9 best eyelash growth serums 2026, tried and tested
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The best eyelash growth serums are one of those beauty categories I didn’t fully buy into until I tried one myself. I used to have pretty good lashes, but after years of lash extensions, lash lifts and, yes, a very committed clumpy mascara phase, my natural ones were left looking noticeably shorter, weaker and, to put it politely, a little battered.
Before my wedding, “how to grow your lashes” was one of my most Googled phrases. I’d already seen how well a hair growth serum was working for me, so when eyelash growth serums kept coming up, I was all in. I’d tested lash serums in the past, but I’d never really committed to using one properly long-term - and that, I’ve learned, is the whole point. Patience really is key. After about three months of using UKLASH’s Sensitive Lash Growth Serum, I started noticing a real change. My lashes looked thicker, healthier and noticeably longer. Fast-forward to now, and I regularly get asked if I’m wearing extensions.
- Meet the experts
- How I tested eyelash growth serums:
- Why you can trust me:
- What is the best eyelash serum that actually works?
- Do eyelash serums really work?
- How do lash growth serums work?
- How long do lash growth serums take to work?
- Do eyelash serums have any side effects?
- What happens if you stop using an eyelash growth serum?
According to Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLash Cosmetics, “Eyelash serums are similar to a hair conditioner: they hydrate the hair with conditioning ingredients for shine and flexibility, to prevent brittleness and breakage, and they strengthen the hair with ingredients rich in vitamins and strengthening peptides.” Honestly, that made a lot of sense to me, especially once I started seeing the difference for myself. So whether you’re still in research mode or ready to try an eyelash serum for yourself, here’s everything you need to know, including the Glamour team’s tried-and-tested favourites with real-life results.
How I tested eyelash growth serums:
For this piece, I knew I couldn’t test every lash serum on my own lashes – if I did, the results would completely blur into each other. So after doing my research and speaking to lash experts and dermatologists, I called in nine of the most-talked-about lash serums for the wider Glamour team to trial over three months. That meant we could test them properly across different skin tones, skin types and lash types, and get a much clearer picture of what actually worked.
As well as tracking visible results, we also paid close attention to how each formula felt to use day to day. Did it cause any sensitivity? Any stinging, redness or irritation around the eyes? Did it actually make lashes look better with consistent use? Bringing in the wider team meant we could properly assess which formulas delivered, which ones felt comfortable to wear and which were worth the patience they require.You can read all about how we test at Glamour here.
Why you can trust me:
I've been a beauty journalist for six years now – five at The Mirror and the past year at Glamour – and finding the very best products that actually work has always been my aim. I used to have thick, long lashes - that was before I pretty much ruined them with heavy eyelash extensions (yep I went through the Russian lash phase IYKYK).
Before my wedding, I was determined to grow my hair and my lashes in time for my big day – so gave myself around 6-7 months to fully commit to an eyelash serum. After plenty of research – and making sure I picked one that was prostaglandin-free – I landed on UKLASH's Sensitive Lash Growth Serum, and am still using it to this day.
One thing about lash serums is you need to be consistent for them to actually work – they won't magically change your lashes overnight, but after around three to four months you should start noticing changes in thickness, health and growth. When it comes to lash serums, ingredients I look out for include peptides to lengthen, biotin and panthenol (vitamin B5) for strengthening, and moisturising agents like hyaluronic acid or castor oil. Look for nutrient-rich botanicals for conditioning, while avoiding prostaglandin analogs if you have sensitive eyes. The products which contain prostaglandin have been noted in the ‘pros & cons’ section of the descriptions.
Ahead, the best eyelash growth serums for 2026, reviewed by the Glamour team.
FAQs
What is the best eyelash serum that actually works?
Total honesty: it's a toss-up between the two. RevitaLash is a brand behind one of the most popular eyelash enhancers on the market – the RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Serum – largely due to its ability to target hair growth whilst defending against environmental damage. It has an antioxidant-packed green tea and the BioPeptin complex, and has genuinely delivered on results when tested by multiple members of the Glamour team.
