Do any lash serums really work?
“Eyelash serums help to grow your natural lashes, making them longer and thicker after continued usage – it is a commitment, but worth it for beautiful, natural lashes,” explains Nima Pourian, founder of Uklash. “Eyelash serums absorb into the lash and brow follicles to help stimulate growth, reducing fall out and enhancing the thickness of hair by strengthening roots.”
According to Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLash Cosmetics, eyelash serums are similar to a hair conditioner. “They hydrate the hair with conditioning ingredients for shine and flexibility, to prevent brittleness and breakage, they strengthen the hair with ingredients rich in vitamins and strengthening peptides,” she shares.
“They protect the health of the hair with free-radical fighting antioxidants and they enhance the overall beauty of the lashes for healthier lashes.” “A comprehensive formula will contain a blend of ingredients like conditioners, vitamins, antioxidants and peptides to have a multi-faceted approach to beautifying the lashes and keeping them strong and healthier-looking,” Claire explains.
How long do lash growth serums take to work?
According to Claire, results usually differ depending on the individual, however, the growth is often noticeable after six weeks of regular, daily use. “We conducted an independent consumer study with 63 participants. After six weeks of daily directed use, 98% reported improved lash appearance, 98% reported healthier-looking lashes, and 98% reported stronger lashes.”
Meanwhile, Nima shared that the growth also depends on the stage of “your lash growth cycle.” “Our eyelashes and brows go through a cycle of around three months (12 weeks). This includes a growth phase (Anagen), a transition phase (Catagen) and a resting phase (Telogen),” Nima elaborates. “This is why Eyelash & Eyebrow serums are advised to be used once per day for 8-12 weeks to achieve best results – the same amount of time as a full growth cycle.”
Do eyelash serums have any side effects?
“Aside from the positive benefits, some users can experience redness or irritation, particularly if they are excessively using,” says Larsen.
Similar to many other beauty products with active ingredients, it’s always better to tread carefully and do a patch test to observe how your skin reacts to your chosen eyelash serum. “It is very rare that someone would have a reaction, but the eyes can be sensitive so always best to check first,” says Pourian. “It is also important to follow instructions correctly and not to overuse the serum.”
You could also look for dedicated options for sensitive eyes, like the Revitalash Advanced Sensitive Eyelash Conditioner, and keep a beady eye for ‘ophthalmologist-developed/tested’.
What happens if you stop using an eyelash growth serum?
According to experts, you shouldn’t stop or use your eyelash growth serum on and off, particularly if you’re noticing results.
“You may gradually lose the benefits gained during its use. Typically, lashes return to their natural growth cycle, which can decrease their length and volume,” says Lauren Hogsden, makeup artist and brow expert at Benefit.
So, while your lashes may not go back to the same brittle and weak state as before, they might become less prominent – so if you’re looking to maintain your results, keep using your eyelash serum. Our top tip? Pop it on your vanity next to your evening skincare, or next to your toothbrush, so you can’t not see it.
For more makeup and skincare content from Glamour UK Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.