[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everyone wants long lashes.
Long eyelashes make your eyes pop and look larger and brighter -- and they never go out of style. If you weren't genetically gifted with long eyelashes, you always had the option of gluing artificial ones on, paying for expensive extensions, or, more recently, clipping on a fake magnetic pair.
Unfortunately, it can turn into a time-consuming and potentially expensive hassle to sport beautiful, long lashes. However, with the help of over-the-counter lash serums, you can grow your own pair for an easy, natural look that you wake up with.
The
eyelash serum market has exploded over the last several years, reaching over $1 billion in 2023. And there's a good reason for its meteoric growth. Lash serums help condition, nourish, and hydrate eyelashes so they're healthy, strong, and breakage-resistant. To many, these lash serums sound too good to be true. But, depending on your lash goals, genetics, diligence, and commitment to applying them, they can be effective.
Here's what you need to know about lash serums and how to incorporate them into your daily beauty routine.
What is eyelash serum?
Prescription lash serum
Prescription lash serum Latisse ®, the only one FDA-approved, is formulated with the active pharmaceutical-grade ingredient bitmoprost. While clinical trials showed Latisse to be an impressive lash grower and thickener, it comes with a host of potential side effects. These side effects include dry and red eyes, blurry vision, and darkening of the eyelids. The most concerning rare but potential side effect is a permanent darkening of the iris. While the other side effects cease after you stop using the serum, the darkening of light-colored eyes may be irreversible.
Over-the-counter lash serum
Quality OTC serums use natural ingredients to nourish, hydrate, and strengthen your lashes naturally, with few potential side effects. These serums condition your lashes with natural and effective ingredients so that they're healthy and more breakage-resistant. While results are not as dramatic as with a prescription serum, they do the job and don't require a doctor's visit.
Lash serum ingredients
Since OTC lash serums don't undergo the same testing as prescription medication, they are not all created equal. Do your research by reading reviews and any studies related to the product. Also, read the ingredient list to make sure the product has nourishing, hydrating ingredients, and be on the lookout for allergens that may affect you. And lastly, if you have sensitive eyes or other eye-related health issues, you should check with your physician before using any product.
OTC lash serums are most effective when they contain ingredients that improve the health and resiliency of your lash strand, making it stronger and less resistant to falling out or breaking.
Biotin, for example, a B vitamin, is good for overall hair growth (and nails, too!), whether on your head or your lash. Castor oil, another effective and popular ingredient, helps hydrate your lashes so they're more resilient. Additionally, castor oil can improve the appearance of your lashes, making them look darker and thicker.
However, one of the most choice OTC lash serum ingredients is peptides. Peptides help stimulate keratin production, which is a key structural protein of hair. Additionally, peptides target hair follicles, leading to longer, stronger, and fuller lashes. Other hydrating and lengthening lash ingredients include ceramides, botanicals, collagen and hyaluronic acid.
How to use lash serum - plus, safety tips
Even OTC serums have the potential to cause side effects or an allergic reaction, so it's wise to do a patch test before investing time and money in a serum. To do a patch test, pick an area other than your eyes since the skin near your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than other skin areas. Dab some serum on the area, perhaps your cheek, for a few days to see if any reaction or sensitivity develops. If not, then you're ready to start a lash growth routine.
Most serums come with applicators, but you can use a thin eyeliner brush if your product does not or you lose the applicator. Here are some basics to help you get started.
- Apply a thin layer at the base of your lashes, on top of your eyelid.
- Apply daily!
- Be careful not to get the serum in your eye
- Apply at night, after you wash your face and do your skincare routine
- Let dry before you lay down to sleep
However, you should always read the instructions that come with your product carefully.
Some people see results in a few weeks, but because of typical hair growth cycles, optimal effects can take up to four months. After you achieve your lash goals, you can cut back to two to three times a week. However, if you stop using the serum, your lashes will return to their pre-serum length and thickness. You can also build on your serum results with mascara that contains similar nourishing ingredients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="174290" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1712852600024{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/godefroy-double-lash-brown-eyelash-eyebrow-growth-serum"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="174289" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1712852654616{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/pacifica-vegan-collagen-lash-serum-primer"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="174288" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1712852736464{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/heritage-store-castor-serum-volumizing-treatment-for-brows-lashes"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
