(Image credit: @mishti.rahman; @symphanisoto)
By Maya Thomas
last updated
in Buying Guides
I like to think of myself as a beauty resource who always has a well-researched answer to provide whenever a question comes my way. Despite this, it can be tough navigating scenarios that I've not yet experienced myself, so I often look to the experts I have on speed dial for their input. When it comes to the best mascara for sensitive eyes, I've struggled here and there with dryness and rare irritation, but it's not something I have to grapple with on the daily. However, that doesn't stop me from taking a deep dive into the subject matter to provide readers with the best possible information to embark on their search for products that will meet their personal needs (or, in other words, not have to compromise comfort for perfect-looking lashes).
To get the scoop on the best mascaras on the market for sensitive eyes, I reached out to ophthalmologists Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, founder of Twenty/Twenty Beauty and Maria Montero, MD, from the nonprofit organization Orbis International for their take on the commonly tricky topic. Read on for everything you need to know about shopping for mascaras designed with sensitive eyes in mind and an edit of the best ones to try according to thousands of glowing reviews across the industry's biggest retailers.
According to Montero, finding mascara that's gentle on the eyes and can be worn comfortably all day isn't as challenging as you might think. "Ingredients that are typically safe for people with sensitive eyes include beeswax, lanolin, castor oil, floral wax, carbon black, and glycerin," says Montero. "I recommend anyone with sensitive eyes avoid mascara that contains synthetic dyes, aluminum powder, formaldehyde, sulfates, or parabens." She also recommends anyone with sensitive eyes avoid waterproof mascaras, as they can contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are the same ingredients found in non-stick pans.
It's all about paying attention to the formulas listed on the back of the product packaging and making informed choices about which ingredients can be used on and around your sensitive eyes. "Some ingredients are just naturally more irritating, while others can trigger allergic reactions," begins Hilal-Campo. While ingredients like beeswax and lanolin are generally accepted as safe for sensitive eyes, they may not works for individuals as they are common allergens. "If you have seasonal allergies (hay fever), you may be allergic to flower-derived ingredients like chamomile," she explains.
As with any makeup product, it's a good idea to test your mascara first before sweeping it on the lashes. "You can apply a product to the skin behind your earlobe or on your inner forearm, then look for signs of an allergic reaction that can include rash, dry skin, itching, swelling, or secretions," she explains. If you experience any of the symptoms listed by Montero, take that as a sign to stop your use of the product. In addition to being mindful of the ingredients that go into a product's formula, Montero encourages removing all mascara before settling in for a good night's sleep and using micellar water or baby shampoo to wash the sensitive areas around your eyes.
For Hilal-Campo, when it comes to determining ingredients for sensitive-eye friendly makeup, it's more often about what's not in a product than what is. She offers an alternative testing process, by using a patch testing system for 24 hours on your inner arm or by getting in touch with your ophthalamologist for guidance. "You can also bring the product to your ophthalmologist, who can help you decipher the ingredient list and determine which ingredients could irritate your eyes," says Hilal-Campo. Quick fix, right?
With the help of Hilal-Campo, Montero, and rave reviews, I've pulled together a list of the 12 best mascaras that should be on everyone's radar but especially on those who have sensitive eyes and need some VIP treatment from their products. Spoiler alert: Your search for the perfect mascara just got a lot easier.
(Image credit: @symphanisoto)
The 13 Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes
Twenty/Twenty
Clean Sweep Mascara
At the top of our list, we have Hilal-Campo's very own Twenty/Twenty Clean Sweep Mascara. "[It's] a very gentle mascara that's safe for those with sensitive eyes, dry eyes, and contact lens wearers and features hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and biotin to help hydrate, condition, and strengthen lashes," she says. "It does not contain any of the common allergens like carnauba wax and beeswax which are in most mascaras. And, even though it's gentle, it's water resistant!"
Customer Review: "This mascara has it all! It makes my lashes look thick and dark and it stays on all day. It’s even waterproof! Coconut oil is my go to for removing it. My eyes are never irritated and I know I’m doing the right thing for the health of my eyes."
Product Details: 0.63 oz with a soft-bristle brush
Neutrogena
Healthy Lengths Mascara
Formulated with antioxidant vitamin E, rice protein, and olive oil, this mascara nourishes and strengthens the lashes using a formula that doesn't clump, flake, or irritate the eyes and a soft-bristle brush that evenly combs through and coats the lashes.
Customer Review: "Love this! It doesn't flake or cause raccoon eyes! It curls and lengthens my lashes perfectly! It doesn't overpower them and I love that. The black/brown is the perfect shade in my book for days where I just want a more natural look."
Product Details: 0.21 oz tube with a soft-bristle brush
Ilia
Limitless Lash Mascara
Ilia's award-winning cult-favorite mascaralifts and lengthens while holding the curl and separating the lashes. Crafted with beeswax and shea butter for gentle flexibility and hold, its formula works with the mascara's dual-sided brush, which catches and separates every lash with ease.
Customer Review: "I have extremelysensitive eyes, so I have had a very hard time finding a good mascara that works, does not flake, and does not irritate. This mascara is the best! It is very natural looking but adds length, definition and volume. The brush did take some getting used to, but once I did, I did not know if I can ever go back to another mascara."
Product Details: 0.22 oz tube with a dual-sided mascara brush
PrimePrometics
PrimeLash Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara
Developed specifically for mature eyes, PrimePrometics' best-selling PrimeLash Mascara creates long, full lashes in two clean coats. The Magic Wand, in particular, stands out to me since it so easily combs through and separates small, sparse lashes while coating them with product.