Our former Senior Visual Editor, Chelsea Hughes, gave the product a particularly glowing review after testing it over the course of six weeks.
“To sum this product up; I’ve had numerous friends and family physically inspect my lashes to check whether or not I’m lying about them being real," she said. "The improvement is phe-nom-en-al!”
Our runner-up? The UKLASH Lash Growth Serum. It's a vegan, cruelty-free formula (not all lash serums are), which is formulated to give healthier, thicker, fuller, longer lashes. It's enriched with an amino acid peptide known for stimulating keratin growth, as well as vitamin B5 for hydration and green tea extract to keep the skin around your eyes calm. It’s also free from parabens and oils; making it safe to use with lash extensions and contact lenses.
Do eyelash serums really work?
In a nutshell: yes, they help support each hair follicle's growth cycle by conditioning your lashes (similar how nourishing haircare products would encourage healthy regrowth). "Eyelash serums help to grow your natural lashes, making them longer and thicker after continued usage – it is a commitment, but worth it for beautiful, natural lashes," explains Nima Pourian, founder of Uklash.
How do lash growth serums work?
“Eyelash serums absorb into the lash and brow follicles to help stimulate growth, reducing fall out and enhancing the thickness of hair by strengthening roots,” shares Nima.
“They protect the health of the hair with free-radical fighting antioxidants and they enhance the overall beauty of the lashes for healthier lashes,” shares Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLash Cosmetics. "A comprehensive formula will contain a blend of ingredients like conditioners, vitamins, antioxidants and peptides to have a multi-faceted approach to beautifying the lashes and keeping them strong and healthier-looking," she explains.
How long do lash growth serums take to work?
According to Claire, results usually differ depending on the individual, however, the growth is often noticeable after six weeks of regular, daily use. "We conducted an independent consumer study with 63 participants. After six weeks of daily directed use, 98% reported improved lash appearance, 98% reported healthier-looking lashes, and 98% reported stronger lashes."
Meanwhile, Nima shared that the growth also depends on the stage of “your lash growth cycle.” "Our eyelashes and brows go through a cycle of around three months (12 weeks). This includes a growth phase (Anagen), a transition phase (Catagen) and a resting phase (Telogen)," Nima elaborates. “This is why Eyelash & Eyebrow growth serums are advised to be used once per day for 8-12 weeks to achieve best results - the same amount of time as a full growth cycle.”
Do eyelash serums have any side effects?
"Aside from the positive benefits, some users can experience redness or irritation, particularly if they are excessively using," says Larsen.
Similar to many other beauty products with active ingredients, it's always better to tread carefully and do a patch test to observe how your skin reacts to your chosen eyelash serum. “It is very rare that someone would have a reaction, but the eyes can be sensitive so always best to check first," says Pourian. “It is also important to follow instructions correctly and not to overuse the serum.”
You could also look for dedicated options for sensitive eyes, like the Revitalash Advanced Sensitive Eyelash Conditioner, and keep a beady eye for ‘ophthalmologist-developed/tested’.
What happens if you stop using an eyelash growth serum?
According to experts, you shouldn't stop or use your eyelash growth serum on and off, particularly if you're noticing results.
“You may gradually lose the benefits gained during its use. Typically, lashes return to their natural growth cycle, which can decrease their length and volume,” says Lauren Hogsden, makeup artist and brow expert at Benefit.
So, while your lashes may not go back to the same brittle and weak state as before, they might become less prominent – so if you're looking to maintain your results, keep using your eyelash serum. Our top tip? Pop it on your vanity next to your evening skincare, or next to your toothbrush, so you can't not see it.
Meet the experts:
- Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLash Cosmetics.
- Nima Pourian, founder of UKLASH.
- Lauren Hogsden, brow expert and senior makeup artist at Benefit.












