Anyone with sensitive eyes knows that finding the right mascara is as difficult as it is essential. Old contact lenses, allergies, and other factors can cause hypersensitive eyes to turn red, water, or itch. Reactions to eye makeup are one of the leading causes of eye irritation, so anyone who deals with these problems should pay attention to how well-suited a product is for sensitive eyeswhen buying your next mascara.
While there is no way to be 100% sure to know if your mascara will irritate your eyes, there are a few ingredients to look for when choosing a product that won’t make your eyes itchy and red. Hypoallergenic mascaras, for example, are considered safer for sensitive eyes. Descriptions like “waterproof,” “safe for contact lenses,” and “fragrance-free” are hints that the mascara of your choice won’t irritate your eye area, but following these cues isn’t enough. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to ensuring that your mascara doesn’t harm your eyes, so read on.
- Factors to Consider Before Buying a Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
- Top 10 Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes 2024
- 1. Best Overall Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Tetyana 4D Silk Fiber Mascara
- 2. Best Premium Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Clinique Lash Power Mascara
- 3. Best Organic Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara
- 4. Best Budget Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara
- 5. Best Volumizing Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
- 6. Best Easy to Apply Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Almay Thickening Mascara
- 7. Best Lengthening Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
- 8. Best Fiber Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Simply Naked Beauty 3D Fiber Lash Mascara
- 9. Best Mascara for Contact Lens Wearers L’Oreal Paris Lash Magnifying Mascara
- 10. Best Natural Mascara for Sensitive Eyes W3II People Natural Expressionist Mascara
- Guide to Buying the Best Mascara for People With Sensitive Eyes
- Final Words
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
So, what are the features to take into consideration when buying new mascara for sensitive eyes? Although there are numerous factors to consider when purchasing mascara, these five are the most essential.
Application
Nothing is worse than a mascara that won’t hold. The perfect mascara should be user-friendly and easy to maneuver, so there is no fear of poking your eyes. Mascara that is easy to apply gives highly defined lashes that create a dramatic look, making your eyes stand out.
Removal
One thing that can irritate your eyes is scrubbing your lashes and trying to remove the extra mascara. When it is too difficult, there’s even the temptation to give up and wake up the next day with a “panda look.” If mascara is too hard to remove, it can affect the delicate skin surrounding your eyes.
Duration
High-quality ingredients are vital for holding length and color to the lashes. If you are buying a new type of mascara for sensitive eyes, it needs to last all day. It is also essential that toxic and damaging ingredients such as parabens aren’t used to preserve the mascara’s longevity.
Drying
Nowadays, we are on the run and don’t have time to wait for the mascara to dry. But, if you don’t let it dry fully, this too can irritate your eyes. A good mascara for sensitive eyes is one that dries out quickly and efficiently.
Performance
The best mascaras for sensitive eyes stretch your lashes with their high-quality ingredients and formulas. Most mascaras contain natural moisturizers that help create a fully covered look from the tip of the lashes to the roots, delivering a dramatic look that turns heads.
When shopping for your new mascara, look for labels like allergy-tested, hypoallergenic, or ophthalmologist-tested. “Hypoallergenic” indicates the brand has tried to exclude some allergens that can cause eye irritation for some people. However, there is no 100% guarantee that any product is completely allergy-proof. Likewise, “ophthalmologist-tested” implies a specialized eye doctor did the testing, but this still isn’t enough to be completely sure.
Top 10 Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes 2024
1. Best Overall Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Tetyana 4D Silk Fiber Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Formulation
The hypoallergenic formula used in 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara is gentle enough for contact lens wearers and everyone else with sensitive eyes. The mascara delivers perfect definition, eye-popping lift, and impressive volume. Thanks to the vibrant color, waterproof features, and silk fiber formula, you can effortlessly achieve your desired look.
Performance
Tetyana 4D Silk Fiber Lash is a long-lasting mascara. You can apply it in the morning, and you will be covered all day. It is the perfect hypoallergenic mascara for everyday use. The brush is soft and helps create fuller and longer lashes. The thickness this mascara creates can cause clumping if overapplied, so work slowly.
