For those with sensitive eyes, finding the perfect mascara is like walking through a beauty minefield. With irritation, redness, and even allergic reactions being common side effects of many mascaras, it’s important to select products that are gentle, yet effective. Whether you want a volumizing formula, a waterproof option, or simply one that won’t play havoc with your delicate peepers, we found the best mascaras for sensitive eyes that’ll leave you with long, luscious lashes without the irritation.
This guide will cover the best mascara for sensitive eyes, hypoallergenic formulas, and the best waterproof mascaras that won’t irritate sensitive eyes. We’ll also tackle frequently asked questions such as what is the best mascara for sensitive eyes and what ingredients to avoid if you want to avoid irritation.
What Is the Best Mascara for Contacts or Sensitive Eyes?
Key Features to Look For
Makeup for sensitive eyes requires some extra attention. The best eye mascara for sensitive eyes is made without harsh chemicals, fragrance, and parabens. The product should be dermatologically tested and, ideally, hypoallergenic. Formulas that are ophthalmologist-tested and cruelty-free are also great for those with allergies or sensitive eyes.
So, without any further ado, let’s get into the best mascara for sensitive eyes!
Top Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Best For: Sensitive eyes, everyday wear
Why It’s Great: For sensitive skin and eyes, Clinique has long been a go-to brand. Ophthalmologist-tested and allergy-tested, the Clinique High Impact Mascara is one of the safest options for sensitive eyes. The formula is kind but provides volume, definition, and length that works together for an eye-catching lash without irritating. And it’s smudge-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about raccoon eyes midday.
Key Features:
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy-tested and ophthalmologist-tested
- People who wear contact lenses may use it
Almay One Coat Multi-Benefit Mascara
Best For: People with sensitive eyes on a budget
Why It’s Great: All you budget-minded beauties out there will want to pay attention, because Almay One Coat Multi-Benefit Mascara is a wonderful pick. It’s ophthalmologist-verified and built for sensitive eyes. This mascara was formulated to give the perfect balance of volume, definition, and length with a single swipe.
Key Features:
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Ophthalmologist Tested
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara
Best For: Volumizing and sensitive eyes
Why It’s Great: This is a top-selling mascara that brings volume and length. Its formula is smudge-resistant, gentle on sensitive eyes, and delivers dramatic effects without clumping. It even comes in both regular and waterproof formulas so you can find the one best for you.
Key Features:
- Volume-building formula
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Regular and waterproof versions available
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
Best For: Sensitive eyes, emphasizing length
Why It’s Great: If you want a lengthening effect that doesn’t irritate your eyes, a must-try is Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes. Its 4-in-1 formula lifts, lengthens, curls, and separates lashes, yet it’s gentle on sensitive eyes. Additionally, the mascara does not contain parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances, so those with allergies or sensitivities can still enjoy it.
Key Features:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Extends and curls lashes gently
Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Lash Boosting Mascara
Best For: Natural ingredients and sensitive eyes
Why It’s Great: If you lean toward natural beauty products, try the Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Lash Boosting Mascara. It also includes 100 percent natural ingredients and does not have parabens, gluten, and synthetic fragrances. Offering bold lashes thanks to a natural formula, this mascara is made with nourishing organic ingredients, including rice bran wax and jojoba oil.
Key Features:
- 100% natural ingredients
- Cruelty-free & Hypoallergenic
- Free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances
Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara
Best For: Sensitive eyes and thickening
Why It’s Great: Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara is a best bet for vegan volume without sacrificing your health. This mascara has been tested by ophthalmologists and is gentle enough for sensitive eyes while giving you thick, full lashes. It incorporates olive oil, which nourishes lashes and keeps them healthy while amplifying volume.
Key Features:
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens use
- Conditions and thickens lashes
BareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara
Great For: Sensitive eyes and longevity
Why It’s Great: This BareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara is a go-to if you’re looking for a mascara that defines lashes without irritation. The lightweight formula glides on easily, for defined, separated lashes with no clumping. It’s also paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free, making it perfect for sensitive eyes.
Key Features:
- Tested, but not on animals, by dermatologists and ophthalmologists
- No parabens or sulfates
- Offers natural definition
Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara
Best For: Sensitive eyes and high-definition lashes
Why It’s Great: Lancome Definicils is known for its high-definition application without irritating the eyes. It gives you beautifully separated, defined lashes, and the gentle formula is safe for sensitive eyes. It also has a waterproof version, so you can wear it all day long and not have to worry about smudging or flaking.
Key Features:
- Defines and separates lashes
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Comes in both waterproof and non-waterproof formulas
Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer
Best For: Sensitive eyes and lash treatment
Why We Love It: Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer offers both a mascara and lash primer in one. The primer conditions and lengthens lashes, and the mascara provides volume and definition. Its formula is also paraben-, synthetic fragrance-, and harsh chemical-free, making it ideal for sensitive eyes.
Key Features:
- 1 mascara and eyelash primer
- Hypoallergenic and not tested on animals
- Paraben, sulfate, and synthetic fragrance-free
Maybelline New York Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara
Best For: Sensitive eyes and waterproof mascara
Why It’s Great: Maybelline New York Full ‘N Soft may well be the best waterproof mascara for sensitive eyes; it’s affordable and truly works, yet glides off easily when you want it to. This mascara offers plush, voluminous lashes that last all day long, even in humid conditions or through workouts. And yet, despite its waterproof formula, it’s gentle enough for sensitive eyes and easy to remove at the end of the day.
Key Features:
- Waterproof formula
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Stays all day without irritation
How to Choose the Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
Tips When Buying the Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
- Hypoallergenic and/or Ophthalmologist-tested: These certifications mean the mascara is less likely to cause irritation.
- Fragrance-free: Scents are often irritating to sensitive peepers, so reach for fragrance-free mascara.
- Gentle Ingredients: Steer clear of harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates, as well as synthetic fragrances, all of which can irritate sensitive eyes.
- Waterproof Formula: Choose a waterproof mascara that is sensitive eye-friendly if that is what you need.
Summary: What Is the Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes?
The best mascara for sensitive eyes doesn’t have to be a challenge to find. Whether you want a gentle formula that is hydrating, a volumizing effect, or a waterproof one to last you through the day, there are fantastic choices. The above mascaras are all ophthalmologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and particularly eye-sensitive, allowing you to have gorgeous lashes without irritation.
Just keep in mind: when it comes to selecting the top mascara for sensitive eyes, it’s all about innovation that’s both safe and effective for your needs. Test out a few of these best picks and see which suits you best!
