FAQs:
Do eyebrow growth serums actually work?
In short, yes. Much like eyelash growth serums, eyebrow growth serums work by conditioning brow hairs and stimulating healthy hair growth. They’re certainly not an essential product — so whether you decide to invest in one should be down to your own personal brow goals and preferences.
“If you’ve experienced eyebrow thinning due to factors like over-plucking, ageing, or medical conditions — or you simply desire fuller and more defined eyebrows – an eyebrow growth serum may be worth considering,” adds Hoda Kiani, founder of LoveLash.
How do eyebrow growth serums work?
“They contain a range of ingredients which can be divided into two groups – actives that actually regrow hair and are typically medicines or drugs, and ingredients which condition and thicken existing hair, or a combination of the two,” explains Dr Sharon, a hair specialist and consultant dermatologist based in London. “Eyebrow serums therefore work by increasing hair growth, and making the most of the hair that is already there,” she adds.
Which ingredients should I look for in an effective eyebrow growth serum?
In terms of what ingredients to look for, eyebrow growth serums will commonly include keratin, vitamins (such as biotin and panthenol), botanical oils (like avocado, rosemary and castor), vitamin E and peptides, which are also found in lash serums.
“For growth, look for medicines like minoxidil and bimatoprost,” says Dr Sharon. Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, concurs. Keep an eye out for “prostaglandin or prostaglandin analog, like bimatoprost,” she says. “Or isopropyl cloprostenate, like you’d find in GrandeLash,” she adds. For conditioning, Dr Sharon recommends “biotin, vitamin E and pantothenic acid,” and for strengthening she rates amino acids and peptides.
How often should I use a brow growth serum?
For best results, you’ll typically need to use an eyebrow growth serum twice a day — ideally once in the morning, and once in the evening. Apply the serum to clean and dry eyebrows, and allow it fully absorb before continuing with your regular skincare routine. “This ensures that the active ingredients penetrate the skin and follicles to encourage thicker, stronger eyebrow hairs,” Hoda adds.
How long do eyebrow growth serums take to work?
Typically, you should start noticing visible results as soon as you’re 3-4 weeks into using it on a daily and consistent basis. That said, the most impressive results should be visible after a minimum period of 8 weeks.
“Unlike scalp hair, the growth cycle of brow hair is shorter — but it can still take up to 3 months to work and consistency is key,” says Dr Sharon. As for maintaining results, “if the product works you would need to continue using it as maintenance,” she adds.
Are there any side effects of using eyebrow growth serums?
Those with sensitive skin might be more likely to experience common side effects like eye itchiness and redness, and eyelid discolouration — and in some cases, even eyelid drooping and changes of eye colour. This is typically caused by prostaglandin analogs, which are popular ingredients for stimulating hair growth that are known to sometimes cause irritation. So, it might be worth looking for a formula that doesn’t contain them.
If you do experience an adverse reaction, stop using the product immediately, and seek medical help. And before you bring that wand anywhere near your eyes, it’s definitely worth doing a patch test on your arm or neck, and seeing if any irritation occurs over a 24-hour period.
How we tested the best eyebrow growth serums
The GLAMOUR team has been actively testing the best eyebrow growth serums for years now. We’ve reviewed the formulas for a minimum period of 4-6 weeks to log any noticeable results and kept in mind the following:
- Efficacy – how soon did we notice results?
- Reaction – did the formula cause any irritation or watery/red eyes?
- Application – how easy is the application process
- Value for money – does the price tag genuinely match the formula?
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best mascaras, best primers and best magnetic false lashes. We can also help you pick the best moisturisers for dry skin, best hyaluronic acid serums and best laser hair removal machines.