If you are tired of mascara smudging and flaking, this product is perfect for you. Tetyana 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara is a game-changer and an ideal addition to your makeup collection. If you have thin, short, or light lashes, the rich black mascara will color your lashes flawlessly so that you could look glamorous without having to spend money on fake eyelashes.
Pros
- Gives eyelashes a boost of length and volume
- Enriched with advanced thickening formula
- Creates fuller-looking lashes
- Safe and non-toxic
- Ideal for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive skin
Cons
- Lashes may stick together
Editor’s Rating:
Formulation
Like all Clinique eye products, this mascara is tested for allergies by a dermatologist and ophthalmologist. If you have sensitive eyes and you are prone to allergies, this is the perfect mascara for you. It stays a long time, doesn’t leave a ring under the eyes, or sweat off.
Another great mascara, Clinique Lash Power lengthens lashes (although not as dramatically as our top overall pick) for all-day, natural wear. It is a tubing mascara, meaning it won’t budge in humid or sweaty conditions. It is easily removable with soap and warm water.
Performance
The mascara is excellent for casual wear and everyday use. You can wear it at work, when going out, or daily. The effect is fantastic. Your eyes will turn out voluminous, long, and dark. It is not recommended to add more than two coatings – the mascara may flake and clump if you overuse it.
Pros
- Can stand up to any weather or sweat
- An amazing black tint that holds almost all day
- It is quick and easy to apply
- Comes off with soap and water
Cons
- Sometimes it clumps and flakes
3. Best Organic Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Formulation
If you are looking for organic mascara, you can’t go wrong with Honest. Created by Jessica Alba, the Honest brand is safe and reputable. They produce results-driven skincare with formulas you can trust, and this mascara is not an exception. The Honest Beauty Extreme Length formula has no irritants, such as parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, or sulfates. It is a natural, non-toxic mascara suitable for everyday use.
Performance
What is better than a hypoallergenic mascara? A mascara plus lush primer or 2-in-1 product to apply to your lashes and create a classy or dramatic look. Use the primer first, then apply the second coat of mascara for longer, thicker lashes.
The brush is ultra-soft and deposits color on even the shortest lashes, another point in favor of this excellent mascara. The primer wand, on the other hand, is a bit undersized, though it’s still useable.
Pros
- 2-in-1 mascara and primer
- Rich formula for sky-high lift and a dramatic length
- Excellent formula
- Made without paraffin, parabens, mineral oil, silicones, and synthetic fragrances
Cons
- Difficult to apply (the primer wand is about the length of a normal travel-size)
4. Best Budget Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Formulation
If you are looking for an ultra-black, non-toxic mascara, this one from the Maybelline Full ‘N Soft collection will become your favorite go-to. Maybelline mascara is enriched with vitamin E and defines, lengthens, and makes your lashes look fluttery and soft without flaking. It dries quickly and is easily washable, but it’s not the best choice for hugely voluminous lashes. It’s also washable, so there’s no need to scrub your eyes or drag your lids to remove the mascara before going to bed.
Performance
The mascara has an advanced thickening formula that nourishes to create softer lashes. Whatever your signature look, whether dramatic, classic, or more natural, this washable mascara will help you accomplish it.
Pros
- Easy to remove
- Long-lasting
- Doesn’t look clumpy
- Enriched for skin health
Cons
- Not the best mascara for lash volume
5. Best Volumizing Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Formulation
Available in four different colors (black, black-brown, brown, and very black), this high-quality mascara is an excellent addition to any makeup collection. You can create the perfect makeup look and max out your lashes thanks to the ultra-soft brush. The mascara is Leaping Bunny Certified by Cruelty-Free International. It does dry out fairly quickly, unfortunately, so if you’re not using it daily the product may go bad before you finish the tube.
Performance
The Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara is designed to max out every lash and create more volume instantly. It is a hypoallergenic mascara with an improved formula that scored a near-perfect rating on water-resistance tests. No running, smudging, or smearing was noticed after testers splashed their faces with warm water. This volumizing mascara evenly coats each lash (even the smallest ones) and does not cause flaking or clumping.
