Lash Serum 101: Tips & Tricks

Let’s talk eye lash serum.

These products are touted to stimulate eyelash growth, making lashes longer and thicker. Originally, the key ingredient for these serums (prostaglandins or PGA’s) made these serums prescription-only. That’s because prostaglandins have side effects.

The new over-the-counter eyelash serums have less prostaglandins than prescription brands as a result—so the good news is you don’t need a prescription to try it.

Note not all the serums in this article use PGA’s—given their side effects, you might want to start with a serum that doesn’t have this if you have sensitive skin.

We spoke with three board-certified dermatologists about lash serums to get their insights. Then we tried out several lash serums ourselves. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• It takes AT LEAST A MONTH to see any difference. We noticed that some brands tout improvement in four to six weeks, but most say it takes three months for complete improvement. So don’t expect to see changes overnight. In our tests, we tried out several brands for six weeks to get a baseline.

• These serums are for eyelashes, not eyebrows. 

• The main ingredient (prostaglandins) in many serums are lipids with a hormone-like reaction in the body—and that’s what causes the eye lashes to grow. Interestingly, the experts we spoke with said scientists still don’t know exactly how that works.

As always, we recommend consulting your doctor if you have any questions about these serums.

After trying out several brands in a long six-week trial, here are the lash serums we recommend.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

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