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Back in the day (like five years ago), if you were born with long lashes, you wore mascara, and if you were born with short lashes you wore mascara and no one knew the difference. Thanks to the blessing and curse that is the makeup-free selfie, the best serums for eyelash growth have become a hot topic. But how many of us can say with certainty that we know just how the heck these miracle formulas work and whether they actually can grow your eyelashes?
Unless your hand is confidently sticking straight up in the air, admit it: You're just as mystified by them, aren't you?
Well, let's get to the bottom of eyelash serums by starting with effective ingredients — the only reason any beauty product is worth a penny of our money or a second of our time. Whether you have lash goals, brow goals, or both, dermatologists say that the best formulas contain peptides. These peptides can add fullness to brows and lashes, while castor oil and Vitamin E are sometimes added to strengthen hair follicles and prevent hairs from shedding as fast.
Which leads us to an important possibility: The results you're noticing from continued use of a growth serum could either be the effect of stagnant hair shedding or more hair growth in your lashes and brows. Either way, if these top-rated eye lash growth serums work, does it even matter?
1
A Cult-Favorite Korean Serum That Fans Say Delivers Real Results
Etude House My Lash Serum, $6, Amazon
This Korean lash serum, which can be worn alone or under mascara, contains aloe vera leaf extract and ginseng root and has become something of a cult favorite among beauty lovers. It's natural to be skeptical, but a great many reviewers swear that, after using this serum for one month, it has made their lashes thicker, longer, and fuller.
2
Pure Organic Castor Oil Without Any Bells Or Whistles
Pure Castor Oil, $12, Amazon
Sure, you'll need to purchase separate mascara wands and get your DIY hat on, but fans of this organic pure castor oil, which is cold pressed, say it's all you need to help lashes and brows grow. Rich in vitamin E and boasting antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, this multitasking formula (which comes with a convenient dropper) can be used to make hair and skin masks, as well.
3
A Non-Sticky Formula With Vitamin B & Plant Stem Cells
Organyc Eyelash & Eyebrow Growth Serum, $35, Amazon
Formulated with a blend of hair strengthening ingredients like B Vitamins and stem cells from purple grapes, this eyelash and eyebrow growth serum stands apart because many reviewers say it amps up sparse lashes in about 6-8 weeks. It comes with a thin applicator and the product can be applied directly to your lash line (bonus points: reviewers say it isn't sticky).
4
A Serum Filled With Peptides & Hyaluronic Acid
Optimized Eyelash And Eyebrow Growth Serum, $24, Amazon
Remember those peptides we were talking about? This eyelash and brow growth serum is chockfull of them — and the brand has performed studies that show lash length and density growth by as much as 27 percent in two weeks and 70 percent in 38 days.
But what do reviewers have to say about this formula, which also contains plumping hyaluronic acid? Many say they can see a difference in their lashes and brows after two weeks and that the growth of baby hairs is proof that this serum can work.
5
Castor Oil Treatment With Omega-6 & Vitamin E
Majestic Pure Eyelash Serum Castor Oil, $13, Amazon
It's an affordable, no-frills eyelash growth solution: This cold-pressed castor oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which promote stronger and healthier hair. But it's also mindful of the tools you'll need and comes with a glass dropper, five eyeliner applicators, and five eyebrow wand applicators.
6
A Hypoallergenic Serum With Botanicals That Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes
Hairgenics Lavish Lash Eyelash And Brow Serum, $30, Amazon
Applying serum to your lashes, particularly if you have sensitive eyes and skin, can be a daunting task. This hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested eyelash and brow serum will ease your worries — and it's nice to know it's rich in botanicals. Many reviewers say it actually delivers thicker, richer, and longer lashes, without some of the side effects that have been reported with other serums.
7
A Nighttime Eyelash Treatment With Peptides & Proven Clinical Results
Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Turbo Nighttime Eyelash Treatment, $59, Amazon
Packed with peptides and formulated without parabens or sulfates, this ophthalmologist-tested eyelash growth serum was created to targeted all three stages of the hair growth cycle so that your lashes become thicker, stronger, and lengthier. If you live for scientific studies, the outcome of testing this product is pretty impressive: in a four week study on four participants, 96 percent reported fuller lashes, and 93 percent reported both thicker and longer lashes. Apply it every night on clean lashes/eyelids before bed.
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