Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

For those with sensitive eyes, finding the right mascara can be a challenge. Luckily, there are several options on the market designed specifically for sensitive eyes. These mascaras typically have gentle formulas that are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances. They also tend to have brushes that are soft and gentle on the eyes. Some popular brands include Almay, Clinique, and CoverGirl. These mascaras are perfect for anyone who wants to enhance their lashes without irritating their eyes.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara Cover #TOP 1
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Clinique High Impact Mascara Cover #TOP 2
Clinique High Impact Mascara
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Sandstone Scandinavia Hypoallergenic Mascara Cover #TOP 3
Sandstone Scandinavia Hypoallergenic Mascara
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Mascara for Sensitive Eyes

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

I0113742
Clear
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara Cover
ILIA - Limitless Lash Mascara | Non-Toxic, Cruelty-Free, Lightweight & Nourishing, Flake + Smudge-Resistant, Clean Mascara, Ophthalmologist-Tested, Safe For Sensitive Eyes

ILIA Mascara is a non-toxic, cruelty-free, clean mascara that exceeds any mascara expectations. Its buildable and flake-free formula lifts, curls, lengthens, and adds just the right amount of volume for fuller and healthier-looking lashes. The lightweight and nourishing formula contains organic bee and carnauba waxes that condition each lash, keeping them lifted throughout the day. 99% naturally-derived and 25% organic, this mascara is safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. ILIA Mascara is ophthalmologist-tested, ensuring that it is a clean and safe option for all users.

What We Like
No flaking or smudging
Lengthens lashes without clumping
Easy to remove
Vegan and cruelty-free
Suitable for sensitive skin
#TOP 2

Clinique High Impact Mascara

68A0010000
Black
Clinique High Impact Mascara Cover
Clinique High Impact Mascara | Lengthening, Volumizing + Safe For Sensitive Eyes, Black, 0.24 Fl Oz

Clinique High Impact Mascara in 01 Black is a volumizing and lengthening mascara that adds maximum volume and length to your lashes. This mascara is perfect for those looking for rich, intense color that lasts all day long.

What We Like
Volumizing and lengthening
Maximum volume and length
Rich, intense color

Sandstone Scandinavia Hypoallergenic Mascara

Sandstone Scandinavia
5713584004337
Black
Sandstone Scandinavia Hypoallergenic Mascara Cover
Sandstone Scandinavia Hypoallergenic Mascara Sensitive Eyes - Smudge-Proof, Sweatproof, Lengthening Mascara for Maximum Volume and Length - Vegan, Non Toxic Mascara

Sandstone Hypoallergenic Mascara is ideal for those with sensitive eyes. Its smudge-proof and sweatproof formula ensures that your makeup stays in place, even in challenging conditions. You will appreciate that it is free from harmful parabens and fragrances, making it safe for all skin types, including those prone to allergies. This mascara not only lengthens your lashes but also adds volume, giving you a bold and dramatic look. Plus, being vegan and cruelty-free means you can enjoy your beauty routine with a clear conscience.

What We Like
Smudge-proof and sweatproof
Paraben and fragrance-free
Lengthening and volumizing effect
Vegan and cruelty-free

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

684329500
02 / Black
Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara Cover
Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara for Stronger, Longer Lashes, Clump-, Smudge- and Flake-Free Mascara with Olive Oil, Vitamin E and Rice Protein, Black 02,.21 oz

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Lash-Lengthening and Strengthening Mascara is a nourishing and strengthening mascara that helps grow your lashes to their fullest potential. The soft-bristle brush combs through every lash from root to tip, smoothly applying antioxidant-rich color for outstanding definition and intensity. It won't clump, smudge, or flake and is safe and gentle for people with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Customers love this mascara for its easy application and natural enhancing effect.

