Full eyebrows might be sought after, but if you have naturally sparse brows (or if they’ve been plucked too thin over the years), it can feel like an impossible dream.

Enter brow growth products, which are abundant these days. Many claim to restore eyebrow density and thickness, but what actually works? While the internet might convince you that castor oil is all it takes, the dermatologists we spoke to shared what the most popular brow regrowth options are actually capable of.

First, let’s set some expectations about what these products can and cannot do.

There Are Limitations

“Unfortunately, no product can create new follicles where none exist genetically. If someone has naturally sparse or fine brows due to genetics, growth serums may slightly enhance what’s already present but won’t create completely new hair in areas where follicles were never active,” explained Dr. Jenny Liu, a board-certified dermatologist. With continued use of effective products, however, it can create the illusion of more hair, since existing hairs can lengthen and thicken.