Do Lash Serums Really Work?

If your eyelashes have been looking a little sparse lately, you may be interested in all the lash serums on the market. We get it; losing eyelashes during your morning cleanse is anxiety-provoking. But it can be difficult to understand how these lash products work, and all their risks and benefits. You might be skeptical and wonder if any lash serums really work, which is fair, because only one of them is FDA approved. So we’ve done the leg-work for you and researched what the different types of lash serums are, how they work, and any potential side effects. 

What types of lash serums are there?

There are two overarching categories for lash serums: ones that stimulate growth and ones that condition and nourish the lashes. The most common stimulating ingredient is prostaglandin. It acts like a hormone to stimulate lash growth (weird fact: it’s also the same kind of chemical that triggers period cramps.) The other lash growth ingredients you’ll see are different kinds of peptides. The peptides help your lashes grow by nourishing the eyelash follicle. The conditioning lash serums have hydrating, moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or oils. If your eyelashes feel dry or break off easily, try a conditioning lash serum. 

What are the side effects of lash serums?

Since your eyes are a sensitive area, side effects can happen with lash serums. Prostaglandin has the highest likelihood to be irritating. It can cause redness, soreness, and even hyperpigmentation in rare cases. The most famous version of a prostaglandin lash serum is Latisse. It’s FDA approved and will make your eyelashes longer, thicker and darker. But it’s only available by prescription. If you experience itching, redness, vision problems, or any other discomfort with any eyelash serum, stop using it. 

Do serums for eyelashes age you?

The prostaglandin ones can. It’s in the fine print for Latisse that it can cause the fat in your eyelid to atrophy. That might not sound like a bad thing, but it means that with chronic use, your eyelids could look more saggy. Stopping treatment should reverse this side effect, but it may depend on how long you’ve been using the product. It’s important to note that this doesn’t happen to everyone, and may not be noticeable. 

Which lash serum is best for sensitive eyes?

If your eyes are sensitive, avoid prostaglandin lash serums and opt for peptide serums or castor oil. Many products formulated as vegan or “clean” may be more suitable for you. You can also look for formulas that are ophthalmologist tested. While you may not see longer lashes, the products that are best for you can leave your eyelashes stronger and softer. 

Which eyelash serum changes eye color?

That would once again be Latisse and products like it. It can cause darkening of the pigments in your iris, although usually it’s very subtle. This side effect was first recorded when the active ingredient in Latisse was being used in eye drops to treat glaucoma. They later realized that people being treated for glaucoma with this medication suddenly had longer eyelashes, and Latisse was born. But very little, if any of the lash serum is going to get directly onto your eyeball so it’s unlikely that Latisse will dramatically darken your eye color. If this worries you, then skip it.

Can you use lash serums with lash extensions?

The answer is it depends. If your lash serum has oil in it, it will dissolve the glue holding your extensions on. The same goes for a class of ingredients called glycols which will also dissolve the glue. Otherwise, you can use them. But if you ask us, that seems like too much trouble! You may decide it’s worth it though, if lash extensions have damaged your natural lashes and you’re looking to grow them out again. 

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There are lots of lash serums on the market–seriously, the category has exploded lately–so you can find something that works for you. Just remember that each type of lash serum has its own upsides and possible downsides.

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