Don't Waste Money on Ineffective Eyelash Serums—Experts Say These 9 Provide Extension-Level Results
Let the compliments roll in.
My lashes (with mascara) after using Talika's Lipocils Expert Eyelash Serum
I recently noticed that my eyelashes aren't what they used to be. It all started when my iPhone presented me with a Featured Photo from my camera roll. It was a picture I had taken five years ago. I did a double-take when I saw how lush, full, and fluttery my lashes were. After practically running to the nearest mirror, I confirmed my lashes were shorter, thinner, and duller than they used to be.
Needless to say, I was bummed—especially because I'm such a big fan of the no-mascara trend. (The situation felt particularly dire with no lash-lengthening mascara to hide behind.) The worst part? I wasn't sure what to blame it on. Wearing hard-to-remove waterproof mascara? Hormonal issues? Turning 30? Who knows. The only thing I knew (with 100% certainty) was that it was time to invest in an eyelash serum.
I knew I wanted an over-the-counter option. As effective as Latisse may be, I wanted to go the nonprescription route. I also wanted something that I knew would work, as I wasn't willing to waste my precious time and money on an ineffective formula. So, as any good beauty editor would do, I conducted extensive research. I scoured the internet, dissected ratings, read customer reviews, and reached out to experts. Now, I have a list of eyelash serums that are unrivaled at providing extension-level results, and I'm sharing it with you. Thank me later.
The Top 5 Picks
- Best Overall: Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
- Best Affordable: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
- Best Editor Favorite: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash MD Lash Enhancing Serum
- Best Celeb Favorite: RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum
- Best High-Tech: JTAV Clinical Skincare Eyelash Enhancing Serum
The Best Eyelash Serums of 2026
Best Overall: RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
Dean Vistnes, MD, FACS, is SkinSpirit's medical director and co-founder. He says RevitaLash works similarly to Latisse. (In other words, it's incredibly effective.) It even features an added component that creates a curl in the lash growth pattern. Translation? It transforms stick-straight lashes like mine into curled and lifted lashes.
There is one thing to note. RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner contains a prostaglandin analog. Prostaglandin is a hormone-like substance that helps lengthen and thicken lashes. Some people prefer to avoid this ingredient in their lash serums; others don't. Jump to the bottom of this article to learn more about this controversial ingredient from two top dermatologists.
Pros: Encourages lash growth, conditions lashes, creates a natural curl in lash growth pattern
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "I've tried many eyelash serums, and RevitaLash is the best. Not only do I see a huge difference in my lash length, but the application is so easy. Unlike other serums that require a new brush each time, RevitaLash is similar to a liquid eyeliner applicator. Super convenient."
Key Ingredients: | BioPeptin Complex |
Prostaglandin Analogues: | Yes |
Application Frequency: | 1x per day |
Size: | 2 ml |
Best Affordable: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
The Ordinary is known for affordable yet effective beauty products, and this lash serum is no exception. It's enriched with four peptides to make lashes grow thicker and longer in as little as four weeks. You can also use it on your brows, which makes the affordable price stretch even further.
Pros: Encourages lash growth, conditions lashes, is affordable, and can also be used on brows
Cons: Results may be subtler than other formulas.
Customer Review: "I wasn't confident that this eyelash and eyebrow growth product would actually make mine grow, but I was impressed with the results after almost 4 weeks of use. My lashes are longer and, most importantly, stronger. I love that it has no side effects on my eyes and that it's very effective. I would definitely buy it again."
Key Ingredients: | Peptides, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, zinc chloride |
Prostaglandin Analogues: | No |
Application Frequency: | 2x per day |
Size: | 0.16 oz |
Best Editor Favorite: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash MD Lash Enhancing Serum
Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, lists this lash serum as one of the most well-loved and effective formulas on the market, and Who What Wear editors agree. Beauty Director Erin Jahns highly recommends it, and Editor in Chief Kat Collings used it to get long, fluttery lashes before her wedding. (Check out her epic before and after pictures.) It's also a favorite of celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross of SkinLab. "I consistently see sustained and noticeable results on clients using GrandeLash MD," he says. "It contains just the right amount of active ingredients to see visible and sustainable results. In addition, this specific brand has a low occurrence of irritation. Some of the hero ingredients include amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, which are known to improve the keratin in the hair follicle of the lash while not being irritating."
