The 5 Best, Most Recommended Lash Growth Serums

Mascara can only do so much to make lacking lashes look better. If you want longer, fuller eyelashes, a growth serum may be the solution. I’ve been using them for years, and they work, so I periodically research the latest lash-enhancing miracle workers. I compiled a list of the top serums most recommended by beauty editors and dermatologists. Then I pared down that list to the five best, most recommended lash growth serums.

In This Post

• Types of Lash Growth Serums
• How Eyelash Growth Serums Work
• The Best, Most Recommended Lash Growth Serums
• More About Lash Serums
  • Ingredients To Look For
  • Tips For Choosing & Applying A Lash Growth Serum
  • Other Ways To Support Lash Growth
  • Consider A Lash Lift
• Don’t Forget Your Brows

Types of Lash Growth Serums

There are two main types of eyelash growth serums: prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).

1. Prescription lash growth serums, like Latisse and its generic bimatoprost, are FDA-approved for eyelashes and contain a prostaglandin analog. Originally used to treat glaucoma, patients saw their lashes getting longer as a side effect. It turned out that prostaglandin analogs stimulate the growth of new eyelashes as well as increase their length, thickness and darkness.
2. Over-the-counter lash growth serums contain a variety of ingredients that work together to promote new hair growth and nourish and strengthen existing lashes. There are several OTC growth serums that contain synthetic prostaglandins, “lipids with hormone-like properties” that promote and extend the anagen or growth phase of eyelashes, encouraging them to grow longer (do not use if pregnant). They work similarly to the ingredients found in Latisse but in smaller, non-prescription amounts. More on the Eyelash Growth Cycle below.
   • Prostaglandins that are sold as cosmetics are not FDA-approved, so use them with caution. I’ve noted the inclusion of prostaglandins* in the product descriptions below when they’re present. Find out more about prostaglandins and other Ingredients To Look For in growth serums below.

How Eyelash Growth Serums Work

Eyelash growth serums work by improving the health of your existing lashes and encouraging the growth of new hair. Ingredients such as amino acids, biotin and peptides target the anagen or growth phase of the Eyelash Growth Cycle. And, as mentioned above, some eyelash growth serums also contain synthetic prostaglandins. Together, they invigorate hair follicles and stimulate the growth of healthier, thicker, longer eyelashes.

The Best, Most Recommended Lash Growth Serums

To find the best lash growth serums, I read through countless articles on Byrdie, Cosmo, Elle, Health, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, Harpers Bazaar, InStyle, Marie Claire, Oprah, Prevention, Real Simple, Shape, Self, Women’s Health, Vogue, and Who What Wear. Phew! I compiled a list of the top serums most recommended by these editors and the dermatologists they interviewed. Then I weeded through consumer reviews and pared down the list to the best five.

Note: Before using a new product on your face, do a patch test on the underside of your arm to make sure you won’t have an allergic reaction.

1. RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner Serum — Best Lengthening
2. GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum — Best Thickening
3. RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum — Best Volumizing
4. Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes — Best With Anti-Aging Benefits
5. LashFood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancing Serum — Best Natural

RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner Serum — Best Lengthening

RevitaLash Advanced was at or near the top of almost every beauty editor’s list. It received accolades like Best Overall, Best Strengthener, Best Splurge, Best Dermatologist Recommended, Best Ophthalmologist-Developed, and, apparently, it’s Meghan Markle’s fav.

Several editors said their lashes doubled in length after a few weeks of using RevitaLash! While others liked how long their lashes got, they were disappointed that the serum didn’t make their lashes thicker. So, if you’ve already got full, thick lashes and want more length, RevitaLash is for you.

Both Amazon (great before and after pix) and the Dermstore sell the same three sizes for the same prices: a 1-month supply for $59, a 3-month supply for $100, and a 6-month supply for $152, which is the best deal. Better still, you can save 15% on your order by entering code BRONNA-R3 when you create an account at the Dermstore.

GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum — Best Thickening

GrandeLASH-MD needs no introduction, it is a long-time favorite of editors who hail it as Best Overall, Best Hydrating, Editor’s Pick, Best Ophthalmologist-Tested, and Best Volumizing. Plus, it’s a fan fav on Amazon, where it has over 41,100 reviews!

All three sizes of GrandeLASH are available at Amazon and the Dermstore for the same prices. The 1 ml tube costs $36 and will four to six weeks, making it a good size and investment for sampling and travel. The 2 ml tube will last for 3 months and cost $68, while the 4 ml costs $125 and is expected to last 6 months. But you can save 15% on your order by entering code BRONNA-R3 when you create an account at the Dermstore.

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum — Best Volumizing

Editors awarded RapidLash Best Overall, Best Volumizing, Best Strengthening, Best Affordable, and Best for Quick Results. Lashes become fuller, stronger and thicker thanks to amino acids, biotin, panthenol, polypeptides, pumpkin seed extract, soybean oil, and Isopropyl Cloprostenate (a prostaglandin*).

RapidLash is one of the more affordable growth serums. A 3 ml tube is currently on sale for $34 (reg $46) on Amazon, where I recommend checking out the before and after photos posted by reviewers. The same size bottle is $50 at the Dermstore where you can save 15% on your order by entering code BRONNA-R3 when you create an account, bringing the price down to $42.50.

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes — Best With Anti-Aging Benefits

Looking to streamline your skincare routine? Vichy’s dual-purpose serum smooths fine lines and fortifies lashes with each application. No wonder it earned titles like Best Multi-Use, Best Dual-Purpose, and Best Serum That Helps Skin Around Eyes.

