that because these ingredients aren’t regulated by the FDA like prescription-strength bimatoprost is, they may be stronger, and the risks of side effects could be even greater,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo.
How do lash serums work?
According to Dr. Garshick, lash serums are powered by a combination of ingredients formulated to strengthen and support lash health. For example, peptides or biotin can help strengthen and thicken hairs, while antioxidants or hydrating ingredients like panthenol help nourish and condition each hair. Something like Latisse, on the other hand, works via a prostaglandin analog which “may help to increase the percentage of follicles and prolong the duration of anagen, which is the hair growth phase”—basically, stimulating the hair follicle to promote growth—Dr. Garshick explains. Regardless of which you choose, for the best results you have to remain consistent with application.
Do lashes grow back?
Eyelashes can grow back, though growth serums are mainly formulated to improve existing “lash thickness, volume and length,” Dr. Garshick says. Dr. Hilal-Campo agrees, reminding us that it’s important to first protect your lash foundation. “If the root of your lashes or brows is dead, there is no product that can bring them back,” she warns. ”Certain beauty practices can kill them, so for healthier hair, I recommend avoiding treatments like lash lifts and extensions.”
For an added boost, she suggests fortifying the building blocks of your natural lashes and hair with supplements that fill in any nutritional gaps you may be missing. “Nutrafol is a supplement taken to grow scalp hair, and can help with lash growth as well,” says Dr. Patel. Part of the reason serums can be helpful, though, will sound familiar: hydration. “If you’re prone to dry, brittle lashes, that hydration can help stave off breakage for healthier, fuller lashes,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo.
How long does it take for lashes to grow?
Growing longer stronger lashes requires patience, and even with consistency, results may vary. Dr. Garshick explains that sometimes results can be seen as early as two to four weeks, though it will generally take several months for the full effect. She continues that “the results are maintained with continued use of the serum or product, though in many cases, once desired results are achieved, the number of applications per week may be reduced.”
Are eyelash growth serums safe for your eyes?
According to Dr. Tsai, most eyelash growth serums are safe to use; however, it depends on the ingredients. “If the serum contains prostaglandin analogs, which stimulate lash growth, it may also have side effects such as eye irritation, skin darkening, iris color change, and possible orbital fat loss.” When in doubt, performing a patch test on your hand before applying it to your eye area—this helps to identify whether any ingredients may irritate you.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to ophthalmologist, and optometrists—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to eyelash growth serums, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, applicator, ease of application, potential irritatnts, and the hair growth concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
More Formulas We Considered
With a plethora of popular eyelash serums on the market, it’s trickier than you may think to narrow things down to a tight, digestible edit. After long, thoughtful deliberation, we were able to choose the top seven detailed above. However for further context, an honorable mention of other formulas we tested that also yield consistent results.
Meet The Experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
- Diane Hilal-Campo, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Twenty/Twenty Beauty
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in facial rejuvenation techniques, advanced laser procedures, and PRP skin and hair rejuvenation
- Purvisha Patel, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare
- Kevin Sadati, MD is a Newport Beach-based facial plastic surgeon
- Dara Spearman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, specializing in melanoma and skin cancer care.
- Jennifer Tsai, MD is a Manhattan-based optometrist and founder of Line of Sight.
