Quick Take
A social media post suggests that cloves paste with castor oil make your eyelashes grow in three days. We fact checked and found the claim to be false.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that a paste prepared from roasted cloves, aloe vera, vitamin E capsules and castor oil can make eyelashes grow within just three days.
Fact Check
Can eyelashes biologically grow in just three days?
No. Eyelashes simply cannot grow to a noticeable length within three days because of the way the hair growth cycle works.
Every eyelash grows from a hair follicle embedded in the eyelid. These follicles follow a structured biological cycle made up of three stages: the growth phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen) and the resting phase (telogen). For eyelashes, the active growth phase is relatively short , around 4 to 6 weeks , and growth happens gradually. On average, lashes grow about 0.1 to 0.2 millimetres per day. That means in three days, the total growth would be less than one millimetre.
To put that into perspective, less than one millimetre is barely noticeable to the naked eye. It certainly does not translate into visibly longer, fuller lashes in a dramatic way. For any ingredient to produce such rapid change, it would need to dramatically accelerate cell division inside the follicle, something no cosmetic oil or home mixture has been shown to do.
Biology moves at its own pace. Hair growth is not something that can be “sped up” overnight with kitchen ingredients.
Do cloves contain compounds that stimulate hair follicles?
No. There is no scientific evidence showing that cloves can stimulate eyelash follicles to grow faster.
Cloves contain eugenol, a naturally occurring compound known for its antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory properties. In laboratory research, certain plant compounds have been studied for their potential effects on scalp circulation. However, this is very different from proving that a ground clove paste applied to eyelashes causes hair growth in humans.
Importantly, there are no clinical trials examining clove application on eyelashes. There is no dermatological evidence showing that eugenol can extend the anagen phase or activate dormant follicles in the eyelid area.
In fact, cloves are considered quite potent and can be irritating. Clove oil is commonly diluted before being used even on thicker skin areas like the scalp. The eyelid, by contrast, has some of the thinnest and most sensitive skin on the body. Applying a concentrated spice preparation near the eyes is more likely to cause burning or redness than follicle stimulation.
Can castor oil, vitamin E and aloe vera speed up lash growth dramatically?
No. These ingredients may condition lashes, but they do not create rapid biological growth. Castor oil is thick and coats the hair shaft. When applied to lashes, it can make them appear darker, shinier and slightly thicker because the oil adds weight and sheen. This cosmetic effect can create the illusion of fuller lashes. However, coating the hair shaft does not change what is happening inside the follicle beneath the skin.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports skin health and protects cells from oxidative stress. While it plays a role in general skin integrity, there is no solid scientific evidence showing that topical vitamin E accelerates eyelash growth.
Aloe vera is soothing and hydrating. It can calm irritated skin and improve moisture levels. But again, hydration does not equal accelerated hair production. None of these ingredients alter the internal growth cycle of the lash follicle in a matter of days.
At best, they may improve their lash appearance temporarily. At worst, they may clog follicles or irritate sensitive skin.
Dermatologist Dr Sachin Gupta of Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, explains that there is no quick fix for faster hair growth. He notes that unregulated products rarely work because hair growth depends on hormones, nutrition, genetics and overall health. A balanced diet, proper hair care and medical advice for underlying issues are far more effective.
Dr Sandeep Arora, consultant Dermatologist at Mehektagul Dermaclinic, Delhi, explains that there is no instant solution for making eyebrows or eyelashes thicker. Even medically prescribed treatments require time to show visible results. He also warns that using home remedies in unregulated or unknown concentrations can trigger serious allergic reactions and should therefore be avoided.
Could this mixture harm the delicate eye area?
Yes. Applying roasted clove powder near the eyes carries real risk. The eyelids are extremely delicate. They contain thin skin, minimal fat and a high density of nerve endings. Clove compounds such as eugenol can cause irritation, stinging or allergic contact dermatitis. If even a small amount enters the eye, it may cause watering, burning, swelling or blurred vision.
Grinding roasted cloves into powder also introduces the risk of tiny abrasive particles. These particles can scratch the surface of the eye (the cornea) if they migrate during blinking. Eye irritation is not only uncomfortable, it can lead to infection if the protective barrier is disrupted.
The spoolie brush itself can introduce bacteria if not properly cleaned. Combining spice particles, oils and the sensitive eye area is not a low-risk experiment.
Is there any scientifically supported way to improve eyelash growth?
Yes. If someone genuinely struggles with thinning lashes, there are medically approved options. Certain prescription treatments containing prostaglandin analogues have been clinically tested and shown to prolong the growth phase of eyelashes. These are regulated, studied for safety and prescribed under medical supervision. They work by extending the anagen phase, something cosmetic oils do not do.
Beyond medication, maintaining good overall health matters. Adequate protein intake, sufficient iron levels, thyroid balance and avoiding excessive mascara or harsh lash extensions all support natural lash health. But even with proper support, lash growth is gradual. Visible change takes weeks, not days.
So the claim that roasted cloves mixed with vitamin E, aloe vera and castor oil can grow eyelashes in three days is not backed by science. Eyelash growth follows a structured biological cycle that cannot be bypassed with home remedies.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