Pros
- Creates impressive volume instantly
- Zero clumps – the mascara evenly coats every lash
- Available in 4 different shades of black and brown
Cons
- It may dry quickly in the tube
6. Best Easy to Apply Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Almay Thickening Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Formulation
Looking for fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and low-priced mascara? Almay Thickening mascara is perfect for you – it not only doubles the plushness of lashes in a one-clump application, but it is also suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The brand uses only high-quality ingredients. The nourishing formula is loaded with vitamin B5 and aloe to help keep the lashes moisturized and silky. Though not likely to run in normal conditions, the product isn’t fully waterproof.
Performance
If smudging or flaking bothers you, don’t worry, this mascara builds only thicker lashes without flaking and smudging. The brush is ultra-soft and can reach even the shortest lashes, making putting it on a breeze. The result is volumizing double-thick lashes that turn heads.
Application and Removal
The best way to apply Almay thickening mascara is to curl the lashes with an eyelash curler. Gently clamp your lashes for 10-15 seconds. After that, apply mascara to the roots of the lashes to the tips, and work the mascara outward. The mascara is easily removable. You can use soap and water or Almay Eye Makeup Remover that is also ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.
Pros
- No smudging or flaking
- Infused with vitamin B5 and aloe
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Easy to apply with a soft brush
- Straightforward to remove
Cons
- It is not 100% waterproof
7. Best Lengthening Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Formulation
Neutrogena’s healthy lengthening mascara formula is safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes. The mascara is tested by ophthalmologists and earns a lot of good reviews from users with sensitivity and allergies. The Neutrogena mascara is enhanced with vitamin E, olive oil, and rice protein. It’s available in three colors – black, carbon black, and brown.
Performance
Healthy Length mascara strengthens and nourishes lashes and makes them look longer. Thanks to the antioxidant formula, the mascara won’t smudge, clump, or flake. On the outside, the brush combs easily through every lash (long or short) from the roots to the tips, applying vibrant color for perfect definition and intensity.
Application and Removal
The mascara is easily removable with soap and water or with the Neutrogena oil-free eye makeup remover. No need to scrub your eyes or drag your lids to remove the mascara before going to bed. Simply use warm water and soap or a makeup remover to brush off the extra mascara.
Pros
- Help grow lashes to their fullest potential
- Loaded with vitamin E, olive oil, and rice protein
- Easy to apply and remove
- Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- Not very long-wearing
8. Best Fiber Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Simply Naked Beauty 3D Fiber Lash Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Formulation
Simply Naked is a brand that sells only organic and natural products, without compromising on quality. It is a famous U.S. cosmetics brand with a passion for superb service and impressive quality—and all of their products are cruelty-free. The mascara is available in two colors – midnight black and dark brown. All of its ingredients are hypoallergenic, but the product is not ophthalmologist-tested.
Performance
Sensitive eyes can be easily irritated by factors such as wind, dirt, lash glue, false lashes, and so on. If you have sensitive eyes, you have to pay attention to the makeup products you are buying, including mascaras. With Simply Naked Beauty 3D Fiber Lash Mascara, your eyes aren’t only protected, but your lashes look longer and fuller, as well.
This mascara’s 3D fiber and gel formula makes it well-known as a great option to volumize and lengthen without irritation. If you want to get exaggerated and dramatic lashes without adding falsies, give this mascara a try. Unfortunately, this performance has drawbacks—it tends to clump, and as such it’s not great for contact lens wearers.
Pros
- Impressive length and formula
- Natural, organic, and hypoallergenic
- Effective 3D fiber and gel formula
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Clumps easily
9. Best Mascara for Contact Lens Wearers L’Oreal Paris Lash Magnifying Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Formulation
L’Oreal Lash Magnifying mascara is enriched with conditioning serum and jojoba oil and delivers volumized lashes. Thanks to the improved formula, the brush easily coats each lash (even the shortest lashes) with smooth precision. It is available in two washable shades – black and brown. All products from L’Oreal are cruelty-free, including this mascara.
Performance
If you are looking for the best mascara for contact lens wearers, L’Oreal Paris Lash Magnifying Mascara is a perfect choice. The mascara is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for everyone with sensitive eyes. It removes easily, dries quickly, and leaves the lashes smooth and soft. No smudging, flakes, or irritation – the mascara is excellent for everyday use. If you don’t apply it evenly, this product does tend to lose its hold, however.
Pros
- Loaded with conditioning serum and jojoba oil for thicker, volumized lashes
- Ophthalmologist-approved
- Perfect for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes
Cons
- Fibers tend to fall out if applied incorrectly
10. Best Natural Mascara for Sensitive Eyes W3II People Natural Expressionist Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Formulation
W3III’s Natural Expressionist Mascara is made from 100% natural, non-toxic ingredients and provides impressive coverage and volume. The Environment Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization that looks at ingredients in beauty or household products and ranks them based on high market standards, and they’ve approved this mascara. No fillers or propylene glycol are included, and the product is made of natural premium ingredients tested for superior performance.
W3II mascara is enriched with hyper-pure mineral pigments and creates black and highly defined lashes. No petroleum or artificial chemicals are in the formula. It is cruelty-free, paraben-free, coal tar-free, and gluten-free – a clean and organic mascara, suitable for everyday use.
Performance
The molded brush can color even the shortest lashes and create a dramatic, clump-free look. All products by W3II deliver a natural, no-makeup look, and this mascara is not an exception. Thanks to the modern approach to beauty applied by the brand, users get natural and minimalist makeup. That being said, it won’t last as long or be as water-resistant as a mascara less committed to natural ingredients.
Pros
- Creates big, bold, long lashes instantly
- No harsh artificial chemicals or ingredients that can irritate sensitive eyes
- Paraben-free, cruelty-free, petroleum-free
- Only natural and organic ingredients
Cons
- Not waterproof
- It smudges within a couple of hours
Guide to Buying the Best Mascara for People With Sensitive Eyes
So, whether you are looking for a lengthening mascara or volumizing mascara, there is a formula for you. In this section, we will discuss the factors that you need to consider when choosing the best mascara for your sensitive eyes.
Why Are Some Eyes More Delicate Than Others?
Some people are born with sensitivities, while others develop allergies after later in life for various reasons. Many things could cause eye infections like certain product ingredients, dirty makeup brushes, and natural predispositions.
Not all sensitive eyes are alike. Before you purchase a mascara for sensitive eyes, recognize your symptoms.
- Red Rosie: Are you the type of person who wears sunglasses at home because you have red eyes? If yes, you belong to the “Red Rosie” club.
- Flaky Flora: Your skin around your eyes looks dry, and no matter how much serum or cream you apply, flakes of skin appear.
- Puffy Pippa: Numerous factors can cause swollen or inflamed eyes. Still, make sure to pick the right mascara for you to avoid additional irritation.
The best way to understand why your eyes are sensitive is to see a specialist. Some of the common reasons for eye sensitivity are ingredient intolerance, contact lenses, and makeup buildup.
How Can a Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Help?
The best mascara for sensitive eyes contains natural ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe, keratin, or beeswax, instead of harsh chemicals. These organic ingredients are clean and gentler on the skin.
Mascara for sensitive eyes is also easier to remove than other formulas. When mascara consists of organic and natural ingredients, you can remove it with water and soap or makeup remover – no more scrubbing and rubbing.
Things to Consider When Buying a Hypoallergenic Mascara
Application
Some mascaras have long and thin brushes, while others have thick ones. There are also straight and curly brushes. You should choose one as per your preferences. If you have longer lashes, it is best to use longer bristles.
Mascaras with smaller brushes are useful for volume but not perfect for adding length to your lashes. Do a little homework on your lashes and match up the right mascara brush to do magic. It is also vital for the brush to be soft and rounded to avoid any possible irritation or redness.
We all have different opinions when it comes to the length and size of the wand that comes with the mascara. For some, long rods are convenient, while for others, they are troublesome. A short wand is an optimal choice – helps you get a good grip and gives complete coverage.
Washable vs. Waterproof
Washable mascaras are made with higher liquid content and are easy to remove. They are excellent for contact-lens wearers and people with sensitive eyes. Washable mascaras cause less damage to your eyelids. You can wear washable mascara for a simple, minimal makeup look without feeling heavy-weighted or dry. Although they don’t add the same level of drama and volume to your eyes, they are healthy for everyday use.
Waterproof mascaras, on the other hand, are concentrated, high-quality formulas created with less water, so the makeup remains unaffected by tears, sweat, and so on. The mascara sticks longer on the lashes and creates a dramatic, classy look. If you are more into waterproof mascara, find one that is easy to remove.
