The 13 Best Eyelash Growth Serums of 2024, According to Dermatologists and Ophthalmologists

Oct 24, 2024

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Get ready for long, strong lashes.

Shannon M. Bauer is an Associate Editorial Director for Dotdash Meredith's Beauty & Style Group. She joined the Shape team in 2022 and works with a team of talented freelance writers to create expert- and research-driven product roundups. Shannon has seven years of experience writing, editing, and producing beauty and wellness content for top print and digital publications. Shannon was previously a Beauty Editor at Parents, Parents Latina, and Shape print magazines.

In This Article

Shape / Jhett Thompson

Who doesn’t want long, naturally luscious lashes? To boost the length and volume of your eyelashes without the help of mascara, finding the best eyelash growth serum formulas that contain peptides and proteins (which are key for preventing lash breakage) is key. "Serums can deliver nourishment and result in longer and thicker eyelashes with their protein-based formulas that help repair hair follicles," says Michelle Henry, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetics Surgery of Manhattan.

With so many formulas and eyelash growth serums available, Shape editors felt it right to consult the experts for advice on brands they love and use themselves. Then, we had a group of testers try out 30 brands for a month to find the best, fastest-working eyelash growth serums on the market, with just 14 serums earning Shape's stamp of approval for their abilities to safely nourish lashes and enhance their appearance in what seemed like no time.

Read below for the best eyelash growth serums Shape testers and dermatologists recommend.

Dermatologist-recommended

Eyelashes noticeably grew

Dries instantly

Does not contain parabens, phthalates, fragrance, or gluten

Can cause darkening of the eyelid

Size: 0.67 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Latanoprost | Results: 6 weeks

The RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is a big hit in the lash serum world, and for good reason — Shape's tests prove that it works. After a month of use, testers said their eyelashes grew in length — one even had friends ask if they had gotten a lash lift. Editors like that it's super simple to use: The fine brush tip doesn’t deposit too much product or drop into the eyes and dries almost instantly.

"Revitalash is an over-the-counter favorite eyelash growth serum boasting significant improvements in growth," says Blair Murphy Rose, M.D. The board-certified dermatologist in NYC recommends this serum to her patients "because there is less prostaglandin compared to Latisse [a prescription lash serum]. Revitalash has a reduced chance of side effects." Dr. Henry agrees: "This serum is infused with helpful peptides that protect the lashes from breakage while also delivering shine."

Vegan

Doesn't irritate sensitive eyes

Dries quickly

Has to be applied twice daily

Size: 0.16 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Panthenol, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl tetrapeptide-3 | Results: 4 weeks

This eyelash growth serum is popular for its affordable, prostaglandin-free formula that doesn’t irritate sensitive eyes and contains ingredients like panthenol, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl tetrapeptide-3, and Trifolium pratense flower extract to help increase density and thickness in your lashes and brows. While it's frustrating to apply this twice a day rather than once, testers loved how quickly it dried down — it won't ruin any speedy morning routines before work. Results can be visible in as little as four weeks.

TikTok sensation

Makes lashes thicker

Results in 4-6 weeks

May cause irritation

Takes 2-3 minutes to dry

Size: 0.07 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Panthenol | Results: 4 weeks

The Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum is one of the most popular and well-known eyelash growth serums on the market, and after testing, we can see why it's a consumer favorite. Testers noted that after a month, their lashes were thicker and less prone to breaking or falling out. Just be sure that if you use this product, you're using it daily to achieve those length and strength improvements within four weeks.

While this pick is a fan favorite among many lash serum stans, it's important to note that some folks have reported irritation from this product — it might sting your eyes and potentially can make the lash line appear red and inflamed. Because of this, it's important to patch-test this pick before applying it to your lashes.

Great for sensitive eyes

Does not contain prostaglandin

Made of 99% natural and organic ingredients

Takes longer to work

Size: 0.10 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Patented phyto-medic complex | Results: 4 weeks

If you're worried about potential eye irritation, consider Lashfood Phyto-Medic Natural Eyelash Enhancer. Shape testers experienced zero sensitivity during testing, which may be due to this product's more natural, clean formulation than others. It's even considered the world's first and only Ecocert natural eyelash enhancer since it has 99 percent natural and organic ingredients.

This is another serum Dr. Henry recommends to her patients. "The Lashfood eyelash growth serum is a popular product on the market today — the serum is infused with arginine, an amino acid that promotes hair growth at the root," she says. "The Lashfood serum is also gentle on sensitive skin and is cruelty-free and vegan." However, because this pick doesn't contain prostaglandin, you might not see results as quickly as with other lash serums on the market.