Customer Review: "I have been surprised and really delighted to experience this mascara. It applies easily, does not smudge all day, the application on my eyelashes is complete but never thick, so with aging eyelashes, I now have lashes that seem natural and full. Also easy to remove!"
Product Details: 1.13 oz tube with the signature Magic Wand
(Image credit: @sarahhsol)
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Future Lash mascara
The Future Lash Mascara delivers full, flirty lashes using a high-performing formula that doesn't smudge, flake, or cause any discomfort to the eyes. For quick and easy removal from the lashes, simply rinse with warm water (meaning no harsh makeup remover or multiple wipes is required).
Customer Review: "There is a lot of competition in the mascara space. This product does not disappoint—easily builds long and defined lashes. Wash up is a breeze as the product just melts off in little fibers. Highly recommend!"
Product Details: 0.16 oz tube with a micro-bristle brush
L'Oréal
Bambi Eye Washable Mascara
For as long as I can remember, I've been obsessed with achieving the doe-eyed look with my makeup. (I have almond eyes, so it can be a bit of a challenge.) However, with this mascara, I can almost achieve Betty Boop–level lashes. Its wide-eyed brush coats and separates the lashes with a black, velvety formula that delivers drama and comfort all day.
Customer Review: "Love this mascara! It did not clump when applied, the mascara went on smoothly, and it gave me big, beautiful lashes less than half of the cost of some mascaras that do not work as well."
Product Details: 0.28 oz tube with a wide-eyed brush
Tower 28 Beauty
MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
I've raved about this one endlessly and will happily continue to do so. Crafted with sensitive eyes in mind, the MakeWaves mascara volumizes, lengthens, and defines the lashes while the addition of castor oil in the formula keeps them conditioned, strong, and healthy.
Customer Review: "This is the ONLY mascara I've tried that doesn't make my eyes itchy! Super lengthening and beautiful, doesn't flake or smudge all day. I'm a repeat buyer for this one! Looks nice in the sun with my brown eyes as well."
Product Details: 0.29 oz tube with a triple-wave wand
Clinique
High Impact Waterproof Mascara
Achieve instant volume with the help of this cult-classic Clinique mascara. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact-lens wearers, it offers length and resists clumping and smudging with a waterproof formula that stands up to heat, humidity, or a day on the go.
Customer Review: "I have very sensitive eyes and an eye that waters all of the time (allergies). This mascara is the only mascara that stays on and doesn't irritate my eyes."
Product Details: 0.28 oz tube with a twisted wire brush
Maybelline
Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
This volumizing and washable Maybelline mascara formula is infused with bamboo extract and fibers for long, full lashes that don't flake or smudge. Its flexible Lash Extension brush extends every lash from root to tip, giving you the ability to create anything from fierce smoky eyes to a subtle "I woke up like this" look.
Customer Review: "I decided to give this a try and so far, I really like it. It doesn’t seem clumpy at all when applying. It goes on easily and you see your lashes get longer fast before your eyes. I especially like how flexible the application end is. Most mascaras I’ve used don’t bend like that and it makes it just work better for some reason. I would definitely order again."
Product Details: 0.96 oz tube with signature Lash Extension brush
(Image credit: @mishti.rahman)
Honest Beauty
2-in-1 Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer
I won't rest until everyone gets to experience Honest Beauty's two-in-one mascara and lash primer at least once in their lifetime. The revolutionary product delivers extreme length and sky-high lift while being gentle on the eyes. Plus, it's formulated without parabens, mineral oil, silicones, paraffins, and synthetic fragrances.
Customer Review: "Follow their directions and use a good amount of primer. Then, let the primer dry before using a thin coat of mascara. You may not even need a second coat, it's that good! This doesn't burn my eyes and mascara always burns my eyes, makes them water, but not this one. Highly recommend!"
Product Details: 0.20 oz tube with a molded bristle brush
Clinique
High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara
Another Clinique option, the High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara is a must for creating voluminous lashes in seconds. Its ultra-pigmented, lightweight gel formula is infused with dimensional fibers that are carefully deposited throughout the lashes with each swipe.
Customer Review: "My new favorite mascara! This is by far the best mascara I’ve found to lengthen and fill my lashes without being clumpy or hard to remove! I also have sensitive eyes that run from almost every brand but not this one!! Will definitely purchase again and highly recommend!"
Product Details: 0.27 oz tube with a precision tip brush
Ami Colé
Lash-Amplifying Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara
Try this award-winning, clean mascara that's safe for sensitive eyes. Its key ingredients, shea butter and jojoba oil, soften and nourish the lashes while strengthening them and reducing fallout. I love how smoothly its tapered wand coats all the lashes, delivering a high-volume look without any clumping or flaking.
Customer Review: "I usually do not wear mascara as my eyes are extremely sensitive. This is perfect for me as it doesn’t make my eyes water or irritated and it removes easily with makeup remover."
Product Details: 0.30 oz tube with a tapered wand
Almay
Thickening Mascara
Lastly, consider adding Almay's Thickening Mascara to your makeup lineup. Formulated with aloe and vitamin B5 to condition lashes with every swipe, the mascara helps build thicker lashes with no clumps, flakes, or smudges with a brush that wraps mascara evenly around every lash for unparalleled volume.
Customer Review: "This is the first mascara I’ve found that looks AMAZING and accentuates my eyes without causing my sensitive skin to have a reaction! My lashes look bigger, longer, and so much more beautiful!"
Product Details: 0.50 oz tube with signature Quick Coat Brush
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Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.
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