Eyelash growth serums are nothing new – but a host of fresh start-ups are now reinvigorating the category, bringing our attention back to the often remarkable results of these growth-boosting serums.
Indeed, a quick Google image search brings up a series of unbelievable before-and-afters, with users claiming these smart lash serums have doubled, even tripled, the length of their natural lashes with a few weeks of diligent use. So, how exactly do they work – and can the best growth serum really lead you to ditch the mascara?
How do lash serums work?
In short, eyelash serums work by supporting the hairs in their growth phase, encouraging them to grow longer, and with darker pigment. Most serums today are based around peptides: short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Considering your lashes are comprised of around 80 per cent keratin protein, it’s easy to see how a topical top-up can support fuller growth.
Many of the best lash serums also contain a supporting cast of nutrients and vitamins to condition the lashes. Biotin, which helps the body to metabolise protein, is a common addition, as is moisturising panthenol.
Are lash serums really effective?
Independent studies into the effectiveness of eyelash growth serums are sparse, however anecdotal approval is widespread. Many users report visible improvement in the density of their lash line after around four weeks of daily (or nightly) use.
Are lash serums safe?
Lash growth serums have been subject to controversy, due to the side-effects associated with early formulas. The first lash-growth serum was created using hormone-mimicking synthetic ingredients, known as prostaglandin analogues. While proven to push lashes into the growth phase, they have also became associated with side effects in some users, including pigmentation around the application site and darkening of the retina.
Today, Rapidlash, Revitalash and UKLash use a low-dose form of prostaglandin analogues in their serums, supported with conditioning extracts, while other newcomers opt for alternative conditioning ingredients such as peptides and red clover extract instead.
While every lash serum on the UK market will have been rigorously tested, it’s important to employ common sense when picking up any new product. A patch test is a wise move, and always monitor your skin’s reaction to your serum closely, stopping use if you experience any redness or irritation. Here, see the ones we deem to really work.
The best lash growth serums to try now
Uklash may be a relatively new name, but its already gaining a fervent following for its star lash-growth serum (which comes in at a surprisingly petite price).
This raved-about formula contains peptides, panthenol and a green tea extract alongside prostaglandin to stimulate the follicles with speed.
If you're already a fan, there's also an equally effective brow serum, and a hair-growth formula to discover, too.
From the brand that knows hair growth best, Olaplex's lash serum contains a cocktail of promising ingredients. Instead of prostaglandin analogues, it uses peptides, red clover extract, biotin and hyaluronic acid to holistically optimise hair growth, all while looking after the delicate skin surrounding each follicle.
As it supports, rather than artificially accelerates the natural lash growth cycle, you may not see a major transformation overnight, but regular use should lead to healthier, glossier lashes.
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This wasn't an Augustinus Bader launch we were expecting to see – but, after several months of diligent of use, we can report it's a standout. The brand's eyelash and eyebrow serum is milky and nourishing, with the signature TFC8 nutrient complex alongside polyphenol-rich flower extracts that increase circulation to the follicles, encouraging keratin production and reducing shedding. If your lashes tend to feel dry and brittle, this is one to place your trust in.
The original lash growth serum, Revitalash was developed by an ophthalmologist to help his wife regain her eyelashes after completing chemotherapy. The reviews are consistently glowing, with the blend of peptides, glycerin, biotin and a prostaglandin analog working to accelerate growth and deliver darker, denser lashes.
The corresponding Revitabrow serum is similarly satisfying on sparse arches, while the newly launched Revitalash Sensitive contains slow-release, encapsulated actives, so is ideal for anyone with temperamental skin.
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Beauty Pie is coming for every single corner of our dressing table – if you were ever in doubt of how much you'd use an annual membership, know you can now pick up everything from shampoo to SPF – and indeed, your lash serum – from this one-stop shop.
This clever innovation harnesses a next-gen peptide alongside biotin and calming panthenol to support longer, darker lashes.
This vegan formula is a hormone-free lash booster that calls on red clover extract and amino acid peptides to strengthen each lash in its follicle.
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Staying true to her plant-based ethos, Susanne Kaufmann has infused this lash and brow serum with vegan peptides and follicle-stimulating botanicals. Loyal users report startlingly good results, especially when it comes to long-sparse patches along the lash line and brows.
A long-time favourite, Rapidlash contains a low dose of a prostaglandin analog alongside a patented combination of peptides, biotin, panthenol and nourishing pumpkin seed extract. The brand claims that eight weeks of daily use will deliver noticeably longer, darker and denser lashes.
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The Ordinary's predictably affordable lash serum is really more of a conditioner, but it's bound to fly off the shelves regardless. A host of deep-hydrating ingredients are bolstered by a stimulating peptide to create a lash-boosting formula clearly worth trying.
A Shiseido bestseller, this gentle lash serum uses amino acid arginine to help strengthen and support eyelashes. It's not quite as powerful as the original peptide-powered formulas, but is ideal for those with sensitive eyes, or anyone with a tight grip on their lash curler.
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This ophthalmologist-tested formula contains peptides alongside a host of nourishing and calming extracts, including aloe vera and camellia leaf. Deeply hydrating, it's a great choice for dry and brittle lashes.
Peptides meet apple stem cells in Indeed Labs' raved-about lash serum. This one comes with a felt-tip applicator for ease of use, and is boosted with humectants to hydrate lashes, helping them to grow strong.
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A two-in-one treatment, rather than a targeted eye serum, this multitasking formula from Vichy is packed with ceramides and lipids that treat both dry, fragile skin and weakened lashes.