DIY Eyelash Growth Serum for Luscious Lashes

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Luscious Lashes - Eyelash Growth Serum Recipe
Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » DIY Eyelash Growth Serum for Luscious Lashes

Big eyes and long eyelashes are a classic feminine trait and many women have gone to great lengths (pun intended) for them. I even made my own natural eye shadow recipe to accentuate mine. Unfortunately, many treatments like eyelash extensions and growth serums can cause allergic reactions, infection, or other problems.

Never fear, there’s a natural way to encourage lash growth… all you need is a little castor oil!

Get Longer Eyelashes Naturally

Of course, there is a genetic aspect to long eyelashes, but that doesn’t mean that those without the lucky genes can’t increase their eyelash length. I have a cousin who naturally has super-long dark eyelashes that look like extensions.

My eyelashes are decently long but definitely not that dramatic. I have been experimenting with natural ways to increase my eyelash length and thickness.

There does seem to be a connection between nutrition and hair health, so if a person isn’t getting enough fat-soluble vitamins, b-vitamins, vitamin C, and collagen.

Overuse of eye products, especially long-lasting mascaras or fake lashes, can weaken lashes or lead to lash loss.

Natural Eyelash Extensions?

After publishing my homemade mascara, many people asked if there was a natural way to make fiber lash mascara or eyelash extensions. I’m yet to find a natural version of false eyelashes since most glues contain formaldehyde. Most fiber lash products also contain questionable ingredients.

What I did find, however, was a natural way to make lashes look as long as fake lashes using only natural ingredients.

This natural eyelash growth serum uses:

  • Castor oil– Natural source of omega-6 fats, proteins, and vitamins that helps encourage dramatic hair growth
  • Emu oil– “highly anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, penetrating, a transdermal carrier, promotes skin regeneration, non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), nourishing, anti-aging and bacteriastatic.” (source)
  • Coconut oil
  • Vitamin E oil (optional)

Castor oil alone would give noticeable results, as it has been extremely helpful for lengthening and thickening my hair, but the addition of emu oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E give this serum a wider range of fatty acids and nutrients to help speed eyelash growth.

TIP: Christa of The Whole Journey recommends adding 1 drop of lavender essential oil to mascara to speed eyelash growth. I haven’t tried this yet, but it could be added to this serum for additional benefit. (Just always use caution and do your own research when using essential oils!)

Luscious Lashes - Eyelash Growth Serum Recipe
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3.81 from 228 votes

Eyelash Growth Serum Recipe

Help speed eyelash growth with the serum made with natural ingredients.
Prep Time2 minutes
Author: Katie Wells

Materials

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients in a small dropper bottle and swirl gently to combine.
  • To use, squeeze one drop onto your finger or a cotton swab and gently massage into lash line. I prefer to do this at night to let it work overnight before washing my face in the morning.
  • Use daily for best results.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to one year.

 

TIP: Also use on eyebrows to help with thinning eyebrows! This will last up to a year as long as it is kept in an air-tight container. Be careful not to add water, aloe, or other liquid ingredients that will spoil.

How do you take care of your lashes?

Sources

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

179 responses to “DIY Eyelash Growth Serum for Luscious Lashes”

  1. Olivia Avatar

    5 stars
    I had great results getting my brows to grow in using a little castor oil with a few drops of rosemary essential oil. I haven’t tried emu oil yet but it sounds like a good one!

    1. Relly Avatar

      Thank you for all the comments and hints. I will also try a recipe with Rosemary oil and when I get feedback on results I will post it in here – thanks again xox

  2. Barbara Noland Avatar
    Barbara Noland

    would love to know what brand mascara you all are adding lavender too because every brand I have tried made it ridiculously flakey. I am definitely trying this recipe. Thanks for the recipe and the idea to clean out old mascara tubes. My daughter and I were just discussing how mascara brands dry out so quickly now, no matter how much you pay for them.

    1. sarah Avatar

      You can always use a drop off water in the mascara tubes or a drop of eye drops/contact solution.

    2. kyleigh Avatar

      eye drops can fix dry mascara! i keep my mascaras for months before i get a new one….. im a makeup fanatic so i go through makeup faster than the usual

  3. katy Avatar

    would you recommend using this for over-plucked eyebrows that are taking years to grow back or to use the recipe for hair use? Thanks! 🙂

    1. Gabby Martinez Avatar
      Gabby Martinez

      Yes no matter if you’ve over plucked in the past it will still help with hair growth, these essential oils r like a miracle worker they really help with so much stuff! I’ve been doing the castor oil, coconut oil, rosemary oil, & i cud go on lol! I have spent so much $$ on these products but ther worth it in my opinion, good luck with ur adventure, if u have any questions plz let me no I’m here 2 help… ( – :

      1. Shelley Avatar
        Shelley

        Hi was wondering if you could tell me how much of each ingredient to mix Thanks

    2. Kristen Avatar
      Kristen

      My eyebrows are over plucked and I’ve stopped waxing and plucking and have been using coconut oil every night for a few weeks now and brushing them with a spoolie brush every night and they are definitely filling in! It’s not dramatic but it’s happening 🙂

  4. Donna Avatar

    4 stars
    Has anyone ever used this on their head where hair is thinning? or heard about using on the scalp? And if so did you have hair regrowth?

