10 Eyelash Growth Serums, Recommended by Eye Doctors (2025)

Lumify—the brand best known for its brightening eye drops—makes a lash and brow serum that eye doctors, including Manhattan-based optometrist Jennifer Tsai, can get behind. The ingredient list is prostaglandin-free and includes peptides, hyaluronic acid, and biotin, which condition the lashes without irritation.

One satisfied customer says: “I have long lashes, but I usually lose a few when curling them and it takes a while [for them] to grow back. But with this serum, I noticed my eyelashes grow faster and a bit thicker too.” —Dianna

At just $15, the Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum is packed with 11 active ingredients, including four peptide complexes that help nourish and condition the lashes for optimal growth. "It does not contain prostaglandin analogues, which means it's less likely to cause serious ocular side effects," explains Brissette, who adds that it has "a solid ingredient profile" but also notes "you do need to wait the full 12 weeks to see effect."

One satisfied customer says: “Second time buying the product. It [works] well for me; the downside is that it takes time to see results so just be patient.” —Star

Formulated by Brissette herself, this serum is "specifically formulated to be eye-safe and prostaglandin-free, using biomimetic peptides to naturally support the lash growth cycle without the risks associated with prostaglandin analogues," says the ophthalmologist. Further, it's independently ophthalmologist safety-tested, which she says is "a crucial step that’s surprisingly rare in the lash serum market."

One satisfied customer says: "I've used so many different lash serums and this one is effective, easy to apply, affordable, and makes me think I can really skip the eyelash extensions!" —G

RevitaLash is one of the more popular OTC lash serums on the market, and for good reason. Tsai likes it because it contains biotin, peptides, and amino acids, which help condition lashes while protecting them against breakage.

One satisfied customer says: “The best. I have bought this multiple times and will never try another brand. I get compliments on my eyelashes every day.” —Maxine

Maryam Zamani, a board-certified consultant oculoplastic surgeon, says one of her favorite eyelash growth serums is this one from Beauty Pie. It contains a lipo-oligopeptide that enhances the lashes in length and fullness.

One satisfied customer says: “I don’t normally leave a review after two weeks but this is a ‘wow’ product for people with short stubborn lashes. Everyone asks if I have had a few false lashes put in!” —Leesa

Zamani also includes UKLash’s serum among her favorites, and Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan have ranked it as a top lash serum as well. Beyond biotin and peptides, the formula contains myristoyl pentapeptide-17, an amino acid peptide known for stimulating keratin (a protein that helps form hair). While the brand is based in the United Kingdom, as the name suggests, this lash serum can be shipped to customers in the United States.

One satisfied customer says: “As I went through menopause, my eyelashes not only became more sparse, I found myself losing individual lashes to the point of having bald spots on my lids. I tried a few different serums, but Uklash had the best effect, and it feels soothing on my eyes. My eyelashes are thick and long again.” —Sheri

This serum from Obagi Medical contains the brand’s trademarked Nouri-Plex Technology, a combination of targeted ingredients designed to address thinning and sparse eyelashes. The formula contains strengthening biotin, a nourishing proprietary lipid compound, sodium hyaluronate to attract and retain water, and panthenol (a.k.a. vitamin B₅) for lash conditioning.

One satisfied customer says: “My esthetician told me about Obagi’s serum. It’s a bit pricey but it works! I’ve used other serums, including Latisse, and I think this works better than anything else I’ve tried. My friend thought I had gotten lash extensions.” —Kathy

This eyebrow—and eyelash-enhancing serum from Augustinus Bader offers a two-in-one solution for achieving fuller brows and lashes. Beyond encouraging keratin production and locking in moisture to support a healthy hair follicle, the formula also layers well under makeup, including mascara and eyebrow gel.

One satisfied customer says: “I have been using this product for a couple [of] months now and am very impressed with the regrowth and growth of my lashes and brows. Most days I don’t use brow filler or mascara [because] I don’t need it. It took about two weeks to start seeing a difference, but it’s noticeable.” —Katrinia

Kosas, the brand behind the popular Revealer Concealer and Air Brow Gel, launched a brow- and lash-boosting serum that is garnering rave reviews. Experts appreciate that the formula is hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, safe for sensitive eyes, and prostaglandin-free. It’s made with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vegan keratin, and our editors love the unique applicator that makes putting it on a breeze.

