Did you know some of the most popular mascaras are packed with irritants, such as artificial fragrances and preservatives? While these fillers may not bother everyone, they can spell trouble for those with sensitive eyes. “For me, I think of it like an insurance policy—why not use ingredients that are better for you, especially when it’s going so close to your eyes,” says Amy Liu, founder and CEO of Tower 28.
So we were ecstatic to see the emergence—and subsequently skyrocketing growth—of an entirely new mascara genre wholly dedicated to sensitive eyes that still deliver the results we’ve come to expect of their counterparts. Within this expanding subset, you’ll still be able to choose the type of mascara you love, be it volumizing or thickening, without any fear of irritation.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Budget:
Best for Sensitive Eyes and Thin Lashes:
Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash at Bergdorfgoodman.com (See Price)
Best Hypoallergenic :
Best Volumizing:
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara at Thrivecausemetics.com (See Price)
Best Natural:
Best for Drama:
Best for Sensitive Eyes and Contacts:
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Why We Love It: This impressive mascara for short lashes is not just one of the best clean mascaras, but it’s also one of the best formulas for sensitive eyes. It’s been tested and vetted by ophthalmologists, who provided their stamp of approval for those with contacts or sensitive eyes. The dual-sided brush allows you to coat lashes with jet-black pigment, along with nourishing shea butter and beeswax to glide on with ease.
Who It's For: Looking for lashesrich in length, definition, and separation? This beloved mascara delivers wonderfully defined and separated lashes with its straight, fine-bristled brush.
Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.27 oz
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Why We Love It: Dermatologist-recommended and ophthalmologist-tested, Neutrogena’s Healthy Volume is one of the brand’s most popular mascaras. According to the brand, helps build volume by up to 400 percent. This is partly due to the formula, but it's mostly the handiwork of the big, bold wand that makes grabbing and coating every single lash easy.It can smudge by the end of the day (which makes sense because the mascara was also designed to be easy to remove).
Who It's For: While we often rely on big wands to achieve volume, sometimes these larger tools mean big clumps. But this option is surprisingly neither flakey nor clumpy.
Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.21 oz
Best for Sensitive Eyes and Thin Lashes
Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash
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Why We Love It: Finally, a mascara that won't leave raccoon rings around our eyes and washes away with a few splashes of warm water. But that's not all—the hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested formula strengthens lashes with shea butter, niacinamide, and panthenol, building up their strength with every swipe. Plus, the brand has a few more innovative tricks up its sleeves, like the infusion of plant-derived polymers into the formula to naturally thicken lashes and ramp up their natural volume.
Who It's For: The mascara doesn't provide a super dramatic effect, but it will give you a gorgeous, fanned-out look perfect for everyday wear.
Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.16 oz
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Why We Love It: The Lune+Aster mascara wraps around individual lashes to make them look more voluminous and coats each one with color and volume. Beyond that, the mascara stays put all day without ever flaking. When it's time to take it off the formula washes off easily with minimal scrubbing, too. And, your lashes may feel more well-nourished, thanks to strengthening and hydrating ingredients, such as vitamin B5, shea butter, and Mauritania fruit oil.
Who It's For: Whether your eyelash curler isn't quite cutting it or you have especially flat lashes, this mascara uses a tubing formula and straight bristled brush to lift, separate, and define lashes.
Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.81 oz
Best Hypoallergenic
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara
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Why We Love It: First and foremost, MakeWaves is ophthalmologist-tested and formulated to be safe for sensitive eyes, as well as those who wear contact lenses. It’s even been tested for safety around eczema, a pillar of Tower 28’s brand ethos.Secondly, it’s also easy to remove, which can be a major source of irritation, particularly when mascara is difficult to get off. This pick rinses off easily with just face wash and water. Formula-wise, MakeWaves includes a handful of interesting ingredients, such as vitamin B and castor oil. Last, but certainly not least, the wand is unusually flexible so you can reach and separate every single lash, regardless of length.
Who It's For: Do you struggle to get your flat lashes to curl upward? This mascara contains Aquaflex Technology, which is more often seen in haircare to define and hold curls, but it's the inclusion of this particular ingredient that gives lashes a lift and curl that will last all day long.
Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.29 oz
Best Tubing
Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara
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Why We Love It: This is another tubing mascara that’s easy on the eyes and gives some nice length and dark color, without looking too dramatic or overdone. The rice bran wax allows the mascara to add length and structure to your lashes, while the olive oil esters and fatty acids help to condition your lashes, too. Plus, the packaging of this mascara is really sleek and sexy. One thing to note is that this formula will not give you as dramatic results as some of the other mascaras for sensitive eyes on this list
Who It's For: We like this pick for sensitive eyes because the tubing technology allows for easy removal at the end of the day—no tugging or pulling involved.
Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.30 oz
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Why We Love It: Celebrity makeup artist Kasey Adam Spickard uses this lengthening mascara on all his clients, full stop, not just the ones with sensitive eyes. “What I love about a tubing mascara is that it doesn’t transfer once it’s dried down and it is still incredibly easy to remove,” he says.While some volumizing mascaras can clump or leave lashes looking spidery and feeling brittle, emollients shea butter and castor seed oil ensure you get soft, fluttering results.
Who It's For: “For my sensitive eye folks, sometimes the worst part of makeup is the removal, which can trigger inflammation and further irritation,” says Spickard. “This mascara comes off so easily with just warm water—no detergents or makeup remover is needed.”
Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.38 oz
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Why We Love It: This drugstore pick from CoverGirl is ophthalmologist-tested and works for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It’s made with 100 percent cellulose plant-fibers, and is formulated without parabens, talc, mineral oil, fragrance, or sulfates to be ultra-gentle.Some folks have complained that the wand gets too much product on it. You might want to unload some of the product onto the side of the tube before swiping it on your lashes to prevent clumping.
Who It's For: This pick gives your lashes a natural lift and some volume—it’s not dramatic and is ideal for those who prefer a no-makeup makeup look.
Shades: 5 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.32 oz
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Why We Love It: This buzzy mascara from Ami Cole is formulated with 87 percent naturally derived ingredients, including moisturizing shea butter and jojoba oil, which also offers just the right amount of slip so the wand travels through lashes easily and thoroughly. Swipe once for definition and twice (or more!) for drama that doesn’t look overdone.
Who It's For: We love the intense Rich Black shade when we want bold, luxurious-looking lashes. Place the bushy brush right at the base of your eyelid and wiggle outward for a fully feathered, dramatic look.
Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.30 oz
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Why We Love It: Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, a Miami-based, board-certified dermatologist and founder of skincare brandDr. Loretta recommends Almay’s mascara because it's fragrance-free, making it especially well-suited for sensitive eyes. The thickening formula performs like a bold, expensive mascara yet comes at a drugstore mascara price.
Who It's For: The ingredients are specifically designed for easily irritated eyes and contact lens wearers. Plus, the inclusion of aloe and vitamin B ensures that lashes are conditioned and poised to grip color easily.
Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.26 oz
Best for Sensitive Eyes and Skin
Twenty/Twenty Clean Sweep Mascara
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Why We Love It: Created by board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, Clean Sweep Mascara is impressive for many reasons, one of which is that it’s made entirely of nonirritating ingredients. With reactive and allergy-prone eyes (both seasonal and ocular) top of mind, Dr. Hilal-Campo developed a super safe, multitasking mascara rife with conditioning hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and biotin, to deliver hydrating and strengthening capabilities.
Who It's For: If you're willing to be consistent with application, your lashes will not only initially look great, but over time, they’ll be healthier than ever.
Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.33 oz
Best Waterproof
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Waterproof Mascara
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Why We Love It: Sensitive, allergy-prone, and irritated eyes might be tempted to grab anywaterproof mascara, but many involve chemicals and ingredients that can make eyes not only painfully irritated, but also incredibly difficult to remove. (The trick to removing waterproof mascara is to use aneye makeup removerthat also caters to sensitive folks.) But the beloved French pharmacy brand,La Roche-Posay, developed this lengthening mascara specifically for those with sensitivities, allergies, or contact lenses. It's a thickening, smudge-proof, andvolumizing mascarathat keeps safety a top priority.
Who It's For: This volume-enhancing waterproof mascara is packed with gentle ingredients to keep the delicate eye area free of chemicals and irritants. Bonus: It lasts all day, too.
Shades: 1 | Waterproof: Yes | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.25 oz
Best for Dry Eyes
Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Primer
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Why We Love It: It’s clean and hydrating, courtesy of the jojoba oil, but the real clincher comes when the formula is paired with the enhancing primer. Applying the primer serves two equally great purposes: It preps the lashes for maximum results, and it also serves as a conditioning buffer between the eyelid and the mascara, which can reduce the watery reaction that is sometimes triggered in dry eyes. All it takes is one swipe of the primer, pause for about 20 seconds to let it dry, then zigzag the mascara through lashes for results you have to see to believe.
