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Discovering the best mascara for sensitive eyes can be a challenge. As our beauty editor, I'm constantly trying new beauty products, including plenty of mascara. However, because I have sensitive eyes and lifelong seasonal allergies, I’ve been on what’s felt like a never-ending quest for the best mascaras that won’t irritate my peepers. So, I connected with a few of my favorite experts about all things mascara for sensitive eyes. The pros unzipped their makeup bags and revealed their no-fail product recommendations, favorite application tips, and general guidance when buying mascaras for sensitive eyes. The best part? All of these top-rated mascaras are $30 and under.
Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes
What to Consider
What Makes a Mascara Safe for Sensitive Eyes?
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD, mascara safe for sensitive eyes shouldn't cause irritation, redness, or flaking. “It may be a formula free of common allergens or irritants, such as certain preservatives and fragrances. It can also help to look for a formulation that helps to nourish and strengthen the lashes,” she says.
Garshick and makeup artist Andrea DiSabatino agree a good starting point is to read the ingredients carefully. “There are quite a few chemicals that may very well be the culprit when it comes to a reaction while using mascara, but the most common ingredients to avoid are parabens, phthalates, and fragrances,” DiSabatino says.
She also suggests using natural makeup whenever possible. Although standards will vary by brand and retailer, it's an area worth exploring. For a more comprehensive rundown, check out our dermatologist- and makeup artist-approved guide to natural makeup and our roundup of clean beauty brands.
Look Out for These Key Words
Garshick notes that generally, it’s helpful to look for blanket terms, like “hypoallergenic” and “ophthalmologist-tested.” “This may mean the product is fragrance-free and gentle for the delicate skin around the eyes,” she says. Also, our experts say using products free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and mineral oil is a safe bet.
Best Ingredients
Our experts advise using mascaras infused with biotin, peptides, and panthenol, sometimes called vitamin B-5, to help improve lashes' length, volume, and thickness. Aloe vera isn't just for sunburns — the gentle component can also nourish the lashes.
Application
As for application, you can apply it as you would a regular mascara. “The trick to picking a suitable clean and reaction-free mascara is to prioritize its moisturizing and clump-free capabilities. Choose a buildable mascara in which you can customize the outcome based on layers of application. For extra sassy look-at-me lashes, be sure to pre-curl. I use the classic Shiseido lash curler and go extra on the product application," she explains.
How We Chose
I'm obsessed with mascara and often try new ones, as frequently as once a week. For this story, two in my rotation are aligned with expert guidance on mascaras for sensitive eyes (Rose Inc. and Milk Makeup Rise). As for the others, I carefully researched mascaras, narrowed them down to several promising options, and consulted the pros for their honest feedback. A few factors we considered:
- Formulation: Is it infused with skincare quality ingredients? Did ophthalmologists test it? Is it fragrance-free?
- Wear: Will it last until we remove the mascara with makeup remover? Does it flake, clump, or cause general irritation? Will it hold a curl and not cause our lashes to fall flat after a few hours of wear?
- Design: How do the bristles feel on our sensitive lashes? How does the wand shape help us achieve our mascara goals? For example, do the curved wands deliver extra lift? Can we hit our inner and outer lashes with ease?
1
Best Overall
Rose Inc. Ultra-Black Lash Lifting & Lengthening Serum Mascara
Now 50% Off
Pros
Clean at Sephora- Woman-founded
- Curved wand creates a natural bend without an eyelash curler
Cons
- Some reviewers say the wand gets clumpy, but that hasn't been my experience
The Rose Inc. mascara won me over after the first swipe — and after using mine for a few months, I'm confident everyone should own a tube of this mascara for sensitive eyes.
Serum Mascara earned the top spot on this list because it sports a dual-sided wand, featuring short bristles for a volume and a curved half featuring longer bristles for length and curling. My short lashes became deep black and elongated after just a single coat. My lashline also looked thicker, so I felt comfy skipping eyeliner whenever applying this mascara.
