8 Eyelash Serums for Longer, Thicker Lashes, According to Dermatologists

To achieve longer, fuller eyelashes, you've likely reached for a pair of falsies at some point. But let's be honest: False eyelashes are a pain to apply, feel heavy by the end of the night, and don't always look natural.

The unfortunate truth is that some people are just blessed in the eyelash department, as length is predominantly genetic, explains Melanie A. Warycha, MD, FAAD, dermatologist at CareMount Medical in Mount Kisco, New York. "Eyelashes grow for about three months and then fall out to be replaced by new hairs," she says. However, "repeated trauma" to lashes, like using an eyelash curler or rubbing your eyes can cause them to fall out earlier than normal, she says. They may also thin out as you age.

That's where eyelash serums come in, many of which promise to deliver a dramatic eyelash boost within weeks.

When shopping, you'll notice there are two main categories in the lash department: eyelash conditioners or eyelash growth serums, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. "Conditioners contain emollient and humectant ingredients that coat the lash hair to soften and plump hair," he explains. Growth serums, on the other hand, contain peptides (a building block of hair) and prostaglandins (a group of lipids that have hormone-like effects) to extend the growth phase of hair.

The only FDA-approved eyelash growth treatment, Latisse, is a medication called bimatoprost, which was originally used to treat glaucoma. "While the exact mechanism by which it grows, thickens, and darkens eyelashes is unknown, it's thought to increase the number of hairs in the anagen phase, or growth phase of the hair cycle," explains Dr. Warycha. The company recommends using it once daily for 16 weeks for full results.

One important thing to keep in mind: Eyelash serum side effects

It's not all smooth sailing when using an eyelash serum. Considering you swipe them on at the base of your lashes (on your upper lid only) and get them extremely close to your eye, they can trigger a rash, itching, eye redness, eyelid skin darkening, and even permanent darkening of the iris of the eye, says Dr. Warycha. For that reason, talk to your doctor if you have pre-existing eye conditions before using them, she says.

Board-certified dermatologist Neil Brody, MD, of Brody Dermatology in Manhasset, New York, says that he doesn't recommend some of these products to light-eyed patients because they can actually darken your eye color. Non-prescription products, he says, are unlikely to cause these side effects. Still, it's best to apply these as directed to avoid getting in your eyes and talk to your doctor about any concerns.

However, if you discuss the side effects with your dermatologist and decide to go forth with an eyelash growth or conditioning serum, the following products will help you achieve longer, fuller lashes.