16 Best Eyelash Growth Serums For Long Lashes In 2023

By Tish Weinstock

Tired of lacklustre lashes? It's time to invest in an eyelash growth serum. Loved by celebrities and make-up artists alike, these special treatments are designed to nourish your lashes from root to tip, resulting in thicker, fuller and longer eyelashes.

While it might be tempting to write eyelash serums off as just another fad, there are formulas out there that really work. Indeed, whether you’re an extension addict or someone with naturally sparse eyelashes, these special lash treatments can totally transform your lashes.

"Our eyelashes go through a cycle of around three months," says Nima Pourian, founder of cult brand UKLash. "During the growth stage, our cells divide quickly to create new hair growth; in the transition phase the hair stops growing and detaches itself from the body's blood supply, and in the final resting stage the fully formed hairs stay rooted, whilst new hairs begin to grow underneath them."

Packed with a healthy dose of vitamins, lipids, peptides and other nutrients, eyelash serums work at every level, from strengthening and nourishing existing hairs during the resting phase to promoting growth in the growth phase, and reducing fall out in the fall out phase. "Our serums can be used by anyone looking to achieve longer, fuller and healthier-looking eyelashes," says Pourian. "They can even be used by those who have gone through chemotherapy, to encourage regrowth afterwards. We have had some incredible stories from customers who have been able to grow their lashes back after losing them during chemo."

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As with anything you put on or near your eyes, always read the label. Eyelash serums are made using natural ingredients, which, in theory, should be totally safe. They’re also designed to be hypoallergenic, which means they won't cause a reaction. "It is very rare that someone would have a reaction," confirms Pourian. "If you’re worried, do a patch test first and/or speak with a medical practitioner, particularly if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have any other medical conditions. If you experience any irritation, redness or itchiness around your eyes after application, stop using the product immediately and consult a specialist."

Read more: A Comprehensive Guide To The Best Vitamin C Serum

In theory, yes. But as with any beauty product, it's never good to overuse. Most lash brands advise using the serum once a day for 12 weeks in order to achieve full results, after which you can move into maintenance mode, where you apply two to three times a week. "It's not necessary to use every day after achieving full results," says Pourian. "It could also lead to quicker lash fall." In fact, Pourian advises leaving your lashes to rest a few weeks to let them go through their natural lash cycle after which you can start reusing again a couple of times per week to give lashes a boost.

It sounds misleading, but eyelash serums aren't actually used on the actual lash, but rather it's applied to your eyelids like an eyeliner, which is why it's perfectly ok to wear mascara after you apply your serum. "If using additional beauty products or make-up, it is advisable to apply the lash serum first," says Pourian. "Let the serum dry for a few seconds and then apply other products on top, as some products like oil-based products can block the serum from penetrating and absorbing properly, which can lead to less good results."

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By Hannah Coates and Tish Weinstock

While applying in the morning is perfectly safe and effective, most brands advise waiting til the evening, after cleansing the skin of dirt and make-up.

With so many choices out there, it can be hard to know which serum is right for you. It depends on ingredients and formulation. First, work out which ingredients suit your skin and try a few out. Another thing to take into account is price and what you want to get out of your serum whether that is conditioning or strengthening.

Below, Vogue rounds up the best eyelash growth serums for every need.

What we love about it: Harnessing the power of the brand's signature TFC8 Complex, this new lash serum from Augustinus Bader delivers a the ultimate dose of potent nutrient for fuller, thicker, healthier lashes.

What we love about it: Combining 11 key actives, including zinc chloride and camellia sinensis, with a powerful peptide complex, The Ordinary's innovative lash serum strengthens lashes from the root up.

What we love about it: Powered by protein-rich keratin and conditioning agents, this affordable lash serum creates fuller, thicker and darker looking lashes in eight weeks.

What we love about it: Get you a serum that can do both. Not only does this powerful formula condition and fortify lashes, it also works to smooth fine lines and wrinkles in the surrounding eye area.

What we love it: Made from 98 per cent all-natural-ingredients – clover flower extract, castor oil and glycerin, to name a few – this is a deeply-nourishing eyelash serum. It's also entirely fragrance, SLS and parabens-free, making it the perfect washbag add-on for anyone with sensitive skin.

What we love about it: Boosted with the hexatein 1 complex, a blend that is made up of six high-grade ingredients – peptides, biotin, amino acids, panthenol, soybean oil and pumpkin seed extract – this particular serum scored high in clinical trials where 88 per cent of testers noted an overall improvement after treatment. What's more, 86 per cent reported that their lashes looked thicker, stronger and longer.

What we love about it: This serum contains some of the same ingredients as the ones on the pricier side, delivering noticeable results after several weeks of use. If you think otherwise, UKlash offer 100 day money back guarantee.

What we love about it: Tried and tested – as the name gives away – this lash serums packs a punch of potent ingredients, carefully chosen to protect lashes after cleansing off mascara. 81 per cent of testers reported a fuller lash appearance after 60 days of testing. The best part? It comes in under £15. Bargain.

What we love about it: One of the most advanced in the market, Elizabeth Arden's lash and brow serum comes with a flurry of vitamin A, C and E, a triple peptide complex and lash conditioners to leave you with healthy and well-nurtured lashes (and brows). Plus, it's free of any colour or fragrance.

What we love about it: With its BioPeptin complex and green tea rich in antioxidants, RevitaLash enhances hair growth and thicker lashes whilst also protecting the hair from environmental damage.

What we love about it: This serum contains a well-rounded list of nourishing ingredients, featuring ginseng root to hyaluronic, vitamin E and peptides and is best used at night.

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What we love about it: Easily applied with a mascara wand, Mylee‘s lash serum is loaded with a cocktail of appearance-enhancing ingredients such as biotin and peptides, which increase the length of your lashes by supporting the microcirculation and stimulating growth. It also contains laminaria extract to increase density, pelvetia canaliculata extract to support hydration and apigenina to, again, endorse microcirculation for longer, fuller lashes.

What we love about it: After 15 years of research, the labs of Shiseido finally found an ingredient that stimulates hair growth, worthy of featuring in the brand's lash serum. The secret weapon? The Zizphus Jujube fruit. And clinical trials proved the success of the quest for the perfect formula: 80 per cent of users reported visibly longer and denser lashes after a four month trial.

What we love about it: This vegan eyelash serum is enriched with vitamins B5 and B7 to enhance eyelash growth and to strengthen brittle, weaker areas, making them appear thicker and more nourished than before after continuous use.

What we love about it: To be applied twice daily, this serum has taken beauty lovers's hearts by storm, leaving them with noticeably longer and thicker lashes, courtesy of a potent blend of amino acids and vitamins.