If you want long, thick eyelashes but don’t want to invest in lash extensions, you’ve probably looked into eyelash serums. These so-called magic eyelash growth serums can be found almost anywhere, including Sephora, Target, or any drugstore. But the claims on these products seem almost too good to be true. Do they actually make your eyelashes grow faster than normal? We’ve done all the research for you, so keep reading to find out.
How do Eyelashes Grow?
First off, let’s talk about the process of eyelash growth. According to experts, here are three main phases: atagen, catagen, and telogen.
This first phase of eyelash growth is considered the most active period. Your eyelashes actually grow the most in this 4-6 week stage. Once those 4-6 weeks are over, your lashes move into the catagen phase, which is when your eyelashes are the longest they will be and growth is naturally stunted. Your hair follicles also begin to shrink in this phase, which lasts 3-4 weeks. Lastly, your lashes go into the telogen phase, where they have a “resting period” and can fall out within about 100 days.
As you can see, understanding the way your eyelash growth occurs is very important when formulating a serum that claims to add length to your lashes. If we’re being honest, most eyelash growth serums don’t actually work due to the lack of beneficial ingredients. We’re gonna take a look at the most popular ingredients found in lash serums and tell you if they actually work or not.
Biotin for Lash Growth- Does it Work?
If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ve probably heard of the ingredient biotin. It is marketed in many hair, skin, and nail supplements claiming to add strength and accelerate growth. But is this ingredient actually effective? The short answer is no. Despite all the social media hype, experts say that the effectiveness of this ingredient is no more than an urban myth at this point.
So why doesn’t biotin do the things companies claim it does? Experts say that biotin supplements are actually rarely absorbed into the body. So unless your body has a pretty extreme biotin deficiency, you won’t see any results in your eyelashes when using this product.
Castor Oil for Lash Growth- Does it Work?
Castor oil is another ingredient that some beauty gurus swear by. They claim it makes your hair (and eyelashes!) grow back thicker, stronger, and shinier. But how much of that is actually true? Unfortunately, none of it. Although it is true that castor oil can condition your eyelashes, there is no proof that it makes them grow any stronger or thicker than normal.
One reason people may think their eyelashes are growing more with this product is because of the conditioning properties. If your lashes are well-conditioned, there’s a higher chance they won’t break off as easily. This can cause people to believe this ingredient is the magic product for eyelash growth.
Peptides, Panthenol, and Hyaluronic Acid- Do they Work for Lash Growth?
These three ingredients are among the common ones found in most eyelash growth serums. Although they can condition the lashes just like castor oil, there is no evidence that they help accelerate lash growth. They can also make your lashes appear thicker because of the coating they provide upon application. But other than that, there are no proven benefits to these products!
Are Eyelash Growth Serums Even Safe?
Because eyelash serums must be applied pretty close to the root in order to be effective, this can be cause for concern. If you accidentally get these serums in your actual eye, this can cause damage that needs to be treated right away. If your eyes ever start to burn or sting, flush them immediately with cool water.
Always follow the application instructions on the individual packaging to ensure you’re taking all the right steps to avoid irritation. If you’re at all uncomfortable or iffy with any lash serums, you can always consult a medical professional to deem if it’s safe for you to personally use or not.
Our Favorite Eyelash Growth Serums
Okay, so we’ve compiled a list of lash serums that we recommend, but keep in mind that the results may vary!
Latisse
This is actually the only FDA approved eyelash serum that is proved to grow your lashes. It has an ingredient called bimatoprost that stimulates new eyelash growth in 4-6 weeks. Sounds awesome, right? Well, the thing is, is that you actually need a prescription to have access to this product. This is because there are a few serious side effects that can occur, including redness, irritation, and eye color changing. So it’s important to have a chat with your doctor before trying this product!
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash-MD Lash Enhancing Serum
This eyelash serum is actually ophthalmologist approved, so you don’t have to worry too much about irritation! Of course, everyone is different, but chances are you won’t have any issues with this product. It’s applicator makes it super easy to use (think, brush tip liquid eyeliner) and it’s infused with hyaluronic acid to condition and moisturize your lashes.
Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For Turbo Nighttime Eyelash Treatment
This serum is a 2 in 1; you can use it on your lashes and eyebrows! Although it doesn’t claim to grow your eyelashes, it does say it enhances the fullness and density of the lashes you already have. If you use it nightly as directed, it claims that you will be able to see the desired results with your eyelashes and eyebrows.
LashFood Phyto‐Medic Eyelash Enhancer
If you’re an advocate for veganism in beauty products, but still looking for a lash serum, this one’s for you! This product is certified vegan and contains soy protein and lavender to strengthen and condition your lashes. And the ultra-fine applicator makes it super easy to apply properly.
The Lip Bar Lash Flash Strengthening Mascara
We know what you’re thinking, “Wait, this is a mascara, isn’t it?” And the answer is yes, it is! If you’re looking to condition your lashes while you’re wearing mascara, this formula contains green tea extract and castor oil. Perfect for strengthening and moisturizing your lashes while wearing your everyday makeup!
