The best eyelash growth serums were something I stumbled into out of necessity. As someone who wears contacts and occasionally deals with dry eyes, I’ve always found mascara a little irritating, but I still love the look of long, thick, healthy lashes that make me look more awake. (Who doesn’t?). That’s what led me on my quest. These hair-growth formulas hydrate, condition, and fortify lashes to help prevent breakage and support longer growth before they shed as part of the natural cycle, says Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist in Oakland, New Jersey. And in my experience, they really do deliver—as long as you’re patient and consistent.
To find the ones actually worth your time and money, Glamour editors tested more than a dozen of the most popular, dermatologist-recommended formulas, tracking everything from ease of use to visible results. Our top pick, RevitaLash, stood out for delivering fuller, softer lashes while being gentle enough for sensitive eyes—no prescription needed. But if you still want to consider your options, we also saw impressive results from the formulas below (many of which can also double as eyebrow serums). We found effective options for a range of concerns, whether you’re looking for thickening, help with lash loss, or formulas without prostaglandins.
Our top eyelash growth serums
- Best Overall: RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, $59
- Best Budget: Lumify Eye Illuminations Lash & Brow Serum, $28
- Best for Thickening: Vegamour Gro Lash Serum, $89
- Best for Sensitive Eyes: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash-Sensitive Peptide Lash Enhancing Serum, $48
- Best for Lash Extensions: Babe Essential Lash Serum, $71
- Best for Lengthening: Latisse Lash Serum, $159
Frequently asked questions
- Do eyelash-growth serums really work?
- Are eyelash-growth serums safe?
- What is better, Latisse or Revitalash?
- What happens to eyelashes when you stop using a lash growth serum?
- How we tested
- Meet our experts
Best Overall: RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner (3.5 ml)
Amazon
Revitalash
Nordstrom
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| What we love | Worth considering |
|---|---|
| Noticeable lash growth in short period; curling effect; long-lasting tube; gentle on sensitive eyes | Pricey |
Formulated to accommodate sensitive eyes, this beauty product was actually developed by a physician for his wife when she was undergoing cancer treatment. It has a peptide complex that strengthens and softens, and it’s the only formula on the market that also gives a built-in curl that lets you skip the curler and fake lashes and keep your natural ones softer. The product also happens to be the one that Meghan Markle swears by.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Peptides, biotin, cloprostenol ethyl amide
- Contains prostaglandin analogues: Yes
- Cost per month: $25–$43
- Use: Evvel per day
- Results: 6 weeks for visible improvement; 12 weeks for length and volume
Glamour’s commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“I’ve noticed some lash loss recently, which is why incorporating a lash serum into my routine has become non-negotiable as of late. I’m proud to report that I saw a noticeable difference in the thickness of my lashes after using this for about two weeks, quicker than some other lash products I’ve tried. The serum is thin and non-goopy, and gently soaks into skin and lashes quickly without leaving residue behind (perfect for me since I like to apply my everyday winged liner right on top). I’ve noticed that I’m dealing with much less lash loss compared to usual, and I can’t wait to keep using this for more results to come,” —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Glamour’s commerce editor Malia Griggs says:
“I’ve always been self-conscious about my short, straight lashes and spent decades experimenting with curlers, lifts, and conditioning serums. After about six weeks of using RevitaLash, my lashes were fuller and plentiful—so much so that they almost looked fake. I’ve now used it for over a year, and after the six-month mark, I found I didn’t need to apply it daily anymore. Using it just a couple of times a week has been enough to maintain my results. I still get constant compliments, and I love how much more awake my face looks even without makeup. I have really sensitive skin around my eyes, but I’ve never had irritation. And the value is unbeatable—one tube lasted me over six months, which makes it a far better deal than a monthly $100 lash lift.” —Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor
Best Budget: Lumify Eye Illuminations Lash & Brow Serum
Lumify Eye Illuminations Lash & Brow Serum (3.8 ml)
Amazon
| What we love | Worth considering |
|---|---|
| Safe for sensitive eyes; pregnancy-safe; more affordable than competitors; acts as a brow serum | Results may seem subtle versus a serum with prostaglandins |
