The Best Lash Serums
Jealous of those long, thick, sexy eyelashes? There's something so alluring about having those luxurious lashes and something equally vexing about not being able to attain them. Some of the boldest amongst us will even go as far as to don fake lashes to imitate the look. If you've been searching for a way to get your real lashes to look longer and healthier, you may have heard of lash serum. What is it? Lash serum is just what it sounds like: serum that's intended to promote the growth and healthy development of your eyelashes. Different ones are more effective than others, and many are pure hogwash. We're here to help separate the fact from the fiction. Read on to discover a few of our favorites.
What to Look For
When it comes to lash serum, we suggest focusing on the quality of the ingredients and the ease of application. Also, consider whether or not you have sensitivities or allergies — this is important because the lash serum will be so close to your eyes. We took all that into account and more while searching for our own favorites. For example, we loved Pronexa’s Hairgenics formulation, which is formulated mostly from botanical ingredients. We really like the ease of use, which makes it a great option for those who aren’t accustomed to using lash serums. We also appreciate that it can be used on the eyebrows, too. But we’re all about voting with our wallet, and we selected RevitaLash’s vegan formulation for exactly that reason. As far as cruelty-free lash serums go, it may very well be the best in the game. To learn more about these and the rest of our top picks, keep on reading.
Pronexa Hairgenics Lavish Lash
Lovely lashes
Derived primarily from botanicals, Pronexa’s Lavish Lash serum works superbly to make your lashes look thicker and longer. Over time, it has developed a reputation with those in the know for being one of the only effective serums out there. What’s more, it is cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and inexpensive to boot. On top of that, the company funded multiple studies that confirmed that this proprietary blend of compounds was not only effective, but safe, too. Oh, the best part? You can use it on your eyebrows, as well.
Pros:
- Very easy to apply
- Gentle formulation won’t irritate your eyes
- Multi-purpose: use it on your brows as well as your lashes
Cons:
- Benefits seem to plateau after a few weeks or months
Babe Lash Eyelash & Brow Enhancer
Moisture galore
There has been some debate in the cosmetics community over whether or not eyelash serums actually help your lashes grow faster and thicker, or if they simply give them the appearance of doing so. You’ll find equally convincing evidence on either side of that quarrel, and since we’re neither scientists nor cosmeticians, we’ll stay out of that argument, thank you very much. Still, what we do know is that regardless of what’s happening on a chemical level, some products seem to work better than others. Such is the case with Babe Lash’s serum. Excellent at hydrating, your lashes (and brows) are likely to appear more plump, thick, and healthy, giving your eyes the appearance of glowing, healthy radiance.
Pros:
- A little bit goes a long way
- If you’re willing to potentially deal with some discomfort when you apply it, the results can be quite noticeable
Cons:
- Not ideal for those with very sensitive eyes
RevitaLash Cosmetics Lash Enhancing Serum
A small step in the right direction
In the quest for beauty, we’re often bombarded from all sides with alluring sales copy that promises us all the lovely changes we’re bound to see in our appearance by using this product or that serum. What we’re often not told is the harm, exploitation, and secondhand abuse of animals that goes into developing certain products. When certain products are tested, they’re often tested on animals; even when they’re not, some products utilize animal byproducts in their formulations. With RevitaLash’s serum, this isn’t a concern. Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, this one touts a proprietary blend of peptides, lipids, biotin, and green tea extract that’s effective at moisturizing the lashes, protecting the follicles from damage, and improving the strength and health of each of those lovely curlicues.
Pros:
- Available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, including a gift set package
- Oil-free blend is safe for eyelash extensions
- Free of parabens, phthalates, BHT, and gluten
Cons:
- Quite costly
- Results are hit or miss: for some, this works excellently; for others, not at all
Pure Body Naturals Castor Oil Lash & Brow Growth Serum
Keep it simple
If you’ve ever looked at the long, complicated ingredient list of one of your favorite lash serums and thought, yikes — don’t worry: you’re not alone. Opting instead to utilize pure castor oil over synthetic and potentially dangerous chemicals, this product banks on the promise of the natural route to boost the health of your lashes. Rich in vitamin E, the much-lauded castor oil is the only ingredient in this formulation — a formulation, by the way, that is organic and vegan. To ensure that the oils are pure, the company creates sustainable partnerships with third-party artisan distillers, too. You might find that you’d prefer to try this more natural route before opting for the heavier hitters. We wouldn’t blame you.
Pros:
- Free of parabens, phthalates, unnatural scents, petrolatum, SL, and cruelty
- Because castor oil is rich in vitamins, lipids, and minerals, it’ll improve the health of your lashes. Even if this doesn’t make them grow faster, healthier lashes is a win
- Aside from eyelashes, castor oil can be used for a huge variety of purposes, including conditioning your hair and moisturizing your skin
Cons:
- It’s a bit inconvenient having the eyelash brush be separate from the cap. Ideally, the brush would be attached to the cap so it could sit inside the bottle when not in use
VieBeauti Premium Eyelash Growth Serum
All day every day
If you’re looking for a less expensive serum that you can use more often without feeling guilty about the cost, this isn’t a bad option. With many serums, consistency is key, so many people opt to apply their serum of choice twice a day — once in the morning, once before bed. Thing is, with those costlier options, this can seriously add up, making you hesitate and (understandably) ration your serum. If consistency’s your aim, this one fits the bill.
Pros:
- Very affordable price point
- Fine applicator tip makes it easier to apply the serum precisely
Cons:
- Not a good option for those with sensitive skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Does eye serum actually work? How?
It depends on what your aims are. Though most eye serums claim to make lashes grow faster, thicker, and stronger, there’s only one chemical that has been clinically proven to do that: bimatoprost (see below). What most serums do accomplish is provide moisture and nutrients to the existing hair so that it appears more plump, thick, and beautiful. Though this can certainly make the lashes themselves healthier, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the serums do what they claim to do.
What is bimatoprost?
Bimatoprost is a chemical used to treat certain ocular diseases like glaucoma. An interesting side effect that was discovered after its implementation in the medical field is that those who used it noticed more rapid eyelash growth. Studies have verified that bimatoprost does enhance the growth of eyelashes. In fact, it’s the only substance that’s truly demonstrated to do so in terms of clinical studies. The products on our list don’t contain bimatoprost, however. There are side effects (such as the potentially permanent darkening of the iris). Speak to your doctor before pursuing serums that contain bimatoprost.
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