For years, I was convinced that even the best eyelash growth serums wouldn’t be enough to undo the damage from a decade’s worth of wearing false eyelashes and lash extensions. The sparse and thinning state of my lashes seemed practically irreversible – and no number of too-good-to-be-true claims or suspiciously dramatic “before and after” pics were going to convince me otherwise.
That said, as a beauty journalist, a big part of my job involves democratising information and separating fact from fiction (even when it comes to things I’m deeply sceptical about). So, in the name of research, I grilled several experts, having also committed to trying a handful of the most-hyped lash serums myself. And as much as I hate to admit it… the results were undeniable.
After just three weeks of using a certain eyelash serum, I could barely recognise my own lashes. They looked darker, fuller, and noticeably longer – something I could never achieve before (even after trying alternative remedies like castor oil or rosemary oil).
While the results weren’t quite enough to make me delete my lash tech’s number just yet, the serum still helped counteract the damage in the long run — and honestly, that’s an achievement in itself.
And I’m far from the only one obsessed. In fact, data shows that over 24,000 of us are searching the web for the best lash serums every month. But before even attempting to narrow down your pick, it’s imperative that you familiarise yourself with how they actually work, and to determine whether a formula will trigger any sensitivity or irritation.
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.”
So, whether you’re looking to educate yourself some more on all the benefits and potential side effects of lash serums, or if you’re already hovering over the ‘add to basket’ button, we’re here to help. Below, the GLAMOUR beauty team have spared no effort in curating a definitive edit of their favourite eyelash growth serum. Here’s everything you need to know.
Meet the experts:
All your eyelash growth serum questions, answered:
Do eyelash serums really work?
In a nutshell: yes, they help support each hair follicle’s growth cycle by conditioning your lashes (similar how nourishing haircare products would encourage healthy regrowth). “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.
How do lash growth serums work?
“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,” shares Nima.
“They protect the health of the hair with free-radical fighting antioxidants and they enhance the overall beauty of the lashes for healthier lashes,” shares Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLash Cosmetics. “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,” she 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 growth 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.
How we tested the best eyelash serums
We’ve been testing the best eyelash growth serums – from the Rapidlash Eyelash Enhancing Serums to new launches like Glow For It – for over five years. We’ve ensured to test lash serums that differ in formulations (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.
We’ve learned that not all eyelash growth serums are created equal, which is exactly why we relied on various criteria when judging each formula. Everyone from our Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, to our Senior Commerce Editor, Sophie Cockett, and our Freelance Beauty Contributor, Denise Primbet, have been busy raiding the GLAMOUR beauty cupboard and reviewing each formula for a minimum period of 4-6 weeks. To ensure a fair verdict, we also made sure to avoid taking any vitamins for hair growth or applying any other conditioning treatments.
We marked each serum based on whether or not it: A) caused any stinging, redness or irritation B) actually delivered impressive results within the designated testing period and C) lives up to its overall value for money (especially since some formulas are priced well over £50). Find out more about how we test here.
READ MORE: Shop the best liquid eyeliners and best mascaras to upgrade your beauty routine.
What is the best eyelash serum that actually works?
Total honesty: it’s a toss-up between the two. RevitaLash is a brand behind one of the most popular eyelash enhancers on the market – the RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Serum – largely due to its ability to target hair growth whilst defending against environmental damage. It has an antioxidant-packed green tea and the BioPeptin complex, and has genuinely delivered on results when tested by multiple members of the GLAMOUR team.
Our former Senior Visual Editor, Chelsea Hughes, gave the product a particularly glowing review after testing it over the course of six weeks.
“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,” she said. “The improvement is phe-nom-en-al!”
Our runner-up? Glow For It lash serum, which is available to shop at Boots and Beauty Bay. It’s a vegan, cruelty-free formula (not all lash serums are), which is formulated to give healthier, thicker, fuller, longer lashes. It’s enriched with peptides, which work to stimulate the lash follicle for visible results after just a couple of weeks – without irritating the eyes. It also features an ingredient called saw palmetto extract, which helps to lessen sparsity and helps with thicker growth. TikTok, you were right to go wild for it.
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