DiSabatino is also a major fan of this mascara because it checks all of her boxes, and the sleek packaging is a nice touch. “No need to worry about an end-of-day run-in with raccoon eyes in the mirror. This formula can last all day. Rose Inc. definitely got it right regarding color — the richness will make your lashes pop! Easy to apply for both pros and consumers, with a lightweight feel that radiates ‘less is more,’” she says.
Sephora reviewers with sensitive eyes are also obsessed with this product. “This is such an awesome mascara! I have sensitive eyes, so I always struggle to find mascara that works well for me. This hasn’t irritated my eyes in the least. It gives my lashes lift and curl, and the color is nice and dark. It’s really beautiful,” says one satisfied reviewer.
More: Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals 2023: Early Editor Picks
Key Spec
| Best Ingredient | Argan oil extract |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3-star average from 284 Sephora reviews |
2
TikTok Made Me Buy It
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
Pros
- For amplified natural-looking lashes
- Award-winning clean formula
Cons
- Some reviewers say the tube dries out relatively fast
After going viral on TikTok, securing a tube of this purple and orange mascara for sensitive eyes was tough. Thankfully, the in-stock issues are resolved, and this mascara is now readily available at Sephora and directly through Tower28.
Makeup artist Suzy Gerstein has painted the faces of Leighton Meester, Julie Bowen, and Helena Christensen, so it's safe to say she knows all about color cosmetics.
The NYC-based pro notes that fragrance could be a culprit for sensitive eyes, so she avoids using mascaras with a strong perfumy scent. “I go toward brands like Tower28 that I know formulate without known irritants,” she says.
Garshick highlighted this as a stellar mascara for sensitive eyes. “This mascara helps to volumize and lengthen the lashes. It is lightweight and also a great option for contact-lens wearers and leaves the lashes looking natural,” notes the NYC-based doctor.
Makeup artist Nydia Figueroa is also impressed by its curve brush, which helps the lashes have a significant impact with a natural finish. “I love how it’s specifically made for sensitive eyes and helps prevent breakage,” she adds.
This water-resistant mascara for sensitive eyes is ideal for summer adventures because it won't run. Reviewers say it holds up nicely throughout the day and can easily be removed with makeup remover, such as a cleansing balm emulsified with water.
Key Spec
| Best Ingredient | Castor oil blend |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2-star average from 1,151 Sephora reviews |
3
For Stronger Lashes
Perricone MD No Makeup Mascara
Now 11% Off
Pros
- Conditions and nourishes with each coat
- Great for precise application
Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
Perricone's No Makeup Mascara doubles as a skincare product made with nourishing biotin, avocado oil, and tocotrienols (a vitamin E derivative) to promote lash growth while it enhances natural lashes. With regular use, this fragrance-free mascara will ensure users' lashes look lifted and thicker.
Figueroa says, “This mascara is great for conditioning the lashes but is super lightweight and great for sensitive eyes. I also love the brush.”
One Amazon reviewer who has used this mascara for years echoes Figueroa's statement. “Other mascaras left my lashes worse off after I used them. This is not the case with this mascara. Each time I use it, it feels like my lashes are nourished,” says their 5-star review.
Another is pleased that this skincare-infused mascara looks fantastic after a single coat and doesn't cause embarrassing raccoon eyes. They add it is easily washed away with water, which is handy for their sensitive eyes.
Key Spec
| Best Ingredient | Biotin |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4-star average from 1,040 Amazon reviews |
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Pros
- Award winner
- Black woman-founded
Cons
- Some reviewers say it has a very wet formula
Made with 87% naturally derived ingredients, like shea butter and jojoba oil, the gentle, flake-free formula won’t irritate sensitive eyes.
The deep, inky Rich Black color and formulation aren’t the only impressive aspects of this mascara for sensitive eyes. “This mascara has a beautiful, tapered wand that isn’t too big and perfect for sensitive eyes. It’s also clean and vegan, which is a plus,” says Figueroa.Speaking of the tapered wand, it lets users define and lengthen every eyelash without pesky clumps.
