Editors Tested Lash Growth Serums For A Year. These Photos Prove They Work

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If you've looked in the mirror lately to notice that your lashes seem a little more sparse than usual, you're not alone. Sure, some folks are just born with smaller eyelashes. But when it comes to eyelash loss, the reasons are usually tied to age, autoimmunity, or excessive processing (think eyelash perms or lash extensions). "Anytime you manipulate the hair, whether it's on your head, brows, or lashes, you're compromising its natural state, and you can create inflammation or weakening that can then make it thinner—both in the short term and permanently," says Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Women's Health Advisory Board member.

Fortunately, eyelash growth serums exist, and they can be a huge help with strengthening, maintaining, and regrowing your lashes. "Eyelash growth serums are designed to stimulate follicles, encouraging the growth phase to be longer and more robust, which leads to fuller, longer lashes," says Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. With that in mind Gohara notes that if you stop using the serum, you can expect your lashes to return to their original state, so consistent use is key.

Before reading on for our top eyelash growth serums, check out some expert tips below.

There are many serums out there that promise to grow your lashes, but how do you know which ones are worth the investment? It all comes down to the formula:

Some to look out for when you're scanning ingredient labels:

Prostaglandin analogs: Your hair strands go through four stages: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. Prostaglandin analogs are meant to mimic the prostaglandins produced naturally by our body by stimulating lashes to remain in the anagen phase, or growth, phase, says Dr. Shirazi. "Any over-the-counter lash serum that significantly boosts lash growth and density is formulated with some version of this ingredient," she says. One prostaglandin analog, called bimatoprost, is available in prescription form while others, such as isopropyl cloprostenate, are available in over-the-counter products like the ones we tested. These ingredients have been associated with certain side effects in some people—irritation, redness, skin darkening—so keep that in mind if you have very sensitive skin.

Peptides: These small proteins strengthen lashes by supporting the keratin structure, something board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, says is essential for lash health. "They nourish the lash follicle, helping to minimize breakage and promote a thicker, healthier lash appearance," she explains.

Biotin: A kind of vitamin B, biotin is a protein found in your lashes. It's also a common ingredient in hair products. "Biotin strengthens the hair and helps prevent breakage which will promote stronger and healthier lashes over time," says Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

Panthenol: A form of vitamin B5, panthenol provides moisture and protects them from breakage, promoting a fuller look overall, says Dr. Gratch.

Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient is considered a humectant, meaning it locks in moisture to keep lashes hydrated and reduce breakage. "By keeping the lashes soft and moisturized, hyaluronic acid can help prevent them from becoming brittle and falling out prematurely," says Dr. Shirazi.

Women’s Health editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert consulted two dermatologists for their recommendations for the best eyelash growth serums. Then, several editors, including contributor Emily Abbate and Women's Health beauty director Brian Underwood put them to the test on their own lashes to narrow down the best options for a variety of needs and preferences.

Here are the best eyelash growth serums according to dermatologists and tested by Women's Health editors.

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RevitaLash® Cosmetics ADVANCED Eyelash Conditioner

nordstrom.com

$59.00

This takes our top spot for a few reasons. Not only is it effective (just look at the below before and after photos), the price point is a happy medium between the other two picks on our list. And Unlike Rodan & Fields, it can be used any time during the day and only takes two to three minutes to dry. It contains biotin and prostaglandin analogs to strengthen, improve flexibility, moisturize, and stimulate new growth. "I was just as satisfied with RevitaLash—if not more—than the Rodan & Fields," says Abbate. "The tube lasted me about six months, just as advertised on the bottle, and with RevitaLash, I found that my lashes got a little more of a natural curl than with other serums."

Because this product contains prostaglandin analogs, it may cause side effects like the ones mentioned above, but this formula is paraben-free, gluten-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free, making it fairly well-tolerated.

Read more: Best Eyebrow Growth Serums

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R + F Lash Boost

rodanandfields.com

$153.00

This serum is designed to be used only at night and contains ingredients like keratin, biotin, hyaluronic acid, prostaglandin analogs (isopropyl cloprostenate), and panthenol to condition lashes. The result? A fuller, more voluminous appearance. This also means your lashes will be more durable and less likely to break or shed.

While Abbate isn't the biggest fan of the price, she notes that it's cheaper and longer lasting than getting lash extensions. "I noticed results after about four weeks–mostly that my lashes were both longer and fuller," says Abbate. "I’d say within six weeks or so, other people started noticing, too." One other thing to note: The formula contains almond extract, which may cause allergic reactions in people with nut allergies.

Underwood agrees: "This is, by far, my favorite lash growth serum—and I've tried about four of them total," he says. "The first time I tried it, it took about two months for me to really notice a difference. By month three, I was hanging out with a friend I hadn't seen in a while and he asked me what was different about me—he was talking about my lashes! They were longer and thicker and when I curled them, it was like—WOW. I've used it ever since and that was about three years ago."

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GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum

amazon.com

$36.00

Unlike other top-rated lash products, this one from Grande Cosmetics is only $36, making it one of the more affordable options. It's recommended by Dr. Gratch thanks to the key ingredients that promote the appearance of longer, thicker lashes. "Peptides help strengthen lash fibers, which is great for those who frequently wear makeup on the eyes or eyelash extensions," he says. "Amino acids like L-arginine can also improve the length and thickness of the lashes overtime."

A few other green flag ingredients it contains include hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and prostaglandin analogs (isopropyl cloprostenate). While most users see clear results in 12 weeks, others start to notice changes as early as three to four weeks.

Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology.

Noah Gratch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.

Mona Gohara, MD, is a Women's Health Advisory Board member and board-certified dermatologist based in New York.

You will notice results by using any of the three picks on this list, but all three of our experts agree that FDA-approved prescription option—Latisse—will most likely be the most effective and give you the most dramatic result. That said, if you're unsure if eyelash growth serums are safe for you or if you wear contacts, check in with your doctor before starting a new product.

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