Lash serums may help to enhance the appearance of your lashes by improving length and thickness. However, it can also lead to side effects such as eye irritation and swelling, particularly if you have sensitive eyes.

A lash serum is a topical cosmetic product applied directly to your eyelashes. It aims to enhance the appearance of your lashes by increasing growth and thickness and reducing lash loss.

While lash serums may help to provide fuller and longer eyelashes, they also have several potential side effects, such as eye irritation and causing the fat around your eyes to shrink.

Learn more about the effectiveness of lash serums, potential side effects, and alternative options.

It’s important to know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cannot approve cosmetic products before they are put on the market, but it does regulate them for their labeling. This means that the safety and effectiveness of products such as lash serums are unknown.

The FDA has only approved one prescription drug for lash growth, which is Latisse.

Other over-the-counter lash serums are available. The effectiveness can vary for each person and between brands.

Lash serums typically contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and prostaglandin analogues (PGAs).

A small 2020 study of 30 people found that lash serums can help to increase the length, volume, and thickness of both the upper and lower eyelashes. However, study authors noted that a larger sample size is needed to determine effectiveness and wider implications.

It’s important to be patient when using a lash serum, as it may take several weeks of consistent use before you notice eyelash growth.

You should not exceed the recommended usage displayed on the product’s label. In most cases, applying the product more frequently than recommended may not result in quicker eyelash growth but instead increase the chance of side effects, such as eye irritation.

While lash serums may help grow your lashes, they can cause several side effects.

Side effects are more common in lash serums that contain PGAs, which are synthetic drugs originally used to treat glaucoma and induce labor. However, due to their side effects of causing longer and thicker lashes, cosmetic companies have begun to use them in lash serums.

Lash serums containing PGAs can cause side effects, such as:

A 2022 study also found that some people who used lash serums containing PGAs had developed a condition known as prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy. This is where the area surrounding the eye changes, leading to thinner skin and the development of wrinkles.

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

If you are using a lash serum and experience any of the above side effects, it’s important to stop using it immediately and speak with a doctor. They can take a closer look at any changes to your eyes and suggest necessary treatments.

If you’d prefer not to use lash serums, there are several other alternative options to fuller and longer-looking lashes.

This includes:

  • False eyelashes. False eyelashes are clusters of synthetic or real hair that are typically glued onto a strip and attached to the lash line using a cosmetic adhesive. They can give the illusion of fuller and longer lashes.
  • Eyelash extensions. If you aren’t a fan of applying fake lashes every day, consider a semi-permanent option, such as eyelash extensions. This works similarly to false lashes, except they can last for several weeks.
  • Eyelash curlers. This cosmetic tool can help lift and curl your lashes at the root, creating temporary volume. However, if used frequently, it can increase the chance of hair loss.
  • Mascara. Applying mascara can help your lashes appear thicker and more voluminous.

Castor oil is anecdotally used to grow lashes. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it increases eyelash growth. It may help enhance the overall look and work as a substitute for mascara, by making eyelashes appear glossier and longer.

Lash serums may help to enhance the appearance of your lashes by improving length and thickness. However, they may also cause several side effects, such as eye irritation, dry eye, and eyelid pigmentation.

If you are using a lash serum and experience any of the above side effects, it’s important to stop using the serum immediately and speak with a doctor. They can take a closer look at any changes to your eyes and suggest necessary treatments.