  5. Tree Avatar

    4 stars
    I also suffer from trichotillomania, for a few years now.
    I’ve actually been using a mixture of castor oil and coconut oil with a drop of lavender on my eyelashes for the last month or two and am happy to report that it’s definitely helping to grow them back!! The bald spots are filling in again after having trouble growing back for awhile. Although some of the hair a are blonde, most are growing back fine.

    1. Relly Avatar

      Thank you so much. My friend who has the same problem will be happy to try this out & I will make her a batch today – many thanks & much love xox

    2. Rebecca Avatar
      Rebecca

      Oh goodi!! I’m so glad I found this site and took the tieto read the post.. I also suffer this condition since I was little and have always been extremely embarrassed to go anywhere when it overtakes m.. Don’t even realize it until it’s way too late. I had never been able to put on extensions and cannot afford to have them done professionally. I have used a product in the past by Tarte and it worked to regrow and lengthen but they stoked making it. I’ve tried to others and the most recent one worked to a degree. The Tarte worked so well without needing a doctors visit or Rx . I’ve been looking and stumbled here. I will have to try this but I am happy to know someone like me says it work.. I get really stressed out after and worried I’ve damaged them permanently. Thank you for sharing your success ad thank you to Wellness Mama for the recipe and thanks to all who commented in contribution to this.

      1. Wenona Avatar

        some info which may help with anxiety, OCD symptoms
        1. nutrition is very important and staying away from certain things – (completely free website, I have no affiliation, no sign up/no spam, peer reviewed info)
        part about OCD starts about halfway down the page – http://www.doctoryourself.com/news/v3n18.html
        2. Consider EFT tapping, it’s free and easy. Brad Yates has MANY amazing videos on different subjects, including habits, anxiety, relationships, pain, etc. Again, no affiliation.
        best of health to everyone 🙂

  6. Relly Avatar

    Thank you for this receipe. I am interested in seeing if this or any other remedies will help regrow eyelashes & eyebrows because of damaged follicles due to Trichotillomania… if anyone has any other helpful suggestions please let me know & i will let you know if it has any benefits for someone with this ocndition.
    Thank you again <3

    1. Jackie Avatar

      Relly, please do share your experience. I am a behavioral health therapist (and nutrition coach) and I work with people who struggle with trichotillomania and would like to offer this recipe if you find it helpful. I was unsure for my clients who have struggled for years with this if there comes a point when the hair just doesn’t grow back. I am hopeful that is not the case. Thank you so much for sharing so openly 🙂

      1. Relly Avatar

        I will pass on any positive benefits we discover – I would like to know any other oils, herbs etc that stimulate hair growth that we can experiment with- any suggestions…?

        1. Linda Avatar

          I have heard a lot of people use Rosemary to stimulate hair growth on their head, never heard of eye lashes, not sure how it would work but something to look into. 🙂

          1. Molly Avatar

            I make a similar serum for my eyebrows and eyelashes using castor oil, rosemary eo and lavender eo. Despite what Jodie says, I have seen obvious improvement in my lashes and eyebrows in both color (darkness), thickness, and length. I’m naturally blond so obviously I need all the help I can get here. I also think it’s much preferable to Actually have beautiful healthy lashes with out paying hundreds to fake it.

  7. Jodi Young Avatar
    Jodi Young

    3 stars
    I’ve been getting eyelash extensions for over 5 years without any problems, but you get what you pay for. Eyelashes range from $20 up to $500 depending on the type you get. Mine are mink, they look and feel exactly like real lashes. Cheap thick plastic lashes are applied with a nasty glue that will burn your eyes and cause multiple problems. Professionals only use surgical glue that does not burn or cause infection. Nothing makes lashes grow thicker or longer than what we were born with. Oils included.

    1. Hannah Avatar

      You can absolutely still have a reaction to surgical glue. Just because it’s medical grade doesn’t mean it’s hypoallergenic. I’d definitely prefer to try this over having another animals fur glued to my eyes….

      1. Jodi Avatar

        3 stars
        With proper hygienic care washing daily gently removing any residue that has accumulated durning the night I’ve never once had problems. The key is to find an experienced stylist that can professionally apply them so no damage will be done to the lashes nor the eyelids. I’ve tried Latisse and also my own DIY recipies but nothing comes close to lash extensions in my opinion.

