Do Lash Serums Work?

Lash serums can help improve the look of your eyelashes by promoting greater length and thickness. Yet they can also produce adverse effects like eye irritation and swelling, especially for those with sensitive eyes.

A lash serum is a topical cosmetic solution applied directly to the lash line. Its goal is to boost the appearance of eyelashes by encouraging growth, increasing thickness, and reducing lash shedding.

Although lash serums may produce fuller, longer lashes, they carry several potential side effects, including eye irritation and reduction of the fatty tissue around the eyes.

Read on to learn about how well lash serums work, the possible side effects, and other options you might consider.

Are lash serums effective?

It’s useful to understand that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not pre-approve most cosmetic products before they are sold, though it does oversee their labeling. This means the safety and efficacy of products like lash serums are often uncertain.

The FDA has approved only one prescription treatment specifically for eyelash growth: Latisse.

There are numerous over-the-counter lash serums on the market. Their effectiveness may differ between individuals and among brands.

Common ingredients in lash serums include hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and prostaglandin analogues (PGAs).

A small 2020 study involving 30 participants reported improvements in the length, volume, and thickness of both upper and lower lashes after serum use. However, the researchers noted that larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine broader implications.

Patience is necessary when using a lash serum; it can take several weeks of consistent application before noticeable eyelash growth appears.

Do not go beyond the product’s recommended usage. Applying a serum more often than instructed usually won’t speed up results and can raise the likelihood of adverse reactions, such as eye irritation.

Potential side effects of lash serums

While lash serums may encourage lash growth, they can also produce several unwanted effects.

Side effects are more frequently reported with serums that include PGAs. These synthetic compounds were originally developed to treat glaucoma and induce labor, and cosmetic manufacturers later adopted them for eyelash enhancement because they can cause lashes to grow longer and thicker.

Possible side effects from PGA-containing lash serums include:

• darkening of the eyelid skin
• eye irritation
• change in iris color
• dry eyes
• eye discharge

A 2022 study also reported that some users of PGA-containing serums developed prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy, a condition in which the tissue around the eye changes, leading to thinner skin and the formation of wrinkles.

If you have sensitive eyes, frequent allergies, or existing eye conditions such as glaucoma or conjunctivitis, you should avoid lash serums.

If you experience any of the side effects described above while using a lash serum, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor. A clinician can examine any changes to your eyes and recommend appropriate treatment.

Alternative options

If you prefer not to use lash serums, several other methods can create the appearance of fuller, longer lashes.

Options include:

• False eyelashes. These are clusters of synthetic or natural hairs attached to a strip and affixed along the lash line with cosmetic adhesive to create the look of thicker, longer lashes.
• Eyelash extensions. For a semi-permanent alternative to daily false lashes, extensions are individually applied to natural lashes and can last for several weeks.
• Eyelash curlers. This tool lifts and curls lashes at the root, producing temporary volume. Frequent use, however, may increase the risk of lash breakage or loss.
• Mascara. A readily available option to make lashes look fuller and more voluminous.

Castor oil is commonly used anecdotally to enhance lashes, but there’s no solid scientific proof it stimulates eyelash growth. It may improve appearance by adding shine and making lashes seem longer, and some people use it as a substitute for mascara.

For comparison with other non-serum options, you may find further information on how long semi-permanent treatments like lifts can last in this guide on how long does a lash lift last, and on the pros and cons of extensions in eye health eyelash extensions pros and cons.

»Learn more: How to get longer eyelashes

Takeaway

Lash serums can enhance the appearance of eyelashes by increasing length and thickness, but they also carry risks such as eye irritation, dry eye, and eyelid pigmentation.

If you notice any of these side effects while using a lash serum, discontinue use immediately and consult a physician. They can assess changes to your eyes and advise on appropriate treatments.