Why eyelash serums are everywhere right now (2024)

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

With a lightweight, vegan blend of peptides, Ayurvedic plant stem cells, B vitamins and amino acids, this thickening lash serum stimulates follicles to strengthen your hairs as they grow. The result? Fuller, high-volume lashes that appear glossy and healthy in just one month, thanks to an elongated life cycle.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.