It may surprise you, but some of the best lash-growth serums can be found at the drugstore—and Lumify is one of them. “I like this product because the nutrient-rich formula is clinically proven hypoallergenic and is formulated without prostaglandins, mineral oil, or harsh irritating ingredients,” says Jennifer Tsai, OD, a board-certified optometrist in New York City. “In as little as two weeks with daily use, lashes will not only look fuller, they’ll look healthier too.” The formula combines peptides, biotin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid to condition and reduce breakage—and it pulls double duty as an eyebrow serum.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Biotin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, peptides
- Contains prostaglandin analogues: No
- Cost per month: $27
- Use: Evvel per day
- Results: 2 weeks for visible improvement; 4 weeks for fullness and thickness
Glamour contributor Emma Stein says:
“I’ve used this almost every day right before bed for six weeks. It was easy to swipe on and I experienced no discomfort, which was my concern, as I’m prone to dry, itchy eyes. Actually, I really loved the feeling of the serum on my eyes, as if I was hydrating my lashes at the end of the day. After a month I saw a definite difference. My lashes felt longer and thicker than ever before—as did my brows, since this doubles as a brow serum.” —Emma Stein, Glamour contributor
Best for Thickening: Vegamour Gro Lash Serum
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Vegamour Gro Lash Serum (3 ml)
Amazon
Vegamour
| What we love | Worth considering |
|---|---|
| Vegan and prostaglandin-free; strengthens lashes and reduces shedding; gentle enough for sensitive eyes | Results are focused more on retention and thickness than new growth |
Both Dr. Brissette and Dr. Hilal-Campo point to this vegan formula as a strong over-the-counter contender for a conditioner that reduces shedding. “It contains peptides and mung-bean extract, which is naturally rich in selenium, a mineral believed to play an important role in healthy hair growth,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo.
Christal Alert, a cosmetics scientist and founder of Tonal Cosmetics, says she uses this product every night: “I have naturally long lashes and didn’t see much difference in length, but I did notice a difference in hair retention. As the hairs were nourished, fewer fell out. Over time the lash line was noticeably thicker, and any gaps I had before were filling in.”
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Red clover, mung bean, amino acid peptide
- Contains prostaglandin analogues: No
- Cost per month: $34
- Use: Twice per day for first two months; evvel daily after
- Results: 4 weeks for visible improvement
Glamour contributor Gabrielle Langdon says:
“Mascara can help me fake lashes, but using Vegamour’s serum felt like I was actually helping them reach their true potential. When I first started using it, I did not know how fast I would be able to recognize the growth, but it only took a few weeks. They looked as if I had taken my eyelash curler to them. What I truly admire about the serum is the fact that it’s vegan, especially when I’m using a product so close to my eyes.” —Gabrielle Langdon, Glamour contributor
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash-Sensitive Peptide Lash Enhancing Serum
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash-Sensitive Peptide Lash Enhancing Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta
Grande Cosmetics
A gentler take on Grande Cosmetics’ cult-favorite lash serum, this new formula skips prostaglandin analogues (the ingredient that can sometimes cause irritation and that is not pregnancy-safe). It relies instead on conditioning peptides, biotin, hyaluronic acid, and botanicals to strengthen and nourish lashes over time. Our tester has sensitive eyes but was impressed with how lightweight and nonirritating the formula felt, noting that it was easy to apply before bed and that her lashes looked noticeably healthier after a few weeks of use.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Peptides, biotin, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, green tea
- Contains prostaglandin analogues: No
- Cost per month: $7–$12
- Use: Twice per day until desired results; every other day after
- Results: 6 weeks for visible improvement
Glamour contributor Aisha Kassim says:
“I’ve been loving my experience with the Grande Sensitive Lash Serum. It’s harika easy to apply before bed and doesn’t irritate my eyes. I’ve already started noticing some growth after about four weeks of use and am excited to see more results. My eyes tend to be sensitive to products with strong scents or harsh ingredients, so it’s been birçok to find one that feels gentle. I tried a different serum a few months back and saw decent results, but when I stopped using it, I lost some of that growth—so I’m sticking with this one.” —Aisha Kassim, Glamour contributor
Best for Lash Extensions: Babe Essential Lash Serum
Babe Original Lash Serum
Amazon
| What we love: | Worth considering: |
|---|---|
| Easy to apply | If you experience eye irritation, the brand has a sensitive formula |
| Safe to use with extensions | |
| Lightweight |
We chose this as our best pick for lash extensions, because its oil-free, gentle formula can be used safely alongside extensions without compromising their wear. It nourishes and strengthens natural lashes while helping them stay healthy—especially important since extensions can sometimes put extra stress on the lash line.
