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I used to feel very smug and superior about the fact that I never went through the dreaded skinny eyebrow phase in the early aughts. That is, until I recently went through an old photo album. The old adage about brows being sisters, not twins, couldn’t even apply. My brows might as well have been distant, long-lost cousins. Or maybe even strangers who just happened to end up at the same party. Not even the best eyebrow pencil could help me. Not all brows are created equal. However, if your brows are looking a bit sparse, or you got a little too tweezer-happy, there are products that can help. Enter the great eyebrow growth serum...a.k.a. the quickest road to caterpillar brows.
Eyebrow growth serums are non-prescription treatments that come with the promise of fuller-looking brows with consistent use. “They are topical products that contain ingredients like peptides, vitamins, and botanical extracts that help support healthy hair follicle activity and condition the hair itself,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. These are some of the same ingredients that you can find in eyelash serums or even products to help with hair growth. Note that results don’t happen overnight and usually appear after several weeks of use. So if you’re striving for visibly fuller brows, check out the pro-approved picks, below.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Brows may appear flaky after use
This under-$10 serum uses peptides to help soften brows, making them less likely to break and stimulating hair growth.
Target rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Target reviewer says: “If you’ve never tried a brow serum before, this is a great product to start with. It’s not overly expensive, and it is simple to use. The wand is very full, so you’ll be able to spread the product throughout your lashes with ease.”
Size | 0.44 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Biotin, peptides, castor oil |
2
Best For Fast Results
Grande Cosmetics GrandeBROW Brow Enhancing Serum
Pros
- Promotes growth on bald spots
Cons
- Pricey
Grande Brow is beloved across social media for its dramatic results—and it’s one of Zeichner’s picks. “Grande Brow contains an amino acid blend including L-proline, which is important for hair growth,” he says. He adds that hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and plump the brows while vitamin E softens the hair and provides antioxidant benefits.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
Size | 0.1 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, amino acid |
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Pros
- Works on brows and lashes
Cons
- May cause sensitivity
This formula is as hardworking as it is grid-worthy. The formula employs hemp-derived cannabis seed extract to nourish the brow hairs and plant peptides to promote growth. In a 12-week clinical study, consumers reported improved brow and lash appearance.
Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This is very worth the money you spend. It seems like a lot, but it gives result of perfect lashes. I recommend this to everyone that has short lashes or wants theirs longer!”
Size | 0.12 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Hemp extract, peptides, quinoa |
4
Best For Growth and Hydration
Joey Healy Brow Renovation Serum
Pros
- Nourishes brow hairs
Cons
- Pricey
Zeichner recommends this moisturizing formula. “It contains a combination of peptides along with hyaluronic acid to condition the hairs,” he says. “It also contains a combination of botanicals and vitamins to soothe the skin.”
Joey Healy rating: 5/5 stars
Size | 0.25 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Vitamin A, licorice, vitamin C, peptides |
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Pros
- Makes brows naturally darker
Cons
- Must be used morning and night
Lengthen and volumize brows with this peptide blend that goes on clear and never flakes. The formula is packed with plant extracts, an anti-aging peptide, a pigmentation booster, and silk proteins for denser and healthier brows.
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “If you have skimpy fading eyebrows, this is a great product.”
Size | 0.34 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Peptides, silk proteins |
Pros
- Clinically tested ingredients
Cons
- Pricey
This plant-based serum features clinically tested phytoactives to promote thicker brows. The formula also includes red clover and mung bean to prevent further hair loss.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This is a nice product. It went on easily and felt good on my brows. I noticed that it made my brows look thicker after several weeks of use. I would recommend this to other people looking to enhance their brows.”
Size | 0.1 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Peptides |
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7
Best For Lashes and Brows
Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty Platinum Long Lash Serum
Pros
- Quick drying
Cons
- Pricey
Sure, it’s a lash serum, but don’t be afraid to sweep it across your brows. Its quick-drying formula contains peptides (which can help stimulate growth) and conditioning vitamin E.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve tried 3 other lash serums. This purchase was sort of a last shot and it’s very expensive. But within two weeks of putting this on at night, I noticed longer, denser lashes.”
Size | 0.17 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Vitamin B5, peptides |
8
Best for Stressed, Over-Groomed Brows
Revitalash RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner & Serum
Pros
- Protects hair from breakage
Cons
- No online reviews available
Beloved by beauty editors, this serum contains the brand’s proprietary blend of peptides and biotin to help visibly lengthen and fill in brows, while also protecting against breakage.
Revitalash rating: 5/5 stars
Size | 0.33 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Peptides, amino acids |
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Pros
- Works on brows and lashes
Cons
- Takes two minutes to dry
According to clinical results, 100 percent of users noticed improved lash and brow growth and volume. The tapered brush makes it easy to apply the product precisely along your lash line and on sparse brow spots.
Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “Been using this product for a few months and I definitely have seen a difference.”
Size | N/A |
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Key ingredients | Peptides, cannabis seed extract |
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Product runs out quickly
Neutrogena’s Lash + Brow Enhancer Serum is formulated with biotin and peptides to promote growth. The super gentle formula is sheer and moisturizing, so it won’t leave your brows looking dry or flaky. For best results, apply on sparse brow spots twice daily.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “If your expectations are realistic, you will probably be pleased by the result. It is affordable and does appear to stimulate some lash growth and strengthen existing lashes. Like many similar products, it must be used on a regular basis to maintain results. It’s not a miracle cure, but I’d say it does a good job.”
Size | 0.08 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Biotin, peptides |
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11
Best For Easy Application
Babe Lash Brow Serum
Pros
- Hydrating and nourishing
Cons
- Pricey
Babe, look at those brows! With Babe Lash’s serum, your brows will get extra TLC from biotin, castor oil, and amino acids. The doe foot applicator makes for a foolproof application. Every brow hair will be perfectly saturated with serum.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my second order. The stuff really does work—and delivery is incredibly fast.”
Size | 0.1 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Castor oil, biotin, peptides |
12
Best Affordable Option
e.l.f. Cosmetics Enhancing Lash & Brow Serum
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Must apply twice a day
The antioxidants in this serum will protect your brows from free radical damage, while amino acids will promote hair growth. For best results, swipe on the product twice a day.
Ulta rating: 4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I used this for almost a year. I had really thin eyebrow hairs and spots where hair wouldn’t grow and had to constantly fill in those spots. And my eyelashes were short and thin. My boyfriend was the one to notice my eyelashes were longer and fuller, and I seen a huge difference in my eyebrows. I actually have eyebrows and they are fuller thanks to this. It takes some time and consistency with use (I used morning and night) but I am so glad I decided to give this a try. Don’t give up on use, it’s so good for the price compared to other lash/brow serums. I definitely recommend this.”
Size | 0.12 fl. oz. |
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Key ingredients | Castor oil, amino acids |
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Meet the Experts
Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist and FanLoveBeauty Founder.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Joey Healy is a brow specialist and studio owner.
Alicia Grande is the founder of Grande Cosmetics.
What does a brow serum do?
“Brow serums help your existing brow hair take better root so you’re not shedding as frequently,” says Healy. They also help to prompt new growth and can even help fill in bald or sparse spots. Serums are “perfect for sparse, thinning, tail-less brows or those who over-plucked in the ’90s,” says Grande. However, Healy notes that these hairs may grow in lighter or thinner, so a good brow tinting can help amplify your new growth. Unfortunately, brow serums can not prompt new growth on areas with scar tissue.
King explains that non-prescription eyebrow growth serums are considered cosmetics by the FDA instead of drugs, which can directly promote hair growth claims. “With cosmetics, not much is permanent, and brands can only make ‘appearance’ claims,” she says. Zeichner agrees and adds that data shows that some peptides used in these formulas have biological effects on follicles—creating longer-lasting results.
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What ingredients should I look for? What should I avoid?
“Most serums on the market lack active ingredients for growth and simply serve to condition brows,” says Healy. “The main ingredient you want to look for is peptides,” which can create proteins to promote hair growth. Healy also recommends looking for formulas packed with vitamins and natural botanicals that will condition the brow hairs. Healy says to avoid hormone ingredients, sometimes listed as prostaglandins. “These usually have note-worthy side effects and are not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing,” he says.
How long will it take to see results?
“Be consistent and patient,” explains Grande. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” While some people may see a difference after three weeks, it can take up to four months to see the full results. To get the most out of your serum, Healy says to make sure you are consistent with your application and to not pluck, wax, or tweeze your brows for eight weeks.
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Why trust ELLE Beauty?
Tatjana Freund is ELLE.com's Beauty Commerce Writer. She constantly tests new and skincare products, and her eyebrows are bushier than a caterpillar.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors spoke with skin experts about the absolute best under-eye masks to delay signs of aging, reduce puffiness, and reduce darkness. The authors personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
Jesa Marie Calaor
Jesa Marie Calaor is a Beauty Editor at HearstMade. She creates beauty and grooming content across all of Hearst's sites. Follow her on Instagram (@jesamarie_).
Emily Burns
Assistant Beauty Editor
Emily Burns is the assistant beauty editor at ELLE Magazine. When she’s not writing, she’s probably drinking an Aperol spritz and cuddling with her cat Wednesday….or scheming how to date Pete Davidson.
Tatjana Freund
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.