What We Like
Formulated with antioxidant vitamin E, rice protein, and olive oil
Soft-bristle brush combs through every lash from root to tip
Safe and gentle for people with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

Almay Mascara, Thickening, Volume & Length Eye Makeup

77379117707
Almay Mascara, Thickening, Volume & Length Eye Makeup Cover
Almay Mascara, Thickening, Volume & Length Eye Makeup with Aloe and Vitamin B5, Hypoallergenic-Fragrance Free, Ophthalmologist Tested, 402 Black (Pack of 1)

Almay Thickening Mascara is a high-quality mascara that delivers thick, voluminous, and lengthened lashes without clumps, flakes, or smudges. Its specially designed brush evenly coats each lash while separating them, giving you a full and lush look with high volume. The formula is infused with aloe and vitamin B5, which not only enhances the appearance of your lashes but also conditions them for better health and strength. This mascara is ophthalmologist tested, making it suitable for those with sensitive eyes and contact-lens wearers. As always, Almay Thickening Mascara is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, clean, and cruelty-free. Experience the convenience of achieving beautiful, dramatic lashes effortlessly with Almay Thickening Mascara.

What We Like
No clumps, flakes, or smudges
Specially designed brush for full and lush look
Infused with aloe and vitamin B5 for conditioned lashes
#TOP 6

W7 Oh So Sensitive Mascara

W7
Black
W7 Oh So Sensitive Mascara Cover
W7 Oh So Sensitive Hypoallergenic Mascara - Black Mascara For Sensitive Eyes With Vitamin E - Vegan - 2 Pack

The W7 Sensitive Mascara is designed to enhance your lashes, giving them a fuller and longer appearance. With its buildable formula, you can easily create the volume you desire, making your eyes appear brighter and more open. This mascara is gentle on the eyes, allowing you to apply it smoothly on both upper and lower lashes, and it’s also easy to remove at the end of the day. Ideal for sensitive skin, it’s perfect for anyone seeking professional-quality makeup without irritation.

What We Like
Hypoallergenic formula
Buildable volume
Gentle on sensitive eyes
Easy to remove
#TOP 7

Hypoallergenic Mascara - Sandstone Mascara Intense Black

Sandstone Scandinavia
100650
Intense Black
Hypoallergenic Mascara - Sandstone Mascara Intense Black Cover
Sandstone Scandinavia Hypoallergenic Mascara Sensitive Eyes - Smudge-Proof, Sweatproof, Lengthening Mascara with amazing separation of the lashes - Vegan, Non Toxic Mascara Black

This mascara is fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free, allergy certified, and hypoallergenic. Its formula is perfect for those with sensitive eyes or allergies to traditional mascaras. You can now achieve bold, intense black lashes without any irritation.

What We Like
Perfect for those with sensitive eyes or allergies
Fragrance-free formula
Vegan and cruelty-free
#TOP 8

Almay Lengthening Mascara

7257548002
Black
Almay Lengthening Mascara Cover
Almay Lengthening Mascara, Volume & Lift, Eye Makeup, Hypoallergenic and-Fragrance Free, 020 Black, 0.24 fl oz.

Almay Lengthening Mascara, also known as Almay Mascara, is a gentle and buildable mascara that lengthens, lifts, and conditions your lashes. This mascara creates a flawless and long lash look without any clumping, flaking, or smudging. It is enriched with a lash caring complex of plant-based waxes and conditioners that nourish your eyelashes, making them look healthy. The brush is made of 100% plant-derived bristles, which evenly coat your lashes from root to tip. The packaging is also made with post-consumer recycled materials, contributing to a more sustainable future. Almay Lengthening Mascara is formulated without any harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil. It is hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested, and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Experience longer, lifted, and conditioned lashes with Almay Mascara.

What We Like
Gentle and buildable
Nourishes lashes with plant-based waxes and conditioners
Environmentally friendly packaging

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup

041554590517
BLACKEST BLACK
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup Cover
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Lengthening, Defining, Curling, Multiplying, Buildable Formula, Blackest Black, 1 Count

Maybelline Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup is a volumizing, lengthening, defining, curling, and multiplying mascara that is designed to transform your look. It is infused with bamboo extract and fibers for long, full and lightweight lashes that don't flake or smudge. The exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip. It is ophthalmologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Customers have found that it is a great mascara for Asian lashes, providing the right amount of volume and able to keep lashes up throughout the day. It is also easy to remove with any face wash that is formulated to dissolve makeup.

