Want long, lush lashes? While a good mascara does the trick for instant results, you might consider enlisting the help of a lash growth serum for an even bigger boost.
That said, more and more brands are releasing over-the-counter formulations that claim to help lengthen lashes. Although you might not necessarily see dramatic results from these OTC serums right away, they contain nourishing ingredients that strengthen eyelash hairs over time, so they’re stronger and more resilient against breakage.
For best results, Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City, recommends looking for a formula that contains biotin, peptides, or lipids. “Biotin is a B vitamin and helps lashes grow longer and thicker and stimulates the growth of additional eyelash follicles,” she explains. “Lipids condition and moisturize the lashes, and peptides specifically act on the skin cells of lashes to create a healthier foundation and boost volume.”
What’s actually in your eyelash serum?
While there is some consistency among lash growth serum ingredients, many of the products have a laundry list of difficult to pronounce ingredients—or have proprietary formulas that are difficult to decipher.
How do eyelash growth serums claim to work?
Most eyelash serums create fullness and strengthen your lashes through a mix of topical vitamins and oils. Essentially they are making your lashes healthier, which makes them more resistant to breakage or thinning. And even though your lashes may appear to grow, it’s more of a strengthening what’s already there rather than actually growing new lashes.
Most eyelash serums suggest applying twice a day for best results after roughly two months.
Lash Conditioning Ingredients
Many eyelash serums include biotin, otherwise known as vitamin B7. While there’s no data that biotin actually helps your lashes grow thicker, when applied topically, it can help create the appearance of fullness, says Dobbs. Same goes for arginine, an amino acid commonly found on ingredient lists. Again, these “moisturizing or conditioning serums won’t grow lashes, but may strengthen and condition the hairs,” adds Dobbs. Castor oil is another ingredient you’ve likely heard of that can have conditioning benefits.
Are eyelash-growth serums safe?
If you choose to try serums to enhance the look of your lashes, you have to be careful about how you apply them. Most serum instructions say to apply the product close to the root, but you need to be careful since it can be tough to avoid getting products on your skin or in the eye. “Also, the secreter openings on the eyelids that are essential for correct tear perform will probably become clogged, thereby inflicting discomfort, styes, and infection,” Dr. Lowe says.
The easiest method to use liquid body substances is to use the enclosed applicator, beginning on the inner corner operating toward the outside. And use the hand on identical facet because the eye you’re working on, thus your read isn’t obstructed.
With any beauty treatments, it’s invariably best to envision together with your doctor to seek out out what’s ideal for you. They’ll assist you find the most effective eyelash-growth serum for you.
Though effective, it comes with some caveats. You need to faithfully apply it every night before bed, and be sure to do so right at the lash line. “Hair is dead, and applying things to the shaft’s ends won’t have any effect on growth (beyond preventing breakage),” Ko explains. It can take months to notice any results. And be forewarned: One of the side effects of bimatoprost is discoloration on the eyelids and the iris.
Important to note: For some people, these formulas may cause sensitivity or an adverse reaction—itchiness along the eyelash line is one common side effect, says Dr. Jaliman. “Some might only be able to use an eyelash growth serum a couple times a week instead of every day.”