Contains broad-spectrum CBD to promote lash growth naturally

Vegan and cruelty-free

Less likely to cause irritation

Results aren't as impressive as other serums

Can take up to 8 weeks for results

Size: 0.10 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: CBD, mung bean, red clover | Results: 4-8 weeks

Vegamour's GRO+ Advanced Lash Serum contains broad-spectrum CBD, mung bean, and red clover to create a healthy environment for your lashes to grow naturally. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and less likely to irritate after application — it's also a great way to boost the look of a clean mascara.

This formula is vegan and relatively natural, so you probably won't see results with a wow factor super fast. Shape testers saw the most growth on the inner half of the eye. Those lashes had the beginning stages of more growth at the end of a one-month test. That being said, this is the best option for you if you prefer a gentle lash serum on delicate eye skin that's free from ingredients known to cause occasional side effects.

Simple ingredients

Won't cause irritation

Can also be used on brows

Results take up to 90 days

Size: 0.33 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Castor oil | Results: 90 days

Castor oil has been a widely used natural ingredient to promote hair growth and is one of the star ingredients in this pick. In fact, this Twenty/Twenty Beauty serum contains only three all-natural ingredients: castor oil, coconut oil, and argan oil. If you're worried about using a lash serum with prostaglandins, this is an excellent option. This lash serum will help hydrate and condition lashes, but frankly, it won't promote rapid growth like others mentioned. On the plus side, it won't cause irritation, redness, or eye discoloration, and it can be used on both lashes and brows.

Designed for aging hair

Clean, vegan, cruelty-free ingredients

Results take up to 4 weeks

Size: 0.24 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Pumpkin seed extract, panthenol, biotin | Results: 4 weeks

Aging comes with many fun bodily changes, including sparser lashes. This pick from Better Not Younger was developed for folks experiencing hair loss as they age (but is also safe and effective for use on those not yet experiencing hair loss due to aging).

"Rich in growth-promoting vitamins and peptides, Better Not Younger's Superpower Lash Enhancing Serum has been shown to thicken and lengthen lashes," says Dr. Rose, who recommends this serum to patients. "It combines pumpkin seed extract, biotin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid with a peptide complex to strengthen follicles, supporting healthier-looking lashes." Biotin supplements have long been taken to promote better skin and strong hair and nails, so its inclusion here is to be expected.

Dual-purpose applicator

Lengthens and darkens lashes

Noticeable strengthening benefits

Not for those who don't want darker lashes

Lashes feel heavy if too much is used

Size: 0.33 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Mythical botanical complex, silk proteins, coleus forskohlii | Results: 4 weeks

Talika Lipocils Expert is an award-winning lash serum that lengthens and darkens lashes with continued use, almost like an eyelash tint. "Talika's cult-favorite Lipocils Expert contains growth-enhancing peptides, lash curling silk proteins, plus coleus forskohlii, a natural pigmentation booster, to darken lashes," says Dr. Rose.

Shape editors love the inventive, unique applicator, which is one part bristles, one part doe-foot applicator. We found both the mascara wand-like brush and the doe-foot applicator easy to swipe through our lashes and apply along our lash line. The strengthening benefits were also noticeable, with testers claiming that fewer lashes fell out when removing eye makeup or taking off false lashes than before. Just be sure to apply thin coats; testers found that it made lashes feel heavy if too much was put on at once.

Gentle on the eyes

Helps hydrate lashes

Does not contain prostaglandins

May not notice a huge difference

Size: 0.15 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, biotin | Results: 4 weeks

This lash serum contains two patented technologies from Olaplex, making it a powerhouse product in this category. The first is the Olaplex Peptide Complex Technology, a blend of peptides that helps support your lashes during the growth cycle. The other, the Olaplex Bond Building Technology, creates a better environment for your lashes to grow in. This formula also contains biotin and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the eyelashes and make them appear less brittle.

Editors like that this doesn’t contain prostaglandins and doesn’t seem to irritate lashes, either. While it may take a bit for you to start seeing results, the patience is worth it. Though it costs $68 per tube, the serum will last about three months if applied daily.

Thick applicator brush

Prostaglandin-free

Can also be used on brows

Costs more when compared to others

Results may take 90 days

Size: 0.3 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, biotin, red winter algae | Results: 90 days

This splurge from Augustinus Bader is loaded with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, biotin, and castor oil. You’ll also find unexpected ingredients like roselle and safflower extracts (to increase circulation and encourage hair growth) and red winter algae (to help prevent hair loss).

