Eyelash serum and how it works
Eyelash serum is a popular product used to enhance the look and feel of your eyelashes. While some people use the serum to repair damaged lashes, others like the extra length, volume and conditioning that serum can provide for their lashes.
There are many different eyelash serum products on the market, both prescription and over-the-counter, all of which are designed to condition the lashes and provide extra hydration.
Regardless of your purpose for enhanced lashes, it is important to recognize and support their function: protecting the eyes from dust, debris and other particles that can enter the eye and cause harm.
Do lash serums actually work?
Lash serums provide conditioning and hydration to eyelashes, and some even enhance lash growth. It’s important to review your expectations before selecting a product, as it may provide different results than you are hoping for.
Eyelash serums that may promote growth include:
Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum
LASHFOOD Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancing Serum
vegaLash Volumizing Serum
So, which eyelash serum is the best? Results can vary from person to person. Also, not all eyelash serums are meant to promote growth. Some that do provide growth enhancement may outperform competitor products, so keep this in mind when you try a new serum.
Some of these products (and other similar ones) are available over the counter, but products such as Latisse require a prescription because of the ingredients and usage. Talk to your eye doctor about eyelash serum products if you have questions or concerns, or if you’d like more information about prescription-only serums.
Who might need to use an eyelash serum?
Many people use eyelash serum and other cosmetic products to enhance their look with conditioned, full eyelashes.
On the other hand, some people opt for eyelash serum because they suffer from weak or damaged lashes that may be caused by:
Aging
Hormonal imbalances
Menopause
Irritation or allergy to a cosmetic
Harsh application or removal of eye makeup
Leaving eye makeup on for extended periods of time
People can also lose eyelashes due to an underlying medical condition, such as:
Blepharitis — Inflammation of the eyelid caused by bacteria
Alopecia — An autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss and can affect eyelashes
Thyroid disorders — Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair and eyelash loss
Trichotillomania — A psychological condition that causes people to pull out their hair or eyelashes
Hypotrichosis — A rare condition that prevents hair from growing on the head, eyebrows or eyelashes
SEE RELATED: Do eyelashes grow back?
Is eyelash serum bad for your eyes?
Eyelash serum is generally safe for most people, but some products may cause irritation. This can include:
Over-the-counter cosmetic products do not require FDA approval or review, which is something to be aware of as you use them.
Stop using any lash serums that cause you to experience mild, moderate or severe irritation, and report any serious side effects or vision problems to your eye doctor immediately.
Alternatives to eyelash serum
Eyelash serum is not always labeled as “eyelash serum.” Related products are sometimes marketed as “eyelash stimulators” or “eyelash conditioners.” The ingredients often include vitamins, natural extracts and proprietary peptides.
Other types of eyelash enhancements include:
False eyelashes
Since over-the-counter cosmetics don’t require FDA approval, the effectiveness of these products may not be guaranteed. Doing some personal research on specific lash enhancement products is recommended before you make a purchase, especially if you have any sensitivities to cosmetics.
Talk with your eye doctor if you have concerns about the health or quality of your eyelashes, and don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment for any other eye-related concerns.
READ NEXT: Are magnetic eyelashes safe to use on your eyes?
Why you need an eyelash serum (and the best lash growth serums that actually work). Nazish, Noma. Forbes. December 2020.
Why are my eyelashes falling out? American Academy of Ophthalmology. February 2021.
Definition of hypotrichosis. National Cancer Institute. Accessed August 2021.
Management of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes: Focus on bimatoprost. Dove Medical Press. April 2013.
Page published on Wednesday, August 18, 2021