This fragrance-free, gel-like serum comes in a 15 ml bottle that reviewers said lasts for several months because you only need a small amount. Vichy LiftActiv sells for $35 at Amazon and the Dermstore, where you can save 15% on your order by entering code BRONNA-R3 when you create an account, bringing the price down to $29.75. That’s a lot of bang for your buck.

LashFood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancing Serum — Best Natural Formula

If you have sensitive skin, consider trying LashFood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancing Serum. It’s all-natural and contains no prostaglandins, so you won’t have to worry about eye irritation or side effects. It’s no surprise editors called LashFood the Best Natural Formula, Best Natural Growth Serum, Best for Sensitive Eyes, Best Organic Formula, and Best Vegan Eyelash Growth Serum.

Since LashFood is all-natural, it may take longer to see results. As one reviewer wrote, “The longer I use this one the better the results. Excited I’ve finally found a serum that works!” A 3 ml tube costs $78 at eCosmetics and the Dermstore, where you can save 15% on your order by entering code BRONNA-R3 when you create an account, bringing the price down to $66.30.

More About Lash Serums

Ingredients To Look For

Here are some of the most important ingredients to look for in lash growth serums:

• Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They are essential for hair growth and can help to strengthen and nourish eyelashes. Some of the most common amino acids found in lash growth serums include:
  • Arginine is essential for the production of keratin, which is the main protein in hair, including eyelashes.
  • Cysteine helps to strengthen lashes and prevent breakage.
  • L-cysteine is a precursor to glutathione, which is an antioxidant that can help to protect eyelashes from damage.
• Peptides are small chains of amino acids that can stimulate hair growth, boost keratin production and lengthen the hair growth cycle. A few of the most common peptides will be listed in the ingredients as:
  • Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3: Shown to increase the length, thickness, and darkness of eyelashes.
  • Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17: Helps stimulate the growth of new eyelashes.
  • Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1: Shown to strengthen and nourish eyelashes.
• Plant extracts can contain a variety of nutrients and antioxidants that help to promote hair growth. Some of the most common plant extracts found in lash growth serums include:
  • Green tea extract contains catechins, antioxidants that can help to protect eyelashes from damage.
  • Grape seed extract contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), antioxidants that can help to strengthen lashes and prevent breakage.
  • Horsetail extract contains silica, which is a mineral essential for the growth of hair and nails.
• *Prostaglandins are “lipids with hormone-like properties” that promote and extend the anagen growth phase of eyelashes, encouraging them to grow longer. Side effects can include dryness, itching, swelling, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. Women who are pregnant should not use products that contain prostaglandins. The most common synthetic prostaglandins are listed in the ingredients as:
  • Isopropyl Cloprostenate
  • Isopropanol Phenyl-hydroxyl-pentene Dihydroxy-cyclopentyl-heptenate
  • Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide
  • Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide
• Vitamins are essential for overall health and can help promote lash growth. Some of the most common vitamins found in growth serums include:
  • Biotin, a B vitamin, is essential for hair growth. It helps to strengthen hair follicles and promote new growth.
  • Vitamin B5 helps strengthen hair and prevents lashes from breaking.
  • Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect eyelashes from damage.

Tips For Choosing & Applying A Lash Growth Serum

• Choose a growth serum that is designed specifically for eyelashes.
• Look for a variety of ingredients known to promote hair growth.
• Growth serums are generally considered safe but some people experience side effects like eye irritation, dryness, redness, and swelling. If you experience any side effects or an allergic reaction, stop using the product and consult with your doctor.
  • Start with a small tube to see how your skin reacts and do a patch test on your inner arm before using it on your eyelids.
• Apply the serum as directed, more is not always better.
• Be consistent with your application, and be patient. It can take 4-8 weeks to see results.

Other Ways To Support Lash Growth

Here’s some advice on other ways to improve the health of your eyelashes and, in turn, support longer, thicker lashes.

• Always remove your mascara — No matter how tired you are, do not leave mascara on overnight. Use a good makeup remover or cleanser to wash your face and remove your eye makeup.
• Lay off the lash extensions — Improperly applied extensions are bad for lashes, hampering retention during the telogen or resting phase. When fewer lashes fall out, eyelashes appear fuller.
• Don’t abuse your lash curler — Curling your lashes improperly can lead to damaged lashes that fall out before their time. If you’re going to use an eyelash curler, keep it clean to avoid bacterial buildup and don’t overuse it.
• Eat a healthy diet — Don’t bother with biotin supplements, there’s no conclusive evidence showing a positive impact on lash or brow growth. Focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet to cultivate healthy hair, nails and skin.

Consider A Lash Lift

While you’re using an eyelash growth serum and waiting for your lashes to fill in, a lash lift can make your lashes look longer and your eyes more open. I did it and love the way it looks.

Don’t Forget Your Brows

Don’t forget about your eyebrows. You can use lash growth serums to enhance your eyebrows but you might want to consider one that is brow-specific. Choose one of The 6 Best, Most Recommended Brow Growth Serums or a Double Duty 2-in-1 Brow & Lash Growth Serum. Once your eyebrows fill in, make sure you keep them groomed with my Tips, Tricks & Tools For Creating Better-Looking Brows.

With regular use and patience, one of these growth serums will have you batting your lashes in no time. Please let me know which one worked best for you.

All prices are accurate and items in stock, except where noted otherwise, at time of publication.