We've all seen enough “before and after” pictures online to make us wonder whether eyelash growth serums are indeed worth the hype. The short answer is: yes, they are. These growth-boosting formulations have the ability to drastically transform even the most damaged and brittle lashes in a matter of a few weeks – to the point where everyone will be quizzing you on whether you're wearing false lashes or eyelash extensions.
However, not all eyelash serums are made equal, and not every formula will give you the same boost of length, volume and flutter that you'd expect. In fact, some may not only prove less effective but can also result in issues like irritation, stinging and itching.
So, how exactly do you go about picking the right one? That's where we come in. As experienced beauty editors with years of product testing experience, we've curated a definitive roundup of the very best eyelash growth serums, having consulted with industry experts and tested said formulas first-hand.
From cruelty-free, budget-friendly, dermatologist and ophthalmologist-approved formulas to those that have been specially formulated for sensitive eyes, we've made sure to include something that works for everyone. Here's everything you need to know.
The best early Black Friday deals — at a glance:
- Glow For It Lash Growth Serum, Beauty Bay — WAS £30, NOW £22.50
- RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Serum, LookFantastic — WAS £99, NOW £79.20
- Hairburst Lash and Brow Serum, LookFantastic — WAS £36.50, NOW £27.38
Best eyelash serums at a glance:
- Best eyelash serum overall: RevitaLash Advanced Lash Serum
- Best conditioning eyelash serum: Uklash Eyelash Serum
- Best affordable eyelash serum: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
- Best eyelash serum for quick results: GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum
- Best eyelash growth serum for length: RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum
Firework content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Meet the experts:
- Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLashCosmetics.
- Nima Pourian, founder of Uklash.
Your eyelash growth serum questions, answered:
Tester: Chelsea Hughes; Over the 6 weeks period
RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
How do eyelash serums work?
"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. “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.”
According to Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLashCosmetics, 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," she shares.
“They protect the health of the hair with free-radical fighting antioxidants and they enhance the overall beauty of the lashes for healthier lashes.” "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," Claire explains.
What causes damage to our natural lashes?
- Even the best mascaras and eyeliners can make our lashes dry and brittle, making them more prone to breakage.
- Vigorous makeup removal can also exponentially increase the amount of lashes we shed each evening.
- Eyelash curlers can place stress at the base of our lashes, prising them out early.
- Long-wearing and waterproof mascaras sometimes require intensive removal process that leaves our skin raw and our eyelashes totally frazzled.
- Then there's the issue of false eyelashes and lash extensions, which can create damage to our hair follicles by overloading and putting too much weight on the lashes.
- Meanwhile, wearing sleep masks can cause friction and tug at lashes, encouraging them to shed prematurely, as well as bad habits like rubbing your eye area at the end of a long day (even though it feels so good).
Are eyelash serums worth it?
We have around 200-300 lashes on each eyelid, but we lose roughly four lashes a day. Then, it takes about three months for these full lashes to grow to their original length, before they shed and the whole growth cycle starts again. But in our efforts t to bless ourselves with long lashes (on average, they reach about 1cm in length), we’re constantly putting our peepers under undue stress – meaning the process takes longer.
The ultimate secret to long and naturally thick lashes largely lies in genetics, but achieving long, fluttery lashes is also perfectly doable through consistent and regular use of eyelash growth serums. And before you say it: no, eyelash serums aren't only meant for sparse and thinner lashes. Let's put it this way: even if you're naturally blessed with thicker and longer hair, you would still use conditioner, hair oils and hair masks to nurture it, right? Well, the same concept applies to your lashes.
How long does it take to notice the results?
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 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.”
Which eyelash growth serum is the best?
RevitaLash is a brand behind one of the most popular eyelash enhancers to date. This hair serum has been praised by the likes of Meghan Markle, largely due to its ability to target hair growth by simultaneously defending against environmental damage with antioxidant-packed green tea and the BioPeptin complex.
Our former Senior Visual Editor, Chelsea Hughes, reviewed the RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner over the course of six weeks, and this is what she had to say: “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. The improvement is phe-nom-en-al!” Now, if this doesn't convince you, we don't know what else will. Other brands that are definitely worth considering include Uklash, Augustinus Bader, Elizabeth Arden, Maybelline, Lancome and Olaplex, to name a few.
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.”
How do eyelash serums work?
"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. “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.”
According to Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLashCosmetics, 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," she shares.
“They protect the health of the hair with free-radical fighting antioxidants and they enhance the overall beauty of the lashes for healthier lashes.” "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," Claire explains.