The serum combines biotin, panthenol, amino acids, and vitamin E to condition and support lashes, keeping them soft and resilient. A precise applicator makes it easy to target the upper lash line, and testers with sensitive eyes found it lightweight and non-irritating.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Panthenol, biotin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, amino acids
- Contains prostaglandin analogues: Yes
- Cost per month:
- Use: Evvel daily
- Results: 6 weeks for overall length and fullness
Glamour contributor Earley says:
“This serum is very easy to apply and dries quickly, and it didn’t irritate my eyes, even though I suffer from dry eye as a longtime contact lens–wearer. After about a month, my lashes didn’t look dramatically longer yet, but they did look noticeably darker and healthier, which makes me hopeful about new growth.” —B.E.
Best for Lengthening: Latisse Lash Serum
Latisse Lash Serum
Ro
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| What we love | Worth considering |
|---|---|
| It’s the only FDA-approved growth serum; works quickly | Requires a prescription; not pregnancy-safe; expensive |
The big advantage for Latisse, the only FDA-approved treatment for fuller, thicker lashes, is that the results are proven. “It has side effects, but if you lost lashes due to hormonal changes or chemotherapy, or want to use it temporarily, you will see a good effect,” says Ashley Brissette, MD, MSC, a double board-certified ophthalmologist. The drawback is that you have to see a health deva provider for a prescription (although you can get one virtually on a platform like Ro or Good Rx Care).
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Bimatoprost
- Contains prostaglandin analogues: Yes
- Cost per month: $53
- Use: Evvel per day
- Results: 8 weeks for length and darkness; 16 weeks for maximum volume
Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley says:
“My contacts were giving me dry eyes, and so I was rubbing them a lot. This did a lot of damage to my evvel lush lashes, so I decided to try Latisse. I was so impressed with not only how long my lashes got, but also with how kaç and dark they became. At the suggestion of my dermatologist, I even used some of the excess product as an eyebrow-growth serum and noticed they also got darker and fuller. I will say that the bottle doesn’t always dispense an even drop, so I felt like I went through the bottle faster than it was supposed to last. One bottle lasted about three months of daily use.” —Brigitt Earley, Glamour contributor
How do the best eyelash serums compare?
| Product | Contains prostaglandins? | Use | Results | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner | Yes | Once daily | 6 weeks for visible improvement; 12 for length and volume | Overall lash growth and curling |
| Lumify Eye Illuminations | No | Once daily | 2 weeks for visible improvement; 4 for fullness and thickness | Budget |
| Vegamour Gro Lash Serum | No | Twice per day for first 2 months; evvel daily after | 4 weeks for visible improvement | Thickening |
| Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash-Sensitive Peptide Lash Enhancing Serum | No | Twice daily until desired results; every other day after | 6 weeks for visible improvement | Sensitive eyes |
| Babe Essential Lash Serum | Yes | Once daily | 6 weeks for overall length and fullness | Lengthening |
| Latisse Lash Serum | Yes | Once daily | 8 weeks for length and darkness; 16 for maximum volume | Proven lengthening and darkening |
Frequently asked questions
Do eyelash-growth serums really work?
Yes. “Lash serums can work, but their effectiveness depends on the active ingredients in the formula,” says Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City. The most effective ones include a prostaglandin analogue (PGA) called bimatoprost, an FDA-approved ingredient that extends the growth phase and effectively increases length.
“Latisse, for instance, is clinically proven to make lashes longer, darker, and thicker,” says Dr. Westbay. While it requires a prescription, there are over-the-counter options that contain lower levels of prostaglandin (RevitaLash and GrandeLash-MD are among them), though their safety and efficacy aren’t as well studied.
Other serums on the market, like Vegamour, do not contain prostaglandins. While they may be less effective at thickening and lengthening, they can still help condition, strengthen, and improve the overall health of your lashes.
The time it takes to see if your serum works depends on the active ingredients in its formula, as well as your hair-growth cycle,” says Dr. Westbay.