One satisfied customer says: “I’ve been using this product for two weeks now and it’s been great. I have a medical condition [where] my hair—including my eyebrows and eyelashes—falls out. I am now trying to grow them back. It’s been years searching for something that works, I found this serum and it does magic.” —Sonjia

The same bond-building technology that powers Olaplex’s iconic hair products is infused in the Lashbond Serum to keep lashes healthy and strong. It’s made with a proprietary peptide complex, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid and biotin. The best part? Results will start to show in just two weeks.

One satisfied customer says: “I’ve tried most of the lash serums available. This product is as good, if not better than other lash serums I’ve tried. I have very brittle and sparse lashes and this product seems to strengthen my lashes. I will be re-ordering it.” —Susan

• Ashley Brissette MD, MSC, FRCSC is an ophthalmologist and member of the Kelly Vision team.
• Jennifer Tsai, O.D., is an optometrist based in New York.
• Maryam Zamani is a board-certified consultant oculoplastic surgeon based in London.

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“Eyelash growth serums stimulate the eyelash hair follicles to prolong the growth phase, also known as the anagen phase, of the hair growth cycle,” says Tsai. “This is the active phase where hair follicles produce new hair.” The ingredients may vary, but most OTC serums, she says, include “prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) or nourishing compounds like peptides, vitamins, and amino acids.”

When shopping for a lash serum, Tsai advises, “look for ones that contain ingredients like peptides and amino acids to stimulate hair growth, biotin vitamin to support healthy lashes, and hyaluronic acid to condition and prevent brittle breakage.”

Safety is a concern with anything applied to the delicate eye area. The only FDA-approved treatment for eyelash growth is Latisse, which requires a prescription. With eyelash serums sold over the counter, there are additional safety considerations.

“Eyelash growth serums are generally considered safe for most people when used as directed,” says Tsai. “However, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of. With products containing prostaglandin analogues, common side effects can include eye irritation, skin darkening, iris color change, and long-term use could lead to fat loss around the eyes, leading to a sunken appearance.”

Less serious side effects can arise, too. "I commonly see styes and worsening dry eye as frequent complaints as well, due to disruption of the meibomian glands, which produce the oil that is supposed to keep our eyes lubricated," says Brissette. "On the other hand, peptide-based serums tend to support the natural lash cycle without those long-term risks." However, she says, "They can still cause mild irritation if the product gets into the eyes, so I always recommend using a fine brush-tip applicator and applying it precisely at the base of the lashes to minimize contact with the ocular surface."

Because of potential long-term and short-term side effects, many eye doctors recommend serums that are free of prostaglandin analogues.

“Prostaglandins are naturally occurring chemicals that have traditionally been used in ophthalmology, specifically in eyedrops to treat an ocular condition called glaucoma,” explains Zamani. When it was discovered that prostaglandins also increase eyelash growth, cosmetic companies began creating eyelash serums using prostaglandin analogues, which mimic the function of prostaglandin and encourage hair growth but can cause side effects. “These include eye redness, pain, itching, or dryness, skin pigmentation or iris pigmentation, fat loss around the eyes, and sunken eyes,” says Zamani. “If you’re noticing any of the above side effects, it’s best to discontinue usage immediately.”

As Tsai mentioned, most eyelash growth serums are safe when used as directed. However, she says, it’s important to note: "Those who are pregnant and breastfeeding, or have eye conditions, like dry eyes and glaucoma, and individuals with sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions to cosmetic ingredients, should avoid eyelash growth serums.”

Additionally, using prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogues may come with potential long-term side effects. “This includes iris color change, eyelid skin darkening, periorbital fat loss, unintended hair growth on other areas of the face, and lash misalignment if lashes grow unevenly in different directions,” says Tsai.

There are preventative measures to take before trying a new eyelash growth serum. “Try patch-testing a small area of your skin before using a serum on your eyelashes,” says Tsai. “Apply only a small amount in the specific area as directed and let it completely dry. I tell my patients to cycle on and off lash serum usage, applying daily during the initial four to eight weeks, then switch to applying every other day, to maintain achieved results while reducing risks of side effects.”

It also may take longer than you think to see results. "The life cycle of the eyelash is two months, so I suggest using it consistently for eight to 12 weeks for maximum effect," says Brissette.