14 Best Eyelash Serums, According to Testers & Dermatologists, 2023

False lashes may yield the same dramatic results as the best eyelash serums without much effort, but let's be honest: That glue can be a real nuisance. And the jury is still out on the magnetic alternatives. Sure, you could always get lash extensions…but, ouch, those are pricey.

So what's really the best eyelash enhancer? At the end of the day, the right eyelash serum and a little patience is the way to go. Both dermatologists and ophthalmologists alike say eyelash serums are perfectly safe and that with regular use the formulas really do work to grow long lashes.

Our top picks:

Eyelash serums are designed to boost your natural lashes, leaving them thicker, stronger, fuller, and even darker. They can also be a game changer for when you’re experiencing hair loss or even brittle lashes, which is actually quite common. “As we age, our lashes undergo a decrease in density and fullness,” says Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego. Plus, “mascara, eye-makeup removers, glue from lash extensions, and eyelash curlers can cause damage,” says board-certified ophthalmologist Diane Hilal-Campo, MD.

The best eyelash serums allow lashes to grow longer than they typically would before shedding during the natural growth cycle, says Dr. Hilal-Campo. Others work by moisturizing and conditioning lashes, or fortifying their structure, but the efficacy varies based on the ingredients and whether you’re using a prescription formula or over-the-counter lash serum.

What is the most effective eyelash growth serum?

“Bimatoprost, a prescription-strength prostaglandin found in Latisse, targets the hair follicles, effectively starting at the source of lash health—which is why it makes for the best lash serums,” says Dr. Palm, adding that “Latisse is the only source of bimatoprost that’s FDA-approved for the purpose of lash growth.” On the downside, prescription-strength prostaglandins do carry the risk of some side effects, like discoloration of the skin and iris. Plus, this key ingredient means the product can’t be used if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

So while Latisse might be the only real proven lash enhancer, all hope is not lost for those seeking OTC options. These more readily available lash serums, which contain hyaluronic acid and panthenol (a.k.a. vitamin B5) or amino acids like arginine to boost keratin, just aren't as potent, meaning they'll take longer (a few months) to work their magic and may not yield as dramatic results, says Dr. Palm.

Ready to invest? To help you find the best eyelash growth serums, we tested the most popular formulas, plus tapped dermatologists and makeup artists for their top picks.