Pros: Encourages lash growth, conditions lashes, boosts keratin in the hair follicle to support growth
Cons: None
Customer Review: "Holy grail omgggg. I accidentally ripped all my eyelashes out in an extension incident, used this, and my lashes were completely back after three weeks. Kept using it and my lashes literally look like falsies with no issues!"
Key Ingredients: | Isopropyl Cloprostenate, radish root ferment, hyaluronic acid |
Prostaglandin Analogues: | Yes |
Application Frequency: | 1x per day for 90 days |
Size: | 2 ml |
Best Celeb-Favorite: RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum
Sydney Sweeney is a fan of this eyelash serum, previously stating that her eyelashes "started growing like crazy" after she started using it. It's also popular on Instagram and TikTok for its lash-lengthening powers. It's all thanks to an efficient formula that's chock-full of polypeptides, biotin, amino acids, soybean oil, and pumpkin-seed extract.
Pros: Encourages lash growth, conditions lashes, compatible with lash extensions
Cons: None.
Customer Review: "I have used RapidLash for a while and have found that it works for me, giving me the appearance that I actually have lashes, and that's a good thing. It is NOT instantaneous, but you will be able to see the difference in just a few weeks."
Key Ingredients: | Polypeptides, biotin, amino acids, soybean oil, pumpkin seed extract, isopropyl cloprostenate |
Prostaglandin Analogues: | Yes |
Application Frequency: | 1x per day |
Size: | 0.1 oz |
Best High-Tech: JTAV Clinical Skincare Eyelash Enhancing Serum
Joie Tavernise is the medical aesthetician and founder of Manhattan's JTAV Clinical Skincare clinic. She created this high-tech serum. "I developed it because I wanted a product that I could trust would deliver real results. What's even better is that it has not been associated with darkening of the eyes, color changes, or periorbital hollowing, which are some issues that have been noted as side effects of lash serums. JTAV Clinical Skincare Eyelash Enhancing Serum is formulated with powerhouse phyto-peptides and vitamins to support the structure of the follicle. It is also compatible with eye makeup and eyelash extensions, so you don't have to worry about it interfering with your lash routine."
Pros: Encourages lash growth, supports hair follicle structure, compatible with lash extensions
Cons: Expensive
Key Ingredients: | Sodium hyaluronate, aloe, matricaria flower extract, clover flower extract, silk amino acids |
Prostaglandin Analogues: | No |
Application Frequency: | 1x per day |
Size: | 0.17 oz |
Best Strengthening: NeuLash Lash Enhancing Serum
NeuLash's serum is formulated with sodium hyaluronate for hydration, softness, elasticity, and shine. There are also amino acids, peptides, biotin, panthenol, and pumpkin-seed extracts to promote strength and nourish the lashes.
Pros: Encourages lash growth, conditions lashes
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "This is the most effective product that I ever had. [After] about one month, my eyelashes [were] enhanced a lot."
Key Ingredients: | Sodium hyaluronate, amino acids, bioengineered peptides, biotin, isopropyl cloprostenate |
Prostaglandin Analogues: | Yes |
Application Frequency: | 1x per day |
Size: | 0.1 oz |
Best Multi-Purpose: Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty Platinum Long Lash Serum
Dr. Lara Devgan's Platinum Long Lash Serum is a best seller for a reason. With ingredients like vitamin B5, phyto-peptides, and clover-flower extract, it extends the eyelash life cycle for more growth capability. It even does double duty as a brow serum.
Pros: Encourages lash growth, conditions lashes, extends the lash life cycle, and can also be used on brows
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "I had short, broken eyelashes from using false eyelashes every day of the week. I started using this product, and after a month and a half, I could see the density and length start to come through. I suggest everyone give this product a shot."
