A major brow-fail moment feels like a universal experience. If you over-plucked yours in the early aughts, the best eyebrow growth serums can prove more effective in the long run than a simple etching of eyebrow pencils or, say, permanent treatments like microblading or tinting. The nourishing elixirs are chock full of active ingredients experts say do actually spur growth.
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Aside from misguided grooming attempts, sparse, thin brows can also arise genetically. “Our eyebrows undergo a decrease in density or fullness, a reduction in the number of eyebrow hairs, and thickening of hairs with age,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm. She continues that more sudden changes to brow density can be caused by a variety of factors, from skin conditions like eczema, hormonal changes, diet deficiencies, or autoimmune disorders.
She notes that anyone tackling any of these concerns should consult their doctor for regrowth treatments or perhaps a prescription for Latisse (otherwise known as bimatoprost), which Palm describes as a “serum that can also treat some forms of eyebrow thinning by extending the hair growth cycle” though it is only FDA approved for eyelash growth. (Keep in mind though that use of Latisse can potentially result in skin darkening, irritation, dryness, and redness, so it’s best to consult with your dermatologist to understand the full risks.) Otherwise, there are over-the-counter options too that don’t require an appointment.
What to Look for in an Eyebrow Growth Serum
“The good news is, eyebrows can be encouraged to grow back, as long as the eyebrow follicles have not been permanently scarred,” notes Los Angeles–based dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu. “This can be accomplished by using products with ingredients that stimulate the hair growth cycle.” For something similar to Latisse, Wu explains that “the best eyebrow growth products contain ingredients called ‘prostaglandin analogs’”—like bimatoprost.
Though Palm emphasizes that Latisse is the only product FDA-approved for hair regrowth, she recommends looking for “formulations that also include ingredients that promote the appearance of healthy hair follicles, like castor oil, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, vitamin E, and proteins.” And as for results, Wu says you can see a difference in four weeks with significant growth by eight weeks though this will vary on the formula and is dependent on consistent use.