I’ve been using a lash serum for a few months now, and I thought it was time to give my honest opinion on the pros and cons I’ve experienced.

If you’re like me, you want to make sure the risk/benefit balance is in your favor before investing in a product.

So let’s dive in!

Lash Serums Benefits

1- Promotes Lash Length and Thickness

Let’s be honest, this is most likely the primary reason why you would want to try an eyelash serum in the first place. Who wouldn’t want longer eyelashes with more volume and fluff? I know I do.

But does it work?

A recent study¹ used a polygrowth factor serum and recorded improvements in length (10.52%), volume (9.3%), luster (11.43%), thickness (35%), and curl (50.83%), compared to baseline after only 30 days.

2- Condition and Strengthen Lashes

The ingredients are meant to work synergistically to increase the overall health of the hair itself. By strengthening the individual hairs in your lashes, you’re less likely to experience breakage or shedding over time.

3- Save Time

Are you spending a lot of time in front of your mirror perfecting your eye look with mascara, false lashes, or magnetic lashes? if so, making the switch to a lash serum is a game-changer.

Have you ever counted how much time you spend doing your eye makeup? You would be surprised.

With a good serum, your morning beauty routine can be shorter and you may be pleasantly surprised by the look of your lashes (heck they might look even better than before!).

4- Save Money

Buying your first eyelash serum bottle may seem costly at first, but when compared to other alternatives, it’s actually inexpensive.

For example, a good-quality mascara costs about $30 but honestly, you’ll never get the same effect as you would with a lash serum.

What about lash extensions?

A full set of classic individual lashes done in a salon will cost $164 on average and then you have to maintain them with regular fills every few weeks.

I’ll admit, eyelash extensions are not completely comparable. They are a different kind of product that can truly have a transforming effect.

The bottom line is this.

When compared to other alternatives, lash serums are an affordable and long-term solution that you can use to achieve your desired lash look.

5- Naturally Beautiful

You might love the look of eyelash extensions but the thought of having synthetic fibers glued to your natural lashes might not sit well with you.

If you are looking for a more natural option, a lash serum is the way to go.

I like that I’m applying a 100% natural product to my eyelashes without anything artificial about it.

Lash Serum Drawbacks

1- Potential Side Effects

Not all products are made equal and some may come with side effects.

According to a study, common adverse events associated with bimatoprost occur in less than 4% of patients.²

Pro Tip: Bimatoprost is the active ingredient that can be found in Latisse, the only FDA-approved eyelash growth serum.

These side effects can include:

• eye pruritus
• conjunctival hyperemia
• skin hyperpigmentation
• ocular irritation
• dry eye symptoms
• erythema of the eyelid

Since I was a little scared of these consequences and I know I have sensitive skin, I chose a prostaglandin-free product.

2- Finding the Right Product

When I first started to look for the right growth serum, I felt a little overwhelmed by all the options to choose from. I had to do a lot of research to find the right one for me.

If I had to narrow down my process I would say:

• Make sure you know which type of lash serum you are getting. There are 3 main types of serums: prostaglandin-derived. peptide-based and vitamin-based.
• Read reviews from other users.
• Find a reputable brand with quality ingredients.
• If you have allergies or sensitivities, make sure to discuss them with your doctor.

3- Takes Time

I would say that’s one of the biggest disadvantages. It just takes time before you see any results.

With lash extensions for instance, you can go from no lashes to amazing lashes in an hour or two. The transformation is drastic.

But with an eyelash growth serum, you need to plan ahead. You can’t just put it on for a week before a wedding and expect long, fluttery lashes.

4- Have to Be Consistent

Do you struggle with routine? Are you forgetful?

If so, it might be hard for you to stick to a daily beauty regimen that involves applying your coat every day. This is especially true if you can’t see a drastic improvement.

You’ll most likely not notice any changes at all on an incremental basis. It’s best to take a picture at the beginning and then compare weekly to see if it works.

To maximize your chances of success, you should:

1. Set a daily alarm on your phone as a reminder.
2. Keep your lash serum in a visible place so you won’t forget to use it.
3. Use it at the same time every day to make it part of your daily routine.
4. By a product with an eyeliner-type applicator. These make it really easy to apply.

References

1. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol (2020) PAn Open-label, Single-center, Safety and Efficacy Study of Eyelash Polygrowth Factor Serum. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158911/ (Accessed on February 22th, 2023)
2. Aesthetic Plast Surg (2010) Enhanced Eyelashes: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Options. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3036812/ (Accessed on February 22th, 2023)