Key Ingredients: | Phyto-peptides, provitamin B5, clover flower extract |
Prostaglandin Analogues: | No |
Application Frequency: | 1x per day |
Size: | 0.17 oz |
Best Plant-Based Formula: Vegamour Gro Volumizing Lash Serum
Both Gratch and Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC, recommend this eyelash serum. "Made with plant-based phytoactives and formulated without hormone and endocrine disruptors, this eyelash serum promotes visibly thicker, fuller, and longer lashes." Customers appreciate its plant-based formula, spiked with red clover and mung bean to prevent hair loss, while amino acid peptides regenerate the hair follicles to kick them into lash-growing gear.
Pros: Encourages lash growth, conditions lashes, plant-based formula
Cons: None
Customer Review: "Ok, while I have always had pretty long, curled up lashes, they have always been pretty sparse. The volume that this gave me is insane. I have grown so many lashes, they look so full and filled in. And yes, of course, the length is even longer."
Key Ingredients: | Red clover, mung bean, amino acid peptide |
Prostaglandin Analogues: | No |
Application Frequency: | 1x or 2x per day |
Size: | 0.1 oz |
Best for Sensitive Eyes: LashFood PhytoMedic Eyelash Enhancer
LashFood's formula is 99.49% natural. Its organic ingredients, including aloe, soy protein, arginine, and ginseng root extract, nourish and condition lashes while jump-starting the follicles for bigger, better growth.
Pros: Encourages lash growth, conditions lashes, natural formula with organic ingredients, non-irritating
Cons: Results may be subtler than other formulas.
Customer Review: "This is the second time I have ordered this product. It does not burn my eyes, is easy to use, and keeps my lashes lush and long."
Key Ingredients: | Aloe, soy protein, arginine, Panax ginseng root extract |
Prostaglandin Analogues: | No |
Application Frequency: | 1x per day |
Size: | 0.1 oz |
Are Eyelash Serums Safe?
A lot of people use eyelash serums, but are they safe? It turns out the answer is yes. "Lash serums are generally safe for use. However, some sensitive-eye consumers may experience redness or irritation depending on sensitivity to certain ingredients and depending on the lash serum," Ross says.
The real issue for most eyelash serum users is whether or not prostaglandins are safe to use. Prostaglandins are ingredients originally used in glaucoma medications. Camp says they work by acting "on the eyelash growth cycle to keep it in the growing phase." Gratch says, "They’re super effective at promoting lash growth, but they can come with side effects like eye irritation, redness, or even changes in eye color or skin darkening around the eyes. That’s why some people prefer to avoid them. Personally, I think it depends on your comfort level and how sensitive your skin is. If you’re okay with the risk and want fast results, they work. But if you’re more cautious or have sensitive eyes, I’d go with a prostaglandin-free formula."
It's a personal preference whether you choose to use a lash serum that contains prostaglandins or not. When it comes down to it, Camp says, "Most OTC eyelash serums are safe," but you should still "consider doing a test spot if you have a history of sensitive or eczema-prone skin."
What to Look For in an Eyelash Serum
"When choosing an eyelash serum, I look for ingredients that support healthy, fuller lashes like peptides, biotin, and panthenol," Gratch says. "These help condition and strengthen your lashes over time. I also check for formulas that are ophthalmologist-tested, especially if you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts."
It's worth noting that prostaglandins often do, in fact, make eyelash growth serums more effective. "The ingredients most proven to help lashes grow are prostaglandin analogs like bimatoprost and other similar molecules," says Vistnes.
How to Apply Eyelash Serums
Start with a clean eye and lash area. Next, apply a thin layer of the eyelash serum directly on or close to the lash line (depending on whether it has a wand or brush applicator). Tavernise recommends starting at the inner corner and moving out toward the outer lash line. Give it enough time to dry (about five to 10 minutes) before applying any other product, and make sure you're following the manufacturer's directions on how often you should be using the product.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
It's all about consistency if you want the serums to actually work. "Lash serums do not work overnight," Camp says. "Most people will notice improvement in lash length, fullness, or density after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent, daily use."
Gratch agrees, saying, "It definitely takes some patience! Most people start to notice results around four to six weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks for full results. Consistency is key; you have to stick with it and apply it daily to really see a difference."
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our curated lists based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best eyelash serums, we consulted five experts, including two top dermatologists. We also leaned heavily on original testing and our knowledge as beauty experts. Last, we considered several important factors, such as formula, price point, and noticeability of results. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to call out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
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