We Tested Every Popular Eyelash Growth Serum—These 9 Actually Gave Us Stronger, Healthier Lashes

ProsUses plant extracts to strenghten lashesDoesn't leave behind discoloration on the lidsConsIt might run out quickly if you apply twice dailyWhy we love it: Eyelash serums are notoriously filled with ingredients that mimic hormones and can be pretty irritating for your eyes. But this one from Vegamour is fully clean (even by Cosmo Clean Beauty Awards standards), using peptides and plant extracts to help strengthen and nourish your lashes to make them less likely to fall out and creating an ideal environment for growth. It's also loaded with magnolia bark extract to keep irritation at bay while you use it.Features at a GlanceKey ingredientsPeptide complex, red clover extractHormone-free?YesApplication frequencyTwice dailySize0.1 fl oz.Jasmine Hyman for CosmopolitanOne Cosmo editor says: "I have noticeably more lashes than when I first started using this serum just two months ago (as seen in my photos below). I apply it every single night with just a swipe on my upper lash line, and my sensitive eyes never get red after. My lashes have officially become mascara-optional, and I 100 percent credit it to this gentle formula."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsHelps thicken lashes with amino acidsComes in multiple size tubesConsContains alcohol, which can be dryingWhy we love it: This serum uses L-proline, an amino acid, to help strengthen lashes, along with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to hydrate them. It might not necessarily make lashes grow longer, but it does make them much more voluminous and soft, and prevent from shedding and fallout. It also features both hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to help hydrate my lashes, which is great for making them look more fluffy and thick.Features at a GlanceKey ingredientsL-proline, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, isopropyl cloprostenate (prostaglandin analogue that can help thicken lashes)Hormone-free?NoApplication frequencyOnce dailySize0.067 fl ozOne Cosmo editor says: "These before-and-after photos were taken after a full year of using GrandeLASH, and the difference is undeniable. My lashes look noticeably longer, fuller, and stronger. The results truly speak for themselves. When I first started, I applied the serum to my upper lash line every night for maximum impact. Once I hit my desired length and density, I scaled back to once or twice a week for maintenance. That reduced schedule helped preserve my results while minimizing the side effects often associated with prostaglandin-based lash serums. If you’re looking for a proven growth serum with visible, long-term payoff, this one delivers."—BGAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLoved and recommended by dermatologistsHas made my lashes much stronger over two months of useConsOnly very occasionally goes on saleWhy we love it: Obagi is a trusted brand across dermatologists, aestheticians, and skincare experts. In fact, many of their facial skincare has won Cosmopolitan beauty awards in the past. But their eyelash serum is one of the brand’s best. It features a mix of biotin, hyaluronic acid, and a prostaglandin analog to help boost your lashes’ resilience so there’s less shedding and damage.One Cosmo editor says: "A dermatologist put me onto this recently after I raved about Obagi’s scalp serum, and it’s really made my lashes look fuller over the last few months.”—BGKey ingredientsHyaluronic acid, biotin, panthenolHormone free?NoApplication frequencyOnce dailySize0.10 fl ozPros2025 Holy Grail Beauty Award winnerPacked with strengthening amino acidsLargest size tube on this listWhy we love it: After two months of testing this lash serum, our Holy Grail Beauty Awards tester knew that this formula would be the clear winner. It's chock-full of amino acids, which work to strengthen your lashes, making them less likely to break off so they can potentially grow a bit longer. But there's also niacinamide, panthenol, and aloe—all of which soothe and hydrate your lashes as well as the skin around them, creating an optimal environment for healthy growth and thickening.One Cosmo editor says: “I particularly like the Dime Eyelash boost serum because it is prostaglandin-free, meaning there are fewer side effects. Application is as easy as one swipe morning and night. After 60 days, my lashes seemed thicker, fuller, and healthier with zero irritation or unwanted effects. More lash density meant that my mascara had better payoff, and even curling my lashes was easier and more impactful.”—MACKENZIE DUNN, SENIOR COMMERCE MANAGERKey ingredientsAmino acids, panthenol, niacinamide, aloe veraHormone-free?YesApplication frequencyTwice a daySize0.2 fl oz.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTesters said their lashes were more fluttery after a month of daily useConditions lashes with peptides and hyaluronic acidWhy we love it: This serum contains isopropyl cloprostenate (a synthetic prostaglandin analog) that can help lengthen the growth phase of your lashes, along with conditioners like peptides, hyaluronic acid, soybean oil, and biotin for softer and healthier lids and eyelashes. And it's frequently on sale, so win-win.One Cosmo editor says: "I was super loyal to this lash serum for the longest time. After using the formula for months on end, I noticed such a difference in my lash length (and strength!). Other serums have irritated my eyes, but this one is gentle enough to use every night before bed. I also love the corresponding brow serum to brush through my hairs whenever I use the lash version."