This formula is prostaglandin-free and can be used on the lashes and brows to promote growth. Editors also love the applicator, which features a brush wider and thicker than other lash serum applicators on this list, making the application process much easier and smoother. The high price tag is the biggest downside of this pick, but it’s 100% worth the investment if you want to allot more in your beauty budget for a quality product.

Lightweight

Free of parabens and fragrance

Precision brush prevents messes

More helpful for length than volume

Size: 0.1 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Peptides, biotin, panthenol | Results: 8 weeks

This serum works well for sensitive eyes and contains botanicals and biotin to support length and strength. Testers love the lightweight formula and the precision brush that helps apply it directly to the lashes without causing messes or drips in the eye. It's also free of parabens and harsh scents.

Does not contain prostaglandins

Can be used on brows

Won't work as quickly as others

Size: 4 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Cold-pressed castor oil | Results: 90 days

If you’re worried about using a lash serum with prostaglandins, consider reaching for this natural castor oil. Editors like that this comes with a mascara-like brush and an eyeliner-like brush so that you can apply the castor oil directly to your lash line, eyelashes, and eyebrows. This formula features pure, cold-pressed castor oil that’s hexane-free and unrefined. Unfortunately, you won’t see as drastic of results on lash growth or length as you might with a prostaglandin-based lash serum.

Can be worn with eyelash extensions

Natural ingredients

Can't be applied to root of lashes

Size: 0.27 fl oz. | Active Ingredients: Natural botanicals | Results: N/A

Clementina Richardson, founder of Envious Lashes in NYC, created Envious Lashes Lash Conditioning Serum for her clients to help them maintain healthy lashes while wearing eyelash extensions. It contains a slew of natural, botanical ingredients to maintain strong, soft lashes. The applicator is shaped like a mascara wand and can be used while wearing lash extensions (or not). Just note: applying this to the root of lashes might be difficult because of this design.

Lash growth serums and conditioners work by stimulating the hair follicle to grow and keeping it in the growth phase of the hair cycle, also known as the anagen phase.

According to Dr. Rose, prostaglandins stimulate lash growth by a hormone-like mechanism that is not yet well understood. Latisse contains bimatoprost, which is a prescription-strength prostaglandin. "Over-the-counter prostaglandin-based serums contain a weaker prostaglandin, such as latanoprost, that also stimulates growth but may take longer to achieve the same results. The benefit to using a weaker prostaglandin-based serum is that the risk of side effects is also lower," explains Dr. Rose.

Although lash growth results are very individual and subjective, noticeable results can be seen as soon as two weeks or 20 days on average. "Most people see a major difference after two or three months of daily use," says Dr. Henry. "As the normal hair growth cycle is around six to eight weeks, lash growth serums halt the shedding phase and help increase the growth phase of the cycle." Many lash growth serums need to be used daily to see the desired results.

Ashley Hayden, MD, co-founder and ophthalmologist at GentleDrop, suggests growth serum as a solution only "if you don’t feel complete without mascara or false lashes." However, Dr. Hayden notes that daily application and consistency are key to seeing results. "If you are consistent and patient, lash serums would be great for you."

Dr. Hayden notes a few negatives to using an eyelash growth serum, including redness, irritation, and even a darkening of the iris in brown eyes. "All that said, it’s probably easier on your eyelids than glue on lashes that can disrupt your tear film," she says. Board-certified dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, M.D., F.A.A.D., suggests using a new eyelash growth serum two to three times a week and then increasing usage based on tolerance to mitigate any side effects.

According to Dr. Rose, you can use lash growth serums with lash extensions, but the increased rate of growth may require you to make more frequent visits to the lash salon.

"If you only occasionally need mascara and want overnight results, growth serums are not for you," says Dr. Hayden. "Be sure to discuss with an eye care provider if you have any other eye problems before you start a new regimen," she also mentions — Dr. Saedi stresses this as well, especially if you have sensitive eyes.

"The best way to have naturally full lashes is to live a healthy lifestyle." says Dr. Hayden, which means incorporating "healthy fats like olive oil or avocados." She also states green tea is a solid option for boosting lash growth, considering it contains epigallocatechin, a phenol that can stimulate hair growth. She also notes other natural growth remedies like castor oil and vitamin E.

Daley Quinn is a freelance journalist, content strategist, and beauty industry expert with over ten years of experience in the media industry. You can find more of her work on her website or read the latest from her beauty and lifestyle blog, The Daley Dose. Daley has tried her fair share of lash serums on the market and knows what's worth buying and trying. Shape commerce writer Maddie Barber updated this article in 2024 with additional expert insight.

The Shape team interviewed the following experts for this story: