Eyelash growth serums really can have magical effects. Yes, you can rely on a great volumising mascara, but that will only get you so far. You need an efficacious serum to take your natural hairs from stubby to sky-high.
Many come with bold claims; they promise towering, fuller lashes within a matter of a few weeks. Some, truthfully, are a fad, but if you find the right formula and are willing to spend more than a fiver, there are a trusted handful that the Cosmo beauty team won’t go without.
Top eyelash growth serums
Scandinavian Biolabs Eyelash Growth Serum
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How do we test lash serums?
To bring you the very best eyelash growth serums, I've examined ingredients, ease of application and the results of each and every tube. Of course, everyone will have a different growth journey, but the ones that made it into my edit delivered impressive improvements to the length, density and condition of the lashes when used regularly.
They're also easy to use and apply directly onto the lash line without spilling onto the surrounding skin – and if you're sensitive prone, you'll find this especially important. Price point plays a role too. I'm a big believer that if you want to see results, you have to spend more than a fiver. But, to cover all bases, I've included some budget players that do a damn good job too.
So, if you're looking to ditch the falsies and are in search of eyebrow-skimming lashes, take a scroll below. The UKLash serum has remained a loyal must-have (oh, and fyi, the UKLash hair growth serum is now a thing) and while it may be spenny, I can testify that Revitalash genuinely works.
The best eyelash growth serums our beauty team rely on
Pros
- Results? Just look at the before and after pics
- Ophthalmologist, dermatologist and trichologist approved
- Money-back guarantee
- Thin wand for easy application
- Fragrance-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Can we get a bigger tube, pls?
UKLash's serum has been a fan-favourite for years, and the incredible before and after transformation pics prove why.
Its impressive formula is cocktailed with a bunch of high-grade ingredients – like pentapeptide-17 and vitamin B7 – to encourage growth by stimulating keratin (protein) production, which is already present in your lashes.
Plus, if you aren’t convinced, you can get a 100-day money-back guarantee. It’s a win-win really.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Thin wand makes easy application
- Affordable
- Contains a complex of ingredients, like biotin and peptides, to strengthen and lengthen lashes
Cons
- Takes consistent use to see a noticeable result
RapidLash is one of the most affordable and effective eyelash growth serums on the market.
Apply the clear serum to your upper lash line once or twice a day (morning and night) for eyebrow-skimming lashes. You can also stock up on an eyebrow version (RapidBrow) which is just as effective.
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Pros
- Thin wand makes easy application
- Contains biotin, peptides and panthenol for speedy results
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Sometime hard to get your hands on (it's just too popular)
- Expensive if you don't have a Pie membership
- Wand not equipped for brow application
Members price: £19.50
Trust us when we say that Beauty Pie's Lash Fuel serum is always out of stock, so get your fill now if you want brow-skimming lashes.
What's the secret sauce? It's all about peptides, which are chains of amino acids that make up proteins in the hair structure. When you feed your lashes with this serum, the peptides will stimulate quicker and stronger growth, resulting in enviously dense and fluffy lashes.
Stay loyal to it and you may see results in as little as two weeks.
Pros
- Super speedy (and amazing) results
- Easy application thanks to the thin wand
- Comes in multiple tube sizes
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- £££
This one needs little introduction: Revitalash was created by an ophthalmologist who wanted to help his wife's confidence after she lost her lashes to cancer.
It uses a cocktail of peptides (the building blocks of protein) and antioxidant botanicals to stimulate hair growth and density, while protecting your lashes from environmental damage.
You can also grab the serum in 2ml, 3ml and 3.5ml tubes which is a pretty handy feature.
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Pros
- Affordable
- Thin wand for easy application
- Fragrance-free
- Takes two weeks to see results
Cons
- Some reviewers noticed it caused redness to begin with, so we'd recommend a patch test
If your 'For You' page looks anything like ours, you would have spotted this pink tube making many appearances. Glow For It's Lash Growth Serum has developed quite the hype, with TikTokers raving about how the formula has improved the length and strength of their lashes.
Naturally, we had to test it for ourselves and we can confirm that the hype is warranted. In just two weeks we saw a noticeable difference in the density of lashes (we're waiting on length). Plus, it uses natural ingredients, like pumpkin seed extract, ginseng and calamus root, to stimulate hair follicles.
Pros
- Nourishing ingredients, like castor and jojoba oil, to help growth
- Formula feels lightweight on the lashes
Cons
- Some may not like the mascara-style wand
- Not suitable to use with lash extensions (contains oils)
- Contains a fragrance, which some may not like
Blink Brow Bar may be your go-to for microblading or a lash lift but know that the London-based salon also has some stellar products to use in your home.
The Luscious Lash Oil is described by the brand as a "health shot for the lashes". Rather than prostaglandin it calls on a unique and plant-based oil blend to condition the lashes and stimulate growth – there's castor oil, jojoba, apricot kernel and rosemary, just to name a few.
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Pros
- Thin brush for precise application
- Contains vitamins and hyaluronic acid to nourish
- Peptides and keratin promote growth
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Takes some time to see a difference
Sweed’s clever serum is boosted with nourishing and growth-stimulating ingredients to encourage fuller, longer lashes.
Bolstered by vitamins and hyaluronic acid, the lightweight formula feeds your lashes with hydration while strengthening brittle hairs. Alongside added peptides, the serum aids keratin growth to result in silky, longer lashes.
I also appreciate the super-slim brush to ensure that the product is only applied directly onto the lash line, and not the surrounding skin.
Pros
- Affordable
- Contains amino acids and provitamin B5 to strengthen, nourish and promote growth
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Mascara-style wand makes application fiddly
- Takes consistent use to see results
If you’re scraping the sides of your expensive tube and need one to keep you going till payday, here’s one I'd recommend.
The Lash Sensational Boosting Serum is enriched with arginine (a form of amino acid) and provitamin B5 to strengthen and improve density.
After a few months of consistent use, it helps to give your lashes a fuller-looking effect but, side note, it doesn’t shine as brightly in the lengthening department.
Also, one thing to be aware of, it comes with a mascara-style wand rather than a brush, which you may love or hate. However, with a price tag that’s cheaper than a takeaway pizza, how can you complain?
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Pros
- Results can be seen in as little as two weeks
- Thin wand for application
- Milky formula feels nourishing on the eyelashes
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- £££
This pick isn’t something you’d casually pick up at the checkout while shopping for a new mascara.
It’s an investment for those who are serious about the length and long-term health of their lashes – because when I say it works, it works.
If I can’t believe it myself, the number of times I’ve had people ask if I’m wearing falsies proves it. It’s hard to part with the cash but, if you want to ditch the lash extensions for good, it’s the best way forward.
Pros
- Super-fine wand for easy application
- Money-back guarantee
- Large ml size compared to others
Cons
- The formula isn't allergen-free: it contains vanillyl butyl ether and eucalyptus oil which may cause irritation
Scandinavian Biolabs' Eyelash Growth Serum is the perfect fit for the sensitive souls out there. The formula is crafted with scientists and medical doctors to ensure that each ingredient is as safe as it is effective.
Dedicate a daily swipe along your lash line and over time you'll notice thicker lash hairs sprout. And just to show how confident the brand is in this serum, you can get a full refund after 150 days if you don't see the results you're after (although we bet you will).
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Pros
- Contains Olaplex’s proprietary bond-building technology to promote lash strength and density
- Contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, to promote nourishment
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Large tube
Cons
- Takes consistent use to see results
- Not specified whether it contains fragrance
If you’re an Olaplex girlie, you’ll be thrilled to know that the brand also has a lash serum – and this is like no other I've tried.
Like your hair needing a healthy scalp to grow from, the same rule applies to your lashes. If your barrier is compromised (think: mascara wiggling and excessive scrubbing) it’ll prevent long lash growth.
Lashbond uses the brand’s bond-building technology to support the skin around your lash line, as well as peptides to stimulate growth. It's a quick worker too, with results showing after a few weeks.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy application
- Lightweight formula that doesn't overwhelm the lashes
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Takes consistent use to see results
The Ordinary is famed for its ingredient-led formulas that genuinely do bits. So, nothing is different with its lash serum – and at a budget-friendly price which we could all do with right now.
While the results won’t be as transformative as costly alternatives, with loyal use it’s a great middle ground if you’re wanting to boost the overall health of your lashes.
Use twice daily and the peptide complex helps to stimulate denser, fuller lashes.
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How do eyelash serums work?
There are so many factors that can contribute to lash loss. Tugging too hard with makeup remover is a main culprit, curlers can put stress on your lashes and even something as innocent as an eye mask can rub and cause brittle and weak lashes. Not to mention falsies and extensions – that's a different story.
Luckily, a top-quality lash serum with a nutrient-packed formula can recondition lashes and stimulate faster growth. So, what's the secret?
It all started with prostaglandin – a lipid-based ingredient used to treat glaucoma that was later discovered to have lash-lengthening benefits. But if you’re looking for a formula that contains high levels of prostaglandin, you won’t have much luck as earlier formulas were subject to controversy for causing low-risk side effects (think: redness and pigmentation).
So, as you may have guessed, most serums are now fortified with a much weaker prostaglandin base – or an alternative active – so that even the most sensitive can get on with them. Peptides and proteins also feature heavily, working to stimulate growth and encourage dense, dark lashes.
While every product on the market will have been tested heavily, and many are dermatologically and ophthalmologist tested too, it's important to read the instructions and follow them fully as some serums may suggest a patch test.
How should I use an eyelash serum?
All lash serums have a fine brush or felt-tip style applicator to localise the product on your lash line, without it seeping into your eye or surrounding skin. This way, the serum will directly feed your lash follicles to boost them to their max potential. So, all in all, if you pick a reputable brand and do a patch test (it's always wise to) you're good to go.