Advertising Sponsored by the sellers of Lash24® and Lunar Lash.
2024’s Must-Have Lash Serums for Longer, Fuller-Looking Lashes
Your Guide to Choosing an Effective Lash Serum
Every glance can be a statement of beauty and confidence thanks to the transformative power of long, full eyelashes. And while falsies, extensions, and heavy mascara may look great in the moment, imagine having stunning natural lashes that are all your own.
Thanks to recent scientific breakthroughs, eyelash serums offer a genuine solution for naturally longer, fuller-looking lashes. However, the market is filled with underperforming products promising instant lash enhancement. In this article, we'll guide you on how to select an effective lash serum.
Benefits of a Quality Lash Serum
Eyelash serums often contain ingredients like biotin, peptides, and other holistic extracts to support and boost lashes.
Research has shown that peptides can significantly impact lash length and density by enhancing production of keratin, a key protein in lash health. Here's what to expect when using an effective lash serum.
Lash Serum Journey: What to Expect
Month One
You might start seeing subtle changes in your lash length and volume. It's important to manage expectations though: dramatic transformations in just one month are often overstated. Real, noticeable results take time.
Month Two
As the serum continues to nourish your lash cycle, you may notice improvements in the appearance of your natural lashes. As an added bonus, your reliance on constant mascara may decrease since your natural lashes are looking longer and thicker.
Month Three
This is often the milestone where the most significant changes are visible. Many users report seeing a striking difference in their lashes around this time. For the best results, we recommend consistently using a quality lash serum for at least three months to fully appreciate its benefits.
But here’s the catch: the beauty industry is rife with lofty promises — and lash serums are no exception. So, here's our breakdown of the essential ingredients to keep an eye out for.
Key Ingredients in a High-Quality Lash Serum
Peptides for a fuller look
These are special chains of amino acids designed to make your lashes look longer and fuller. Not all peptides are equal, though. We're fans of Acetyl Tetrapeptide (Capixyl™) and Biotinoyl Tripeptide (WideLash™), both of which have been shown in studies to be effective in enhancing lash appearance.
Red Clover Extract to lengthen
This plant extract is more than just a volumizing botanical; it's a scientifically supported booster for your lashes. When used along with peptides, it helps your lashes look not only longer but also thicker.
Hydrolyzed Keratin for strength
Keratin is a key protein that keeps your lashes strong and thick. Hydrolyzed keratin is a smaller, more absorbable form of this protein, making it perfect for topical application. It penetrates your lashes to reinforce their natural strength and thickness.
B Vitamins for nourishment
B vitamins like Biotin and Panthenol are essential for supporting natural lashes. They work to nourish your lashes at their roots, boosting their length and health.
Plant Stem Cells for density
Stem cells play a crucial role in determining the thickness and length of our lashes. Research has shown that introducing stem cells to hair follicles may visibly enhance hair density and length.
Watch Out For
Parabens
Commonly found in various beauty products, parabens can irritate the skin and potentially disrupt hormone functions when used in large quantities. This can lead to various side effects in some people. Beware, some lash serums containing parabens might not clearly state this on their labels. To be safe, actively seek out lash serums that are explicitly labeled as "paraben-free" to avoid these potential irritants.
Prostaglandin Analogs
While they can deliver results, these hormone-like chemicals can sometimes have harsh side effects in some people, such as rashes, pain, and even changes in eye and skin color, which might be permanent. Despite this, some popular lash serums still use derivatives such as "Isopropyl cloprostenate." These derivatives are largely recognized as safe, but it’s worth consulting with a physician if you have reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I apply a lash serum?
Most lash serums are recommended for daily use, typically applied once or twice a day depending on the brand's instructions. For the best results, incorporate the serum into your regular beauty routine, either in the morning or evening, as directed by the product.
How long does it take to see results from a lash serum?
Noticeable results from lash serums can vary depending on the product and individual. Generally, it may take several weeks to a few months of consistent use to see a significant change. It's important to follow the product instructions and use it regularly to achieve the best results.
Are lash serums safe to use with eyelash extensions or false lashes?
Some lash serums can be safely used with eyelash extensions or false lashes, but it's important to choose a serum that is specifically designed to be compatible with them. Avoid oil-based serums, as they can weaken the glue used for eyelash extensions. Always read the product instructions and consult with a lash technician if unsure.
Now that you know what to look for and avoid in your lash serum, it’s time to shop. Check out our Brilliant recommendations below, including our very own serums: Hair La Vie’s Lash24® and Tru Alchemy’s Lunar Lash.
2024’s Must-Have Lash Serums
What We Like:
Room To Improve:
Final Thoughts
Product Specs
What We Like:
Room To Improve:
Final Thoughts
Product Specs
What We Like:
Room To Improve:
Final Thoughts
Product Specs
What We Like:
Room To Improve:
Final Thoughts
Product Specs
What We Like:
Room To Improve:
Final Thoughts
Product Specs
How We Choose Products
Like you, we’re picky about products — and serious about quality.
Whether we’re featuring an award-winning product from one of our five beauty and wellness brands — or somebody else’s — a Brilliant recommendation doesn’t see the light of day until it has been medically reviewed for accuracy and has fulfilled our Brilliant Criteria.
At Brilliant, we’re not afraid to highlight and celebrate other brands who are doing things right.
Brilliant Criteria
We take great care in handpicking high-quality products to feature on Brilliant. Here’s how we choose them:
- Research-Based Ingredients: We dig deep into the latest research and look for products that contain science-based ingredients for optimal impact.
- Pure, Holistic Formulas: We prioritize products that contain clean, wholesome ingredients shown to be effective. A product should only contain what it needs and nothing else — period.
- Brand Credibility: Each product on our list is produced by a company with trusted credibility. We've also verified that each brand adheres to labeling requirements set forth under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
- Value: We evaluate products based on industry averages and price per serving or application. We also consider quantity and return policy.
Why Trust Us?
As veteran leaders in the wellness space with an award-winning brand portfolio of 100+ health and beauty products, we are committed to honesty and transparency, providing unbiased insights into the benefits and limitations of the information and products we evaluate — including our own. Every Brilliant Buying Guide is thoroughly vetted for medical accuracy prior to publication.
With our discerning selection process, you can feel confident that the products we recommend meet the highest benchmarks of quality, transparency, and efficacy. If we wouldn’t use a product ourselves, it’s not Brilliant.
Citations
- Alvin G, Chernykh V, Chan M (2020) Peptides: A Novel Approach to Enhance Eyelash and Eyebrow Growth. J Dermatolog Clin Res 8(2): 1137
- Sachdev, M., Velugotla, K., Revanker, S., & Somasekhar, G. (2020). The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 13(2), 61-66. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158911/
- Lucas Meyer Cosmetics. (2017). In Capixyl Technical File. [pp. 2-11, 49-59]. Lucas Meyer Cosmetics.
Sign up for expert articlestrending newsproduct recs
Brilliant insights and expertise delivered straight to your inbox.