Who It's For: The two-in-one mascara and primer formula helps the mascara stick to lashes that lose product throughout the day.
Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.25 oz
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Why We Love It: Lash Slick won’t provide va-va-voom volume, but it is a winning mascara for lengthening and lifting. The dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested formula is fragrance-free and includes Japanese fiber technology that allows lashes to extend up to 2 millimeters past your natural tips.
Who It's For: While you won’t achieve lush fullness, Lash Slick will deliver a tinted, lifted look.
Shades: 2 | Waterproof: No | Ophthalmologist-Tested: Yes | Size: 0.29 oz
What to Keep in Mind
- Opthamalogist-Tested: Reaching for mascaras that have been tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists during product development is crucial. Dermatologists focus on evaluating the mascara’s interaction with the skin and whether it is triggering a reaction, while ophthalmologists zero in on the ingredients as they relate to the overall health of the eye. It will ensure a professional level of vetting that results in a safer product, which is particularly necessary for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.
- Waterproof: You might want to grab a waterproof mascara if you have sensitive or allergy-prone eyes, thinking that it could outlast any eye-watering or rubbing throughout the day. However, waterproof formulas often have more chemicals that boost their longevity, making them more potentially risky to reactive types. That said, if you really prefer the lasting power of waterproof formulas, there are a handful of sensitive products that are both expert-approved and waterproof. Be sure to use a sensitive-eye and skin makeup remover and resist rubbing or tugging.
Your Questions, Answered
Is clean mascara better for sensitive eyes?
Mascara naturally has a dizzying list of ingredients while clean formulas aim to eliminate unnecessary filler ingredients when possible. “Eyelid skin is the thinnest on the face and can become sensitive to certain ingredients,” says Dr. Ciraldo.It’s important to note that the ‘clean’ seal of approval doesn’t always mean it is ophthalmologist-approved—or that it’s absolutely safer.
Does mascara expire?
“Mascara expires faster than most beauty products due to issues like cross-contamination and the fact that bacteria thrive in dark, damp environments (like a tube of mascara),” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. Every single expert used the exact same lifespan for mascaras: Three months. In fact, if you have particularly sensitive eyes, cut that window down to one month, recommends Dr. Hilal-Campo, who argues that it’s simply not worth the irritation.
Why do my eyes burn when I wear mascara?
“It can be a reaction to the type of wax used or to any strong fragrance in the formula,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. “Even if you use a ‘clean’ formula, you may still have allergies to something in it. For example, many people have nut allergies—you may experience a reaction if you use a mascara with coconut oil.”
What is the best way to remove mascara?
Most mascaras for sensitive eyes come off easily with soap and water, thereby eliminating the need for makeup removers (which can be alcohol-based—a major no for sensitive eyes). In the case of fiber mascaras, they don’t even need soap: A true fiber or tubular mascara will slide off the lashes with ease when soaked in warm water for 10 seconds. For all other formulations, Spickard recommends saturating a cotton pad in an oil-based remover. “Hold the cotton pad to the closed eye for 30 to 60 seconds,” he says, allowing the remover to break down the product. Then gently swipe away and continue your cleansing routine.
Why Shop With Us
Kristin Limoges is a freelance editor for numerous publications, including Byrdie, Harper’s Bazaar, and WWD Shop, and has nearly a decade of beauty writing experience. She considers herself a sensitive eye expert—having experimented with numerous mascaras on her sensitive, often irritated eyes for decades. To compile this list, she researched and tested several sensitive eye mascaras, and consulted with the following experts:
- Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over two decades of experience practicing both medical and surgical eye care.
- Dr. Loretta Ciraldo is a board-certified dermatologist who runs the family-owned brand Dr. Loretta. She has over 40 years of experience in the industry and focuses on creating products that address real-world skin issues, such as hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Kasey Adam Spickard is a NYC-based celebrity and editorial makeup artist with over a decade of experience in the industry. He's worked with brands such as L'Oréal, Shiseido, Estée Lauder, and Coty.
- Amy Liu is a sensitive skin expert and founder of the makeup and skincare brand Tower 28.
Additional reporting was done by Daley Quinn, a freelance writer, specializing in beauty and health, who has contributed to numerous publications, such as Elle, Real Simple, Allure, The Cut, WWD, and more. She also writes for her blog, The Daley Dose.