        1. Emilia Avatar

          That’s not true. I know a lot of
          My Asian friends who were not born with crazy long lashes, naturally made them grow, even if just a bit. Way to be a debby downer! Luckily I have long, thick lashes nauturally. Due to living in Hawaii and everyone getting fake lashes I experimented with this when I was younger and spent $200 for mink lashes.. And oh, my eyes got infected… Weird hmm

    2. Danielle Avatar

      Untrue. Latisse absolutely works, and won’t damage your natural lashes. Oils may not work, but Latisse does. The cost of a bottle and the amount of time it lasts would actually be cheaper than extensions, it just doesn’t give immediate results. It takes a minimum of 4 weeks.

    3. Robbin Avatar

      Actually, this is not true. I have not tried to oils but have used Latisse with GREAT success.

    4. Liz Avatar

      Extensions suck is my experience :-\
      Had them once and only after applying them, she told me I shouldnt thoroughly rub my eyes…… Guess what I did the next morning after waking up?

    5. Sarah Avatar

      I’m glad to see others already corrected the misinformation here that nothing grows longer fuller lashes. I have glaucoma, and the active ingredient in the prescription eye drops I use to regulate my eye pressure is the same active ingredient found in Latisse. One of the (not unpleasant) side effects of my eye drops are longer, fuller eyelashes. 🙂

  8. Tessa Avatar

    Can’t wait to try this! Just wondering how you keep the CO liquid in the bottle? Would FCO work just as well?

  9. Jessica wadden Avatar
    Jessica wadden

    Hi- my castor oil says avoid contact w/ eyes. Do you just close your eyes & apply lash line?

    1. Sherry Helton Avatar
      Sherry Helton

      I use organic castor oil several times a night in both eyes. I have very dry eyes and my eye specialist recommend after the prescription did not help. I’m 73 and castor oil is what my grandparents used for eye problems.
      Very safe for eyes if organic. Has not helped my eyelash growth, Latisse also didn’t work. Going to try emu oil. Had some regrowth with copper peptides.
      Even when you’re older I still want my eyelashes back.

  10. Yarrow Avatar

    5 stars
    Your site is fantastic. In your formula on eyelash serum, does the coconut oil become solid

    1. Evelyn Avatar

      I’ve found that when I mix fluid coconut oil (melted is necessary) with oils that remain fluid more easily, the entire recipe stays fluid if it it well mixed, and the coconut oil is less that a third of the total.

  11. Beka Householder Avatar
    Beka Householder

    Do you have any recommendations for making this vegan? Castor and emu oil both animal oils.

    1. Emily Avatar

      Castor oil is from castor beans/seeds and is not from animals. In some languages castor means beaver but the oil is not derived from them. The Emu oil however is not vegan and can just be omitted.

    2. Heather Avatar
      Heather

      Castor oil is from a plant. If you want to make this vegan, just omit the emu oil. Honestly, this would be perfectly fine with just the coconut oil.

      1. Aleksander Avatar
        Aleksander

        I was wondering what could be used in place of the citrus and peppermint eo? I have really sensitive facial skin and citrus oils anywhere on my face makes me break out and my skin will burn in pain from the irritation.

  12. Anya Avatar

    Yes, the addition of lavender oil helps too! I add a few drops to my mascara tube.

  13. Sharice Avatar
    Sharice

    I have thin eyelashes so I could definitely start using this recipe. Thanks for the post.

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      I would make sure that it is urefined, cold-pressed, and hexane-free (You are getting it pretty close to your eyes, so I urge caution).

  14. Charline Avatar
    Charline

    5 stars
    Black mascara is burdensome. I decided to get real, and grow thick lashes! Do you know any transparent ingredient to add in this recipe so that it can act as a clear mascara (that holds eyelash curls)?.

    1. Mandie Avatar

      When I first made my own make up, I tried using just oil and charcoal for mascara, but it smeared (especially on my glasses which my lashes touch). Now I use aloe vera gel and charcoal which works really well because the aloe goes on wet, but dries quickly. I’m not sure if it would dry as much mixed with oil, but it could be worth a shot?

    2. stellie Avatar
      stellie

      perhaps aloe vera, it holds well on hair for instance 🙂

  15. Austyn Avatar

    Do you need to use the Emu oil? Is there something else I could use?

      1. Ana Avatar

        Is castor oil safe to use on your eyelashes if you are pregnant?

      2. Racel Michals Avatar
        Racel Michals

        Hi Katie,

        Where else can I buy an emu oil and black cumin oil besides the website that is linked in your recipe? There are a lot of stores online but I don’t know who I can trust, please let me know when you get a chance, thank you.