Online reviewers are also keen on using this under $20 clean beauty must-have. “My unruly lashes have never looked better. The formula is thick, not sticky, goopy or heavy, which is important when you have lashes that already fall without product,” says one 5-star Sephora review.
They add that this mascara works for their friends with all types of eyelash lengths and textures, including stick-straight lashes.
Key Spec
| Best Ingredient | Jojoba oil |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3-star average from 43 Sephora reviews |
Pros
- Great for lush, plump eyelashes
- Available in black and black/brown
Cons
- Some reviewers say it can get clumpy
Naseeha Khan, a cofounder of CTZN Cosmetics, is deeply immersed in the beauty world and has tried her fair share of mascaras for sensitive eyes. However, she considers Clinique High Impact her top recommendation.
"It’s gentle on the lashes and is irritation-free," she says. Khan adds it's a mascara that works day or night, especially when paired with a neutral eyeshadow stick.
She's not the only fan — with a 4.3-star average from nearly 2,800 Sephora reviews, it's safe to say this mascara is a hit. One reviewer says they've been wearing Clinique makeup since high school, and High Impact is one of their ride or die products.
“Their mascara is the ONLY mascara I can use without getting watery eyes. I have tried a few others falling for the ads wanting lots of drama or volume, but this product actually makes my lashes look the best — long, full, and dramatic,” says their 5-star review.
Key Spec
| Best Ingredient | Panthenol |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3-star average from 2,776 Sephora reviews |
6
For Traveling
Milk Makeup RISE Lifting + Lengthening Mini Mascara
Pros
- Visibly lifts lashes after one swipe
- Made with 93% natural ingredients
Cons
- I’ve found it’s best for daytime wear vs night on my shorter lashes
By design, all mascaras are slim and easy to travel with. However, in the age of micro Barbiecore purses and airlines frequently losing suitcases, packing a mini mascara will ensure someone is never without this epic mascara. Given its smaller size, shoppers can expect to save a few bucks whenever they opt for a mini beauty product over full-size options — and who doesn't love that?!
DiSabatino's go-to mascara is the Milk Makeup RISE mascara because it creates a chef's kiss-worthy lift.
“If you want a mascara that grips your natural lashes to create an eye-opening effect, this is for you. The curved brush allows you to really get into the inner corner and tighter areas of the eye to make sure every lash is coated. With just two coats, this formula dries evenly and sans clumps. A great finish for a natural look,” she gushes.
I also have used this mascara and was initially drawn to the brand’s emphasis on clean, non-irritating ingredients. I prefer Rose Inc.’s mascara because Milk’s mascara sometimes smudges on my lower lash line, which is a bummer.
Overall, it’s a solid mascara for sensitive eyes, and Figueroa agrees. “I LOVE how thin and wispy the brush is on this mascara. It applies the product evenly without needing to pack it on,” she says.
Key Spec
| Best Ingredient | Monoi oil |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4-star average from 1,693 Sephora reviews |
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Pros
- Provides weightless volume
- Panther black lashes
Cons
- Skip if you don't like CBD in makeup
LA-based celebrity makeup artist Ashley Gomila is very particular about which mascaras she uses on her clients because she finds many people are prone to mascara sensitivity.
“Being mindful of that, I also need a plumping formula that is lengthening and also waterproof. In my 20 years of experience, I always find myself reaching for the Kush Waterproof Mascara by Milk Makeup. This mascara is vegan and infused with conditioning oil which is great for any sensitive or allergy issue a client could have,” she says.
It relies on hemp-derived cannabis sativa seed oil to condition each lash for a healthier look and smooth application. KUSH mascara also relies on unique heart-shaped fibers to add lengthen fibers and pump up the volume of fine lashes.
And anyone who lives an active lifestyle will be pleased by the efficacy of this waterproof mascara. One Sephora reviewer uses the regular KUSH mascara for daily wear and relies on the waterproof version when they swim and surf.
Key Spec
| Best Ingredient | Hemp-derived cannabis seed oil |
|---|---|
| Rating | 2.9-star average rating from 865 Sephora reviews |
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package.