—JHKey ingredientsPeptides, hyaluronic acid, soybean oil, biotin, isopropyl cloprostenate (prostaglandin analog)Hormone-free?NoApplication frequencyOnce dailySize0.1 fl oz.ProsUses bond-building ingredients to help strengthen lashesProstaglandin-free (!)ConsHave to apply twice a day for three months to see resultsWhy we love it: Olaplex’s eyelash serum uses a bond-building ingredient to help thicken and strengthen lashes, just like the classic Olaplex hair treatment. It helps rebuild the bonds in your lashes to make them stronger and less prone to hair fall, which inevitably makes them appear thicker over time. After lining upper lid with this serum twice a day for three months, our tester found that her lashes feel ultra-soft too.One Cosmo editor says: "This seriously made my eyelashes feel so much stronger after six months of consistent use. I'm so used to my eyelashes feeling crunchy and brittle—too many coats of mascara in my youth, lol—but this basically brought them back to life."—BGKey ingredientsBis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate (bond-building), peptides (strengthening)Hormone-free?YesApplication frequencyTwice a daySize.15 fl oz.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBiotin and peptides help promote lash strengthOur tester didn't find it irritating to her sensitive eyesConsContains a hormone analogue Why we love it: This lash serum makes even the most straight, dull, and fine lashes look more curled and darker, especiallywhen coated with mascara. It boasts a biotin-peptide complex to strengthen and promote lash growth, as well as plant extracts and hydrators like glycerin to help overall lash health.Features at a GlanceKey ingredientsBiotin-peptide complex, Cloprostenol Ethyl Amide (prostaglandin analogue), ginseng extract, glycerinHormone-free?NoApplication frequencyOnce dailySize0.068 fl ozBeth Gillette for CosmopolitanOne Cosmo editor says: "I’ve tried plenty of lash serums over the years — pretty much all the big names — and my results have been mixed. RevitaLash, though, is one of the originals and somehow one I’d never actually put to the test. Since I tend to get side effects from prostaglandin-based formulas (think puffy, irritated eyes and some lid darkening), I used it just a few times a week instead of daily. My goal was to get the strengthening benefits without the usual irritation. So far, I’m really happy with how it’s going. The difference isn’t extreme, but the gradual improvement feels healthy and maintainable."—BGAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTesters said it was a great value for their moneyMany reviews noted that it worked quicklyConsA few reviewers said it made their eyes a bit dryWhy we love it: A blend of strengthening peptides and moisturizing biotin, hyaluronic acid, and sodium PCA make this a super impressive cocktail for conditioning your lashes. Reminder: Your best bet for better-looking lashes is healthier lashes. The key here is to consistently swipe this on every night before bed to help slowly fluff things up.One Cosmo editor says: "I've been using BabeLash for years now—so much so that I turned my mom on to it and now we are both obsessed. It's also my go-to stocking stuffer. It's easy to use, doesn't irritate my eyes, and best of all: It actually works, IMO! My naturally short, sparse lashes are noticeably longer thanks to this, which makes curling and applying mascara more rewarding." —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING EDITORKey ingredientsPeptides, biotin, hyaluronic acid, sodium PCAHormone-free?NoApplication frequencyOnce a daySize0.1 fl ozProsUses max-strength ingredients to help lashes growConsHave to get a prescriptionWhy we love it: Latisse is currently the only eyelash serum FDA-approved for lash growth. It’s formulated with an active ingredient called bimatoprost, a prescription-only prostaglandin analog that helps grow your existing lashes and stimulate the growth of new hairs in four to six weeks. But keep in mind: It’s pretty strong, so make sure to discuss the potential risks—like eye irritation, eye-color change, and eyelid-darkening—with your doctor beforehand, says ophthalmologist Nicky Shah, MD.Key ingredientsBimatoprostHormone-free?NoApplication frequencyOnce a daySize0.17 fl ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowDanielle CohenOne Cosmo editor says: "I love the results of Latisse, so much so that I plan to keep the habit up for my wedding in June. My lashes are noticeably darker, thicker, and longer. They've just been more present—while my lashes previously sort of just faded into the background of my makeup, they now pop. You can see the individual lashes fan out across my lid in a really beautiful way."—DANIELLE COHEN, BEAUTY CONTRIBUTORDo eyelash serums actually work?The only eyelash serum that “works” for growth is Latisse, which is the one and only FDA-approved eyelash serum that has been proven to encourage eyelash growth. It works by enhancing the growth phase of your lashes (FYI: hair has a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase), says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gohara. What Latisse does—or, specifically, what its active ingredient called bimatoprost does—is help stretch the timeline of the growth phase, so your lashes can grow longer before they naturally fall out (the shedding phase).According to Dr. Gohara, most eyelash serums will condition and support the keratin in your lashes, kind of like a conditioner.Just note that if you’re experiencing major lash loss, you should first see your doctor to figure out what’s causing the hair loss before stocking up on a lash serum, says Dr. Gohara. Eyelash loss can be caused by a host of factors, including alopecia, medication side effects, age, and certain disorders. When in doubt, head to your dermatologist.