  16. Trecia Avatar

    I love Emu Oil (I use products from http://www.wonderoil.com) and have used it for years. Never thought to use it for my horribly thin eyelashes and eyebrows! Thanks for this recipe! I’m going to give it a try.

    1. Jennifer Avatar
      Jennifer

      I went to that website, OMG what a mess! Probably one of the worst I’ve ever been to, lol. But I will order the emu oil. Thanks for the suggestion.

  17. Laurie Avatar

    Question: would you use regular coconut oil (the kind you use for cooking. ..and *everything* else 😉 or FCO?

    Thank you!

        1. June Avatar

          I use fractionated coconut oil. You don’t need to melt it because it is in liquid form. It is very light and non-greasy too.

      1. Catherine Avatar
        Catherine

        It’s winter where I live (NZ) and all our coconut oil is solid because of the cold. How would you get past this with this mixture?

      2. Sonal Avatar

        Hi Katie I am always confused on what vitamin e oil to buy. What do you recommend? I am trying a cuticle oil recipe as well but am struggling with deciding what vitamin e oil to use

  18. Sarah S Avatar
    Sarah S

    I am wondering if you know how the emu oil is obtained from the animal? Does the animal suffer any harm or ate they farmed for this oil? I am only asking because a few friends of mine are vegan and would love this recipe but I don’t know if they would object to the emu oil!

    1. Linda Avatar

      I could be wrong but, I read it comes from dead emu’s. I was researching oils for skin and emu oil kept popping up. I didn’t know what it was at all, so I looked it up and that’s what I read. I also read that it had a unique ability to penetrate deeper into our dermis layers then any other oil. So because of that it’s great to use with other oils to repair skin. Of course I only read about it from the internet so I would encourage you to do your own research.

    2. Heather Avatar
      Heather

      Yes, it’s animal fat. Just omit it and the recipe will still be fine.

    3. Taylor Avatar

      5 stars
      I have made my own lash oil/face oil for years, and when I wear mascara most people actually think I am wearing fake lashes (I have had people ask multiple times as if I was lying!). A really good container to put it in is also 1) a cleaned out clear mascara gel tube (or empty new one found online), it is easy to clean, and you can see how much oil is left/if you have shaken and mixed it enough or 2) a liquid eyeliner container, either bought new or cleaned out (I would suggest a glitter liner that is a clear base like the mascara so it will be easier to clean than black.

      I just found it easier and less messy than having it in another contain if I want to apply it just on my lashes or lash line. Also, I try not to use cotton swabs if I don’t have to, I hate the waste! Just a suggestion 🙂 Also, I just keep the oil on my lashed before applying makeup in the morning. Helps keep my (non natural) mascara from ruining my lashes.

      1. shoaib ahmed Avatar
        shoaib ahmed

        Good tips, taylor. I wish u had given us the recipe too. Pretty please!

    4. Deirdre Avatar
      Deirdre

      Although it is true that emu oil does come from a dead emu, the meat is eaten. So the animal isn’t discarded after the oil extracted.

      1. Naomi Avatar

        I did research and actually, the meat is quite undesirable as it is pungent. Emu is farmed primarily for their feathers, leather, and cosmetics sadly.

        1. Tiffany Avatar
          Tiffany

          The meat is actually quite desirable for its low fat content. It is red meat like lean beef. My parents used to farm them.

    5. Tiffany Avatar
      Tiffany

      They kill Emu’s for the oil. I make natural products and I stay away from Emu oil because of that reason. I don’t care how great it is if an animal has to be killed or suffers for the oil I stay away!! Google it and you can find topics on how they kill emu’s for the oil. Hope this helps.

      1. Shaciya Avatar
        Shaciya

        They are killed for their meat. The fat of the animal (the parts people don’t eat) are used to make the oil. It shouldn’t matter anyway we kill lots of animals for food but you don’t stop eating food because we kill animals for it.

        1. Keri Avatar

          Actually, a lot of people do not eat meat because animals are killed for it.

      2. Sonal Avatar

        what oil do you use instead of emu oil for skin penetration? Would you use jojoba? As I read it helps carry oils deeper into the skin

      3. Naomi Avatar

        Yes I read that too. I like to know what products I’m supporting and I will not being using emu oil, I will increase the castor oil instead. It is terribly sad that they are killed for other peoples interest like comsetics. such a shame. They are beautiful birds.

  19. Becky Avatar

    I use 3 drops of Lavender essential oil in my mascara. I also use lavender oil on my eyebrows at night because I have lost a lot of them.

    1. Danielle Avatar

      I’ve heard lavender oil should be used on lashes simply because it kills eyelash mites, that can contribute to losing your lashes.

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