Eyelash serums come with bold promises, but do they deliver? Achieving fluttery, full lashes is a beauty ideal, making these specialized formulas an attractive option over costly extensions or tricky falsies.
Brands like RevitaLash, endorsed by Meghan Markle, and UKLash have surged in popularity, garnering over 200 million views on TikTok and placing eyelash serums at the forefront in recent years with their viral formulas.
Focused on conditioning and strengthening lashes from root to tip, these serums are enriched with growth-promoting ingredients like peptides, proteins, and castor oil, aiming to create the look of fuller lashes.
However, unlike extensions, eyelash serums don't deliver instant results; consistent use over time is necessary to see any improvement.
Do eyelash serums really work?
The effectiveness of eyelash serums varies depending on their formulation and individual responses. According to Dr. Ophelia Veraitch, a consultant dermatologist, the key lies in the serum's ingredients. She told the Independent that oil-based serums act more like "moisturisers" for the hair shafts and do not actually promote longer or thicker eyelashes.
Alternatively, oil-based serums can improve the condition of hair shafts, giving them a healthier and shinier appearance. This can help achieve the desired look of longer and fuller lashes.
Dr. Veraitch explains that eyelash serums containing active ingredients such as latanoprost or bimatoprost are the only ones proven to effectively promote eyelash growth and thickness, but these ingredients can only be obtained with a prescription.
When can results typically be observed from using eyelash serums?
Like with any skincare product, the timeframe for seeing results can differ from one person to another. According to Claire Larsen, RevitaLash's global cosmetics master educator, the speed of results also depends on the individual's lash cycle.
"That's why occasionally you may experience a particularly good day for your lashes when more of them are in their resting phase called telogen, having reached their maximum length before shedding," she clarifies. This indicates that individual outcomes can vary widely.
Tips for using eyelash serums
Larsen emphasizes the importance of consistency when using eyelash serums. Typically, daily use is recommended for most formulas. Larsen also advises against using the serum more than once a day, as it will not necessarily lead to improved or faster results.
According to Larsen, it is recommended to apply the lash serum specifically to the upper eyelashes above the lash line, while avoiding application to the lower lashes. She also stresses the importance of starting with a clean, oil-free eye area. Allow the product to dry for a minimum of two minutes before proceeding with the next step of your morning or evening skincare routine.
On the other hand, the advanced conditioner from RevitaLash continues to be a top choice among beauty editors. Larsen explains that the goal is to condition, strengthen, and improve the appearance of your natural lashes. The ingredients in the conditioner work to protect against damaging free radicals that can weaken lashes and increase the risk of breakage, while also giving them a glossy and healthy look.