- For serums with prostaglandin analogues, some increased length is expected at four weeks, but full effects take 12 to 16 weeks to see. If you stop using it, your lashes will return to olağan over the following months as they shed.
- For peptide-based serums, you can expect reduced shedding in six to eight weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks to see improvement in fullness.
- For conditioning and hydrating serums, you may see an increase in health and shine in two to four weeks.
What are the key ingredients in eyelash serums?
The most common ingredients you’ll find in these products’ formulas, and what they do:
- Prostaglandin analogues (PGAs): Stimulate hair follicles to go into (and extend) their growth phase. Bimatoprost is the prescription-strength PGA in Latisse, while isopropyl cloprostenate and cloprostenol ethyl amide are PGAs found in many over-the-counter options.
- Peptides and pea proteins: They strengthen your existing lashes and may help them appear fuller and healthier, though they don’t extend the growth cycle.
- Hyaluronic acid; biotin; panthenol (vitamin B5); amino acids like arginine; castor oil; vitamin E; and other botanical oils: Hydrate and nourish to prevent breakage and increase their shine and health. While they do work, they take longer (a few months as opposed to a couple of weeks) to work their magic and may not yield as noticeable results, says Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego.
Are eyelash-growth serums safe?
Both dermatologists and ophthalmologists say these products are generally safe, though eye or skin irritation is always possible—especially with more potent formulas like Latisse, which can cause discoloration of the skin and iris. “There are some side effects to prostaglandins, with common ones like irritation, red eyes, itchy eyes, and dry eyes,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Rush Dermatology in Chicago. “More serious side effects include skin darkening, eyelid ptosis, periorbital fat atrophy, and blurred vision.” Proper and careful application is key to minimizing risk.
“Systemic effects are rare, but theoretically possible,” adds Dr. Westbay. She recommends consulting a doctor before using a serum if you have a history of prostate cancer or elevated PSA, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or are taking a DHT-blocking medication like finasteride (Propecia/Proscar) or dutasteride (Avodart). Avoid prostaglandin-containing serums if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and stop use and inform your provider if you experience any side effects.
What is better, Latisse or Revitalash?
It depends on your preferences. If your priority is dramatic, clinically-proven lash growth, Latisse’s effects are well-studied, says Dr. Brissette. It contains the FDA-approved prostaglandin analogue bimatoprost, which extends the lash growth phase to improve length, thickness, and darkness. However, it is a prescription and comes with its share of side effects, including possible changes to the color of your iris.
RevitaLash, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter serum with lower levels of prostaglandin analogues, plus peptides and conditioning ingredients. While it’s not proven to achieve the same level of growth as Latisse, Dr. Westbay says it can improve lash health, fullness, and shine, making it a gentler option for enhancing natural lashes without a prescription.
What happens to eyelashes when you stop using a lash growth serum?
Your lashes will gradually return to their natural state as part of the olağan hair-growth cycle. Prostaglandin-containing serums like Latisse can show full results after 12 to 16 weeks, but if you discontinue use, the lashes will shed over time, and length, thickness, and darkness will diminish, says Dr. Westbay.
For peptide- or conditioning-based serums, improvements in lash health, fullness, or reduced shedding can also fade evvel you stop applying the product. Continued use is required to maintain any visible results.
How we tested
I followed dermatologist recommendations to identify formulas worth evaluating. Then I sent the serums to a team of testers, who applied each product according to the instructions daily or twice daily, depending on the formula.
We focused on a few key factors during testing. For serums containing hormones (prostaglandin analogues) that promised increased lash length, we tested them for at least 12 weeks. The same 12-week en az applied to peptide-based formulas designed to reduce breakage and shedding, while hormone-free conditioning serums were tested for four weeks.
Testers carefully tracked ease of application, comfort around the eyes, lash strength and retention, overall lash appearance, and whether lashes looked thicker, fuller, or healthier over time. We also considered practical factors, such as how long each product lasted and its overall value, so we could recommend options that worked well in real life.
Meet our experts
- Ashley Brissette, MD, MSC, double board-certified ophthalmologist
- Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, board-certified ophthalmologist in Oakland, New Jersey
- Omer Ibrahim, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology
- Melanie Palm, MD, board-certified dermatologist in San Diego
- Maya Thosani, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona
- Jennifer Tsai, OD, board-certified optometrist in New York City
- Rachel Westbay, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City