Consider the Ingredients
Ingredients are crucial when choosing a new mascara. Some formulas contain parabens and toxic materials that are not suitable for sensitive eyes. It is better to opt for natural, organic products and mascara with non-toxic ingredients. The harsh materials used in mascara can make it difficult to wash off.
Removing the Mascara
Although removal is one of the most neglected factors, it should be at the top on your priority list when buying new mascara. The more comfortably you can remove a mascara, the better for the user. There is no scrubbing, therefore no eye irritation or redness. You can easily remove mascaras with high water concentration.
What Is Your Lash Type?
If your mascara is always clumpy or smudging, there is a good chance you are not using the right mascara. While there are a few one-size-fits-all mascaras, knowing your lash type can be an essential factor in finding the best mascara for your sensitive eyes.
Short Lashes
If you struggle to see your lashes, you are going to need a hypoallergenic mascara that understands your challenge. L’Oreal Lash Magnifying and Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara build impressive length without causing discomfort or weighing down your lids.
After a swipe or two of these two mascaras, your lashes will look pretty and full, but not too dramatic. The result is so natural, elegant, and classy that your friends may start to wonder “is she born with these beautiful lashes?”
Curly Lashes
Not sure if you have straight or curly lashes? Take a cue from Kim Kardashian, whose lashes are famously curly. Before you apply your new mascara, don’t forget to brush your lashes with a spoolie. It is a simple but essential step that will separate your lashes and help the mascara deliver perfect definition. If you want to look like Kim K and have beautiful curly lashes, give Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara or Tetyana 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara a try.
Whether you pick Covergirl or Tetyana, you can’t go wrong. Both mascaras give that “no makeup” makeup look. If you want natural definition, these hypoallergenic mascaras are perfect for you. There is also no need to worry about making a mess as each bristle grabs hairs to form thick and long lashes.
Straight Lashes
If you think the curling mascara doesn’t work for you, you are a straight lash type. When you aren’t using an eyelash curler, your eyelashes turn down. If you are desperate to bring them up, there are great mascaras for sensitive eyes you can use. Regardless of what you are looking for in a mascara, washable or waterproof are your best friends. Both of these types won’t smudge and are perfect for people whose eyelashes touch their under-eyes.
Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara and Simply Naked Beauty 3D Fiber Lash Mascara will make your lashes look fuller and longer. Both are gentle and very effective mascaras that will keep your eyes protected, without any irritation. They are easy to use and even more comfortable to take off. Whether you use Maybelline or Simply Naked, your lashes will never look tangly or clumpy.
Natural Ingredients
Natural equals less irritation, allergies, or redness. There are great organic mascaras that deliver glamorous results. Non-toxic and natural ingredients such as jojoba oil or aloe vera are less irritating than others. Mascaras with non-toxic materials ensure minimal redness, no flaking or clumping.
Made from 100% natural, non-toxic ingredients, W3II People Natural Expressionist Mascara is enriched with pure mineral pigments and provides impressive coverage and volume. W3II mascara creates black and highly defined lashes. No petroleum or artificial chemicals are in the formula. It is cruelty-free, paraben-free, coal tar-free, and gluten-free – a clean and organic mascara, suitable for everyday use.
Dermatologist- and Ophthalmologist-Tested
To ensure your eyes are safe from irritants and toxic materials, look for a mascara that is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested. This way, you will never have to worry about breakouts around your eyes, mainly because they are the most sensitive parts of your face. The last thing you want is red eyes and irritated skin.
Almay Thickening mascara is fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, and hypoallergenic – the perfect product for anyone with contact lenses or sensitive eyes. Another great product is Neutrogena Healthy Lengthening Mascara. It is a safe formula for contact lens wearers and people with sensitive eyes. This Neutrogena mascara is tested by ophthalmologists and has earned a lot of good reviews from users with sensitivity and allergies.
Final Words
Mascara is a fundamental part of any makeup routine. Be that as it may, this component may cause various problems, especially for those who have sensitive eyes, as well as for people who wear contact lenses.
Luckily, you don’t have to change your makeup routine to avoid irritation. By choosing a great mascara from this list, you can enjoy bold lashes while keeping redness and inflammation away.