Lately, I’ve noticed that my eyelashes are not as long, full, or naturally curled as they used to be. So I started looking for a lash serum that could help bring back that stretch, strength, and length – but without irritating my sensitive eyes. My goal was simple: find eyelash serums that genuinely work and are made with clean, non-toxic ingredients. After researching formulas, digging into ingredient lists, and testing options known for being gentler on the eyes, I’ve narrowed down the serums that stand out for both performance and safety.
TL;DR
Best overall: VEGAMOUR GRO Lash Serum
Best budget: ETUDE My Lash Serum
Best premium: Augustinus Bader The Eyebrow & Lash Enhancing Serum
Safest materials: Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Eyelash & Eyebrow Growth Serum
What ingredients to look for in an eyelash serum
When researching lash serums, one ingredient consistently stood out for its proven effectiveness: Bimatoprost. It is the only lash-growth ingredient that has been shown in clinical trials to significantly improve eyelash length, thickness, and darkness, and is the only one that is FDA-approved for this purpose (1). It is available by prescription under the brand name Latisse.
While highly effective, Bimatoprost does come with potential side effects. Some users report eye irritation or darkening of the eyelid skin, and there is a small risk of permanent iris discoloration in people with lighter eye colors. Because of these factors, many people prefer to explore non-prescription options that may be gentler on sensitive eyes.(2)
Although non-prescription ingredients do not have the same level of evidence as Bimatoprost, several have shown promise in early studies or cosmetic research. These are the key categories to look for in a clean lash serum:
Peptides (myristoyl pentapeptide-17, biotin tripeptide-1)
Peptides are among the more researched cosmetic ingredients for lash enhancement. Some studies suggest they may support increased lash length and thickness by conditioning and strengthening the hair follicle.(3)(4)
Growth factors (keratinocyte, fibroblast, IGF, VEGF)
Growth factors are emerging ingredients in lash serums and have shown potential for improving curl, thickness, and length. Research is still early, but they are often used in advanced cosmetic formulations.(3)
Plant extracts (Jarilla–Coffea, green tea, ginseng)
Botanical extracts provide antioxidant and strengthening benefits. Some extracts have demonstrated modest improvements in lash thickness and resilience, especially when used consistently.(3)
Vitamins and oils (vitamin E, vitamin D3, panthenol)
These nourishing ingredients help condition the lashes, reduce breakage, and support overall lash health. While they do not directly stimulate growth, they can help lashes look fuller by preventing damage.(3)
What ingredients to avoid
When reviewing clean lash serums, I looked closely at commonly used ingredients that may be irritating or less aligned with a non-toxic approach. These fall into two categories: Avoid and Better to avoid. The “avoid” category includes ingredients with stronger concerns, while “better to avoid” includes those that are generally considered safe in low concentrations but may not be ideal if you prefer cleaner formulas.
It is important to note that these ingredients are not necessarily harmful at typical cosmetic levels. The main concern is cumulative exposure when they appear in multiple daily-use products.
AVOID
Propylparaben
A preservative associated with potential endocrine-disrupting activity in some studies. It may also irritate sensitive eyes.
BHT
A synthetic antioxidant that has been linked to possible endocrine effects, particularly on thyroid function. It may also act as a skin sensitizer and environmental pollutant.
BETTER TO AVOID
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative that is considered safe in low amounts but may cause irritation for some people. It has also been associated with potential endocrine-disrupting effects in certain studies.
Paraffin
A petroleum-derived ingredient. While purified forms are considered safe, some people prefer to avoid petroleum-based compounds in clean beauty products.
Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax)
Another petroleum-derived wax. Concerns are primarily environmental, though some consumers choose to minimize use in personal-care products.
Benzyl salicylate
A fragrance ingredient that is a known allergen and has been linked to potential endocrine activity at higher exposure levels.
Isoeugenol
A fragrance compound associated with a higher risk of allergic reactions and sensitization.
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Best Lash Serums With Clean Ingredients Under $20
ETUDE My Lash Serum
Active ingredients: Biotin, Panthenol, Panax ginseng root extract and ginger root extract, niacinamide, aloe vera leaf extract, and sodium hyaluronate
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Yuka score: 86/100
Size: 9ml/0.3oz
Pros
+ Longer, thicker, and stronger lashes after consistent, regular use
+ Affordable
Cons
– Serum can become cloudy over time
I am testing ETUDE My Lash Serum at the moment, and so far love it. I can not see any results yet, as I have only been using it for a few weeks, but I love how it feels on my lashes. It also has this fluffy tip on the top of the brush that makes it very easy to apply the serum on my eyelashes.
