These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (2024)

These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (1)

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There's nothing quite like a fresh coat of mascara to make your eyes look bigger, brighter, and more refreshed. But, unfortunately, applying eye makeup can have the opposite effect for some, leading to swelling, irritation, itching, burning, and tearing.

These are all signs of a sensitivity or allergy to an ingredient in the product you're using, says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. Preservatives, dyes, and fragrances are common culprits, she adds.

Meet Our Experts: Michele Green, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, Inna Lazar, OD, optometrist in Connecticut

In that case, Inna Lazar, OD, an optometrist in Connecticut, advises that you make sure to check your ingredient labels closely. "Look out for chemicals that can disrupt hormones, act as formaldehyde donors, or have neurotoxic effects," she says. "Recent studies conducted by Harvard reveal that certain cosmetic preservatives like phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, and formaldehyde can harm the ocular surface of the eyes."

To help you weed through all of the options out there — and their fine print — to pinpoint the best mascara for sensitive eyes, we cross-referenced our favorite products against the SkinSAFE database to verify that all of the mascaras on this list are hypoallergenic and made without potentially irritating ingredients, plus asked medical professionals like Dr. Green and Dr. Lazar for their favorites.

1

Best Overall

e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Mascara

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Pros
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (9)Nourishing jojoba oil-infused formula
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (10)Hourglass wand separates and defines
Cons
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (11)Some say the formula is a bit too thick

If you want to add a bit of drama without the price tag of a luxury pick, e.l.f. Cosmetics has you covered with this formula. The hourglass-shaped wand separates and defines, so a single swipe or two yields big, bold lashes. It's also infused with jojoba wax to help hold the curl and nourish lashes all at the same time.

Pros
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (13)Incredibly affordable
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (14)Lengthens and volumizes
Cons
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (15)Runs easily

TikTok propelled this hardworking mascara into the limelight a few years ago, and there's no sign of the hype slowing. It's one of the most affordable drugstore formulas out there, still it makes lashes look just as long and thick as other options nearly quadruple the price.

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3

Best Tubing Mascara

DHC Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara

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Pros
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (17)Water-resistant
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (18)Fine, flexible wand
Cons
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (19)Might not look as natural for some

Tubing mascara relies on polymers (rather than waxes) to coat each individual lash with a little tube for fantastic separation and length—and this one by DHC is no exception. The fine-bristled, flexible wand grabs even the tiniest hairs for a dramatic but natural effect. It's water-resistant for all-day wear, too.

4

Best Curling Mascara

Trish McEvoy Lash Curling Mascara

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Pros
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (21)Precise wand
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (22)Dark pigment
Cons
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (23)Expensive

Though nice and lightweight, this tubing mascara has a small and precise applicator that deposits the rich pigment in a single swipe—no layering required. Just be sure to wipe off any excess on the side of the tube, then slowly press and wiggle back-and-forth from root to tip for the best, most natural-looking results.

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Pros
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (25)Smooth, creamy formula
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (26)Precision wand
Cons
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (27)Expensive

For dark, dramatic lashes, turn to Charlotte Tilbury's Full Fat Lashes Mascara. The magic is in the five-groove brush, which deposits just the right amount of smooth, creamy mascara along your lash line where each one of the super fine bristles then work hard to pull lashes up and out, creating the perfect flutter.

6

Best Volumizing Mascara

COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara

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Pros
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (29)Available in three shades
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (30)Water-resistant
Cons
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (31)Takes practice to get the hang of the brush

It may be hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and water-resistant, but this drugstore formula is also super affordable—and one of Green's all-around favorites. "This mascara will provide smooth and natural-looking length and volume for those with sensitive skin and allergies," she says. According to the manufacturer, the patent-pending spin-shaped brush is designed to create ten times the volume without any clumping or flaking.

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7

Best Vegan and Cruelty-Free Mascara

Pacifica Highest Lash Chronic Volume Mascara

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Pros
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (33)Contains nourishing ingredients
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (34)Dark pigment
Cons
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (35)Some users don't like the shape of the brush

Infused with natural ingredients like hemp oil, this mascara is designed to do more than make your lashes look stunningly long and voluminous in the moment—it also nourishes them from root to tip for naturally healthier lashes in the long-run. Still, this richly-pigmented mascara is entirely vegan and cruelty-free.

8

Best Drugstore Mascara

Almay Length & Lift Mascara

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Pros
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (37)Budget-friendly
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (38)Simple, easy-to-use brush
Cons
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (39)Some say the formula is a little clumpy

It may not look like anything fancy, but this mascara wins a lot of praise from medical professionals and users alike. It's hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, and fragrance-free, but has no trouble defining, separating, and lengthening lashes. Wearers love how easy the brush is to use, plus stays put and is a breeze to remove at the end of the day.

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9

Best Waterproof Mascara

L'Oréal Bambi Eye Waterproof Mascara

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Pros
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (41)Budget-friendly
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (42)Waterpoof
Cons
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (43)Hard to remove fully

Get the doe eyes you've always wanted with this aptly-named mascara. The waterproof formula has a wide, defined brush that grabs individual lashes to lift and separate, making eyes look bigger and brighter.

10

Best Long-Wear Mascara

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

Pros
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (45)Long-lasting results
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (46)Available in standard and travel sizes
Cons
  • These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (47)Expensive

Available in both standard and travel sizes, this mascara is a worthy option for those with sensitive eyes. The vegan formula curls, volumizes, and lengthens to deliver bold, dramatic lashes without any irritation. Perhaps it's biggest claim to fame though? Wearers can't believe how long their long, lush lashes stay put.

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Brigitt Earley

Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

These Hypoallergenic Mascaras Won't Irritate Sensitive Eyes (2024)
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