What We Like
Infused with bamboo extract and fibers for long, full and lightweight lashes
Exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip
Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Great for Asian lashes, providing the right amount of volume and able to keep lashes up throughout the day
Easy to remove with any face wash that is formulated to dissolve makeup

Almay Mascara

309978588023
502 Black
Almay Mascara Cover
Almay Mascara, Volume, Length, Definition & Conditioning, Multi-Benefit Eye Makeup, Hypoallergenic and-Fragrance Free, 502 Black, 0.24 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

The Almay Multi-Benefit Mascara is a versatile eye makeup product that offers multiple benefits in one formula. This mascara provides volume, length, definition, and nourishment to your lashes. The keratin-infused formula helps to strengthen and condition your lashes, making them look healthier and fuller. The non-irritating formula is safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, as it has been ophthalmologist tested. With its multi-benefit formula, this mascara is perfect for achieving your desired lash look without compromising on comfort and safety. The Almay Multi-Benefit Mascara is available in three shades, allowing you to choose the perfect color to enhance your eyes.

What We Like
Multi-benefit formula
Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Buying Guide Image

The Definitive Mascara for Sensitive Eyes Buying Guide

How to Choose Mascara for Sensitive Eyes

Many people with sensitive eyes struggle to find the right mascara that won't irritate or cause discomfort. If you're one of them, fear not! There are many options available to help you achieve beautiful lashes without any discomfort.

Look for Mascara with Natural Ingredients

One of the best ways to avoid irritation is to look for mascara with natural ingredients. These will be gentler on your eyes and less likely to cause any reactions. Some common natural ingredients to look for include beeswax, aloe vera, and chamomile.

Choose Hypoallergenic Mascara

Hypoallergenic mascara is specifically formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin. These mascaras are less likely to contain harsh chemicals that can cause irritation. Be sure to look for products that are labeled as hypoallergenic, and double-check the ingredients list to ensure that they don't contain any potential irritants.

Avoid Waterproof Mascara

While waterproof mascara might seem like a good choice, it can actually be quite harsh on sensitive eyes. The chemicals used to make the mascara waterproof can cause irritation and even inflammation. Instead, opt for a regular mascara that is easy to remove with gentle makeup remover.

Consider Mascara with a Smaller Brush

A larger mascara brush can be difficult to use and may cause more irritation. Instead, look for a mascara with a smaller brush that will be easier to control. This will help you apply the mascara more precisely and avoid getting any product in your eyes.

Test the Mascara First

Before committing to a new mascara, it's always a good idea to test it out first. Apply a small amount of product to your wrist or behind your ear and wait for 24 hours to see if any irritation develops. If you don't experience any adverse reactions, then you can confidently use the mascara on your eyes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mascara for sensitive eyes can be a bit of a challenge, but it's definitely worth it in the end. By looking for natural ingredients, choosing hypoallergenic products, avoiding waterproof mascara, using a smaller brush, and testing the mascara first, you can find the perfect product that will give you beautiful, irritation-free lashes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does mascara always irritate my eyes?

Mascara can often irritate eyes due to allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. These ingredients may include preservatives, dyes, and fragrances. If you have sensitive skin or have had reactions to specific ingredients in the past, you are more likely to experience a reaction when using mascara.

2. What ingredient in mascara irritates eyes?

Several ingredients in mascara can potentially irritate the eyes. These include quaternium-22, shellac, colophony, p-phenylenediamine, yellow carnauba wax, coathylene, black and yellow iron oxides, and nickel. It can be challenging to patch-test mascaras because many of their ingredients are solvents and have the potential to cause irritation.

Editor's Notes

During our mascara for sensitive eyes research, we found 48 mascara for sensitive eyes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 546,443 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mascara for sensitive eyes list. We found that most customers choose mascara for sensitive eyes with an average price of $7.48.

The mascara for sensitive eyes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mascara for sensitive eyes, including ILIA, Clinique, Sandstone Scandinavia, Neutrogena, Almay. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,241 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.