How we tested eyelash growth serums
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team – alongside our freelance writers – have tested hundreds of eyelash serums from a variety of brands, ranging in terms of price, ingredients and packaging. We've made sure to assess whether of not the formulas resulted in any irritation or stinging as well as its efficacy and how quick it has helped us achieve optimal results (find out how we test here).
For more makeup and skincare content from Glamour UK Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Read our edit of the best eyelash serums to nourish and strengthen your lashes properly…
RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
Tester: Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.
Best eyelash serum overall
Why we love it: A gentle yet mighty formula that's developed by physicians and comes clinically approved by both ophthalmologists and dermatologists. It contains a biopeptin complex packed with biotin, green tea, peptides and lipids, which work together to help strengthen lashes and stimulate healthy hair growth. Plus, this bestselling lash growth serum is also packed with plenty of natural ingredients, including plant and flower extracts, as well as vitamins and antioxidants. And did we mention it's also hypoallergenic, oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free and suitable for sensitive skin? One swipe along the lash line each evening is all it takes to achieve the lashes of your dreams in a matter of weeks.
Key ingredients: BioPeptin Complex, ginseng and Swertia Japonica extracts, saw palmetto, amino acids and vitamin B.
Review: “I started to see the difference after 3-4 weeks of use, so much so that everyone around the office started asking whether I was wearing eyelash extensions. I didn't notice any irritation whatsoever, and the results speak for themselves,” – Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.
Uklash Eyelash Serum
Tester: Neamh Randall, GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor.
Best volume-boosting eyelash growth serum
Why we love it: Fortified by nutrient-rich ingredients that stimulate keratin growth such as grape seed extract, swertia japonica extract, pentapeptide-17 and vitamin B7, this viral eyelash serum is bound to deliver fuller and longer lashes quickly and effectively. It lengthens and strengthens your lashes at the same time and is even suitable for wearers of both false lashes and eyelash extensions. It's also reasonably affordable when it comes to lash serums, which is always a big plus in our book. One of the best lash conditioners around.
Key ingredients: Biotin Peptide, vitamin B5, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 and green tea extract.
Review: “The Uklash eyelash serum truly deserves all the hype it gets. It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin and the redness is minimal. It only took me a couple weeks of use to start notice improvement and by week 8, the results were undeniable. All that for under £40? Yes, please.” – Neamh Randall, GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor.
GRANDE Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum
Tester: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Best eyelash serum for quick results
Why we love it: Looking to achieve naturally longer and thicker lashes? Say no more. Powered by a blend of amino acids, prostaglandin, peptides and hyaluronic acid, this moisturising eyelash serum will give you what you want and then some. And although it's certainly an investment, the good news is that it's frequently on sale on Amazon for a fraction of the price. Suitable for people who wear contact lenses and promises visible results in just 4-6 weeks.
Key ingredients: L-Proline, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, panthenol, glycerin and aloe barbadensis leaf juice.
Review: “I've used the GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum for just under 4 weeks, and judging by the impressive results, this might just be one of the most effective eyelash growth serums I've tried. Not to mention, I've started noticing the results after just 2 full weeks of use, which definitely scores extra points in my book," – Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum
Tester: Fiona Ward, GLAMOUR's Acting Website Director.
Best eyelash growth serum for length
Why we love it: Proven to improve the appearance of your lashes and boost their natural length as well as volume, this high-quality eyelash enhancing serum is enriched with Hexatein 1 Complex, a special cocktail that combines six high-grade ingredients: peptides, biotin, amino acids, panthenol, soybean oil and pumpkin seed extract.
Key ingredients: Hexatein 1 Complex, amino acids, pumpkin seed extract, biotin and panthenol.
Review: “I'm always on the lookout for a quality lash serum, and this iteration from RapidLash is definitely one of my favourite formulas. I was first intrigued by its affordable price, but what impressed me most was the boost of length that I noticed after 5 weeks of use, which worked amazingly alongside my go-to mascaras,” – Fiona Ward, GLAMOUR's Acting Website Director.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
Tester: Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
Best affordable eyelash growth serum
Why we love it: When it comes to affordable yet reliable beauty products, not many do it better than The Ordinary. This water-based eyelash and eyebrow serum is suitable for all skin types and has a lightweight, non-greasy formula that nurtures both the hairs and skin. It comes with 11 different active ingredients, including arginine, four peptide complexes and a whole set of natural extracts to give your lashes and brows the boost they deserve.
Key ingredients: Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 and caffeine.
Review: “I'm a firm believer that quality beauty products shouldn't always come with a premium price tag, and this eyelash serum from The Ordinary is proof. I've been trialling this formula for over 6 weeks now, and I'm already seeing some promising results, having noticed a sizeable improvement to the length of my lashes as well as volume,” – Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
Save money on this eyelash serum with these LookFantastic discount codes.