BIOAQUA – Eyelash Growth Essence
Active ingredients: Ginseng Radix Et Rhizoma Rubra and Helichrysum Bracteatum Flower Extract, glycerin, panthenol and hydroxyethylcellulose
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Yuka score: 90/100
Size: 7ml/0.23oz
Pros
+ Very affordable
+ Lashes look denser and feel more nourished
Cons
– Some users report darkening of the eyelid
Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Eyelash & Eyebrow Growth Serum
Active ingredients: Castor seed oil and vitamin E
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Yuka score: 100/100
Size: 60ml/2oz
Pros
+ Some users have seen thicker, stronger, and longer eyelashes
+ Moisturizes lashes
+ Natural option
Cons
– The natural scent of Jamaican Black Castor Oil can be strong
Lash by Maya Growth Serum
Active ingredients: Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 and Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Oligopeptide-10, Panax Ginseng Extract, Swertia Japonica Extract, and Panthenol.
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Yuka score: 100/100
Size: 5ml/0.17oz
Pros
+ Gentle formula that doesn’t irritate the eyes
Cons
– Results are more subtle and may take some weeks
One V Salon Eyelash Growth Serum
Active ingredients: Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Pumpkin Seed Extract, Arginine, and Vitamin B7
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Yuka score: 100/100
Size: 3ml/0.1oz
Pros
+ Many users experience significant length and thickness over a few weeks
+ Easy to apply
Cons
– Some users can’t see much of a difference in length after weeks of use
Best Lash Serums With Clean Ingredients Under $50
VieBeauti Lash Serum
Active ingredients: Amino acid peptides, Panax Ginseng Root Extract and Panthenol (vitamin B5)
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Yuka Score: 93/100
Size: 3ml/0.10oz
Pros
+ Users claim it helps their lashes grow longer, and appear fuller and stronger.
Cons
– Some users have reported redness and irritation
ForChics Eyelash Growth Serum
Active ingredients: Panax Ginseng, Ligustrum Lucidum Extract, Ganoderma Sinensis Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, and Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, peptide blend of Biotinoyl Tripeptide-4 and Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Biotin (Vitamin B7) and Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Yuka Score: 100/100
Size: 3ml/0.10oz
Pros
+ Many users report a noticeable increase in lash length, thickness, and overall volume
+ Serum uses natural ingredients
+ helps with eyelash regrowth
Cons
– Some people report irritation around the eyes
BREYLEE Lash Boost Serum
Active ingredients: Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Extract, and Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, and Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, panthenol (vitamin B5) and glycerin
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Yuka Score: 93/100
Size: 3ml/0.10oz
Pros
+ Many users report that lashes look lusher and thicker
Cons
– Can be a bit difficult to apply
Glow For It Lash Growth Serum
Active ingredients: peptide complex, Panthenol (B5) and Biotin
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Yuka Score: 100/100
Size: 3ml/0.10oz
Pros
+ Many users report significant lash growth
+ Lightweight formula makes it easy to wear under mascara or on no-makeup days
Cons
– Users claim the delivery time is very long, often weeks.
Mavala Double Lash Nutritive Eyelash Serum
Active ingredients: snail secretion filtrate, Biolysate from lactic ferments, Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5), peptides like Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, and amino acids
Vegan/cruelty-free: no
Yuka Score: 100/100
Size: 90ml/0.3oz
Pros
+ Serum helps condition and strengthen lashes
+ Formula includes natural extracts, vitamins, and proteins
Cons
– Some users report difficulty with the application
– The serum is white when applied; it can be visible on the lashes
– Some users report a stiff or mascara-like feeling on the lashes after application.
Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilixin® Eyelash Serum
Active ingredients: Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 and Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Curcuma Longa Callus Conditioned Media, a complex of amino acids and panthenol
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Yuka Score: 100/100
Size: 5ml/0.17oz
Pros
+ Eyelashes looks stronger
Cons
– Expensive, as the results are expected after using it for at least 150 days
Best Lash Growth Serums Under $100
VEGAMOUR GRO Lash Serum
Active ingredients: Amino acid peptides, and extracts from red clover and mung bean
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Size: 3ml/0.10oz
Pros
+ Users report that it really helps with lash growth
+ Precision tip applicator
+ Makes lashes feel stronger and less brittle
Cons
– High price
LiLash Purified Eyelash Serum
Active ingredients: Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Sweet Almond Extract, Glycerin and Dehydrolatanoprost
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Size: 2ml/0.06oz
Pros
+ Users report significant lash growth and thicker lashes
+ Repairs damage from lash extensions and leaves lashes looking more lush
Cons
– Some users may experience mild irritation, redness, or dryness along the lash line (especially if the product is over-applied)
– A slight darkening of the skin on the eyelid is possible
SWEED – Eyelash Growth Serum
Active ingredients: Peptides 16 and 17, Biotin and Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Hyaluronic Acid, Pumpkin Seed Oil, and Hydrolyzed Keratin
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Size: 3ml/0.10oz
Yuka Score: 100/100
Pros
+ Many users report that the serum helps prevent lashes from shedding
+ Appearance of longer and fuller lashes over time
Cons
– Some note that the growth is not as extreme or rapid
– Some users have experienced mild irritation or redness
Best Luxury Lash Serums With Clean Ingredients
Augustinus Bader The Eyebrow & Lash Enhancing Serum
Active ingredients: TFC8® complex, Biotin, Hyaluronic Acid Complex, extracts from Roselle, Safflower, and Red Winter Algae. Castor Oil and Turmeric
Vegan/cruelty-free: yes
Size: 8ml/0.27oz
Yuka Score: 100/100
Pros
+ Brows and lashes look healthier, fuller, more voluminous, and more defined
+ Reduces brittleness and breakage
+ Easy-to-use applicator
Cons
– Significantly higher price
How We Selected the Best Eye Serums
We start by analyzing the ingredient lists on product labels, ensuring there are no harmful ingredients.
We then look at the active ingredient list to make sure you are not wasting your money on a product that will not work.
Next, we review the brand or seller to confirm their legitimacy and reputation within the beauty industry.
We use fake review detection technology to analyze customer feedback on marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.
We highlight high-potency formulas made with clean, ethical ingredients. Sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free products are at the top of our list.
While we can’t test every product ourselves, we do so whenever possible to ensure our recommendations reflect real-world quality and effectiveness.
FAQ
Can lash serum change eye color?
A shop-bought eyelash serum can not change your eye colour. Only Bimatoprost, available in a prescription eyelash serum, has a small possibility of this side effect.
Does castor oil help eyelash growth?
No evidence or direct studies have proven that castor oil can help eyelash growth. While it may improve eyelid and lash health in some conditions, there is no clinical evidence that it increases eyelash length or density. (5)
How to apply lash serum?
Lash serum should be applied directly along the lash line, as close to the root as possible. This is where the active ingredients can reach the follicles and support lash growth. Most growth-focused serums come with a very thin applicator, which allows you to place a precise line of serum at the base of the lashes.
If your serum uses a brush-style applicator, it is designed to be swept through the length of the lashes. These formulas are typically more conditioning and help moisturize and strengthen the lash hair rather than target the follicle directly.
To Summarize,
Over-the-counter eyelash serums will not significantly increase eyelash growth, but they can definitely help. Like with all beauty products, it takes time to see the results, and they might be more subtle than with prescription drugs.
Choose an eyelash serum that suits your needs and does not have any potentially harmful ingredients.
References
- Cohen, J. (2010). Enhancing the Growth of Natural Eyelashes: The Mechanism of Bimatoprost‐Induced Eyelash Growth. Dermatologic Surgery, 36, 1361–1371. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2010.01522.x.
- .https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/latisse
- Baiyasi, M., St Claire, K., Hengy, M., Tur, K., Fahs, F., & Potts, G. (2024). Eyelash serums: A comprehensive review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 23, 2328 – 2344. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16278.
- Fernandez-Gonzalez, P., Truchuelo-Díez, M., & Gómez-Sánchez, M. (2024). Open clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of a novel eyelash growth enhancer with peptides and glycosaminoglycans. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 23, 2170 – 2180. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16265.
- Muntz, A., Sandford, E., Claassen, M., Curd, L., Jackson, A., Watters, G., Wang, M., & Craig, J. (2020). Randomized trial of topical periocular castor oil treatment for blepharitis.. The ocular surface. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2020.05.007.
Silvija Meilunaite, PN1-NC, CSMC, is a certified nutrition and menopause coaching specialist who writes about midlife health, nutrition, and evidence-based wellness. She focuses on research-driven approaches to feeling better in your 40s and beyond, with a special interest in low-tox living and supportive daily habits.