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowIs eyelash serum safe for your eyes?For most people, eyelash serum is safe for your eyes, says ophthalmologist Nicky Shah, MD. “Eyelash serum is not going to harm your eye health if it gets into your eye,” she says, “but you can get irritation in your eyes, like stinging or redness.” In the long-term, eyelash serum likely won’t negatively impact your eye health, but it doesn’t hurt to check in with your eye doctor or dermatologist before trying some random eyelash serum that was on sale.Do lash serums have side effects?Lash serums can potentially have side effects, says Dr. Shah, especially if they contain prostaglandin analogs (a compound that mimics the hormone found naturally in our bodies that stimulates hair growth), which can possibly darken your eyelids and cause puffiness and irritation around your eyes. Dr. Shah also notes some patients have experienced darkening of their iris, as well as a “sunken” look to their eyelids over time. However both of these effects have currently only been studied with bimatoprost, the prescription-only prostaglandin analog, not an OTC formula like the rest.Luckily, Dr. Shah notes that these side effects typically go away after stopping use. All of this to say, you should consult a doctor before you start using a lash serum, especially if you have dry, sensitive eyes (i.e., you can barely put on mascara without tearing up or getting itchy eyes) or wear contact lenses, which sometimes can cause dry eyes.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowIs there anything better than Latisse?Latisse is considered the “best” eyelash-growth serum on the market, as it’s the only serum that’s FDA-approved to actually grow your lashes. It uses an active ingredient called bimatoprost, a compound derived from prostaglandin analogs (a family of fatty acids) that mimic your body’s natural hair-growth hormones. Bimatoprost—and prostaglandin analogs in general—work to extend your hair’s growth phase, meaning your lashes have more time to grow before they fall out, resulting in thicker, longer lashes.Here’s the thing: Although no other lash serum uses bimatoprost specifically, many lash serums do contain other prostaglandin analogs (like isopropyl cloprostenate, isopropanol Phenyl-hydroxyl-pentene, dihydroxy-cyclopentyl-heptenate, and dehydrolatanoprost), which are thought to help grow and thicken your lashes like bimatoprost—though research is still lacking on their exact efficacy. Still, just because they haven’t been studied doesn’t mean they aren’t effective to some extent.And if you don’t like the idea of using a lash serum with active ingredients, you can always try a conditioning formula that works to keep your lashes moisturized, healthy, and shiny. These serums are typically spiked with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and castor oil, which are all great for conditioning and creating a healthy environment for your lashes, but won’t necessarily make them longer. So if you’re looking for true eyelash growth, Latisse is your best bet, followed by an eyelash serum with prostaglandin analogs.How to choose the best eyelash serum:Figure out your eyelash goalsDo you have super-short, barely there lashes that you really want to thicken up? Consider Latisse, which is the “best” lash serum for growing thicker, longer lashes if you use it consistently for three or four months. Or you can try another eyelash growth serum with a prostaglandin analog, which is more likely to help increase lash thickness when compared to prostaglandin-free formulas.However, if you’re just looking to moisturize or strengthen dry, brittle lashes, opt for an eyelash serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and oils like castor oil and jojoba oil that will coat your lashes to make them appear thicker and denser with use (and with a lower risk of irritation).Consider the application requirements If you just know you can’t be held accountable to brush on an eyelash serum twice a day for six months, choose a serum that’s easier to incorporate consistently, like an eyelash serum primer, a lash-conditioning mascara with moisturizing peptides, or one that’s already mixed into your eye serum at night.FWIW, Dr. Shah recommends incorporating an eyelash serum for a few months to see results, then cutting back to once or twice a week to maintain the thickness. Meaning if you can tolerate lining your lash line with eyelash serum every night for three to four months, you’ll get faster results that you’ll only have to maintain afterward.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below10How We TestedCosmo editors are constantly testing eyelash growth serums to share the best options on the market to you (as well as include in our beauty awards). To compile this list, we…Narrowed down a list of dozens of eyelash serums based on brands and reviewsEditors tested every single formula to ensure they won’t irritate the eyes and are simple to useSpecified our top 10 choices based on performance (if we saw a difference in our lashes), how long the tube lasts, ingredients, ease of use, and moreRead hundreds of reviews from testers to discover common pros and cons with each formula on this listMeet the experts:Nicky Shah, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist in Brooklyn, NY. She’s the founder of skincare brand You & Eye, which features moisturizing and soothing eye and lash treatments.Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at her own practice in Hamden, CT. Dr. Gohara is an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of color.Ilyse Haberman, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist at NYU Langone Health, and an assistant professor of ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.