13 Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes, That Will Give You Length and Volume Without Irritation (2024)

If you love wearing mascara but always seem to end up with black streaks after a few hours of wear—you may need to switch up the product you’re using. The best mascara for sensitive eyes will help prevent your eyes from getting red, puffy, and watery.

“People who are prone to dry, itchy eyes, including contact lens wearers, are more likely to be sensitive to mascara,” says Arian Fartash, O.D., an optometrist in Orange County, California.

The ingredients in your mascara can also be a nuisance. “In order to prevent the growth of microbes, any cosmetic product that contains water—like mascara—needs to contain preservatives. Some people are sensitive to preservatives, which can lead to redness or irritation near the eyes,” says Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.

Signs that you’re sensitive will show up in and around the skin of eyes. For instance, you have dry, flaky eyelids or eyes that are watery and red, says Dr. Fartash. If that’s you, stop wearing eye makeup (yes, mascara, too) until the symptoms disappear and consider consulting your doctor who can tell you if you have an infection that needs to be treated. Once any existing issues are cleared up, it’s time to search for mascara for your sensitive eyes.

How to choose the best mascara for sensitive eyes

Scan the label: Even though it’s not regulated, look for the word hypoallergenic. The FDA states that hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products. “It might be your best bet to find a product with the least amount of added allergens,” says Dr. Geddes-Bruce. You may also see label lingo like “natural,” but that term doesn’t mean much, and it certainly doesn’t mean that it’s suitable for sensitive skin, as it can still contain irritating botanicals, she says. You can also look for ophthalmologist-tested, which means an eye doctor was consulted during the formula’s testing.

Go simple: Fiber mascaras are super popular, as they contain materials that tack on extra length to lashes, giving you that “falsie” look. However, “these fibers can fall into your eye and cause even more irritation” says Dr. Fartash. It is best to avoid these and opt for traditional volumizing or lengthening ones. In the same spirit of going back to the basics, avoid colored mascaras, as well as those that are waterproof.

Replace your tube: Can’t remember the last time you bought mascara? That may be your problem right there, as bacteria builds up in the bottle, which can lead to styes and other eye infections. “Chuck your mascara every three months,” says Dr. Fartash. She writes the date she bought hers on the bottle with black marker. Consider it a healthy excuse to treat yourself to a new one!

Not sure where to start? Check out these top-rated hypoallergenic mascaras if you’re in need of something more gentle.

Dr. Geddes-Bruce recommends Neutrogena mascaras for easily irritated eyes. This one has a large brush designed to target every lash (even the tiniest baby ones) and coat them evenly to plump. Almond oil provides an extra dose of nourishment.

This mascara is paraben- and fragrance-free, as well as dermatologist- and allergy-tested, making it suitable for even the most sensitive eyes. It instantly lengthens and thickens from root to tip for smudge-free definition. “If you have sensitive eyes, this mascara is for you,” writes one happy reviewer. “I am allergic to most mascaras and I am able to wear this mascara all day and even into the evening with no problems at all.”

If longer lashes are what you’re after, this is a perfect everyday mascara. Vitamin E and olive oil condition while rice protein lengthens. The brush’s bristles feel gentle, but really coat each lash to ensure extra length. It’s also available in black, carbon black, and brown so you have the option for a bolder or more natural look.

Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, this mascara is packed with nourishing aloe vera and vitamin B5 that resists smudging and flaking. The formula has been tested by ophthalmologists and dermatologists to ensure easy application for those who struggle with sensitivity or wear contact lenses. Even better, the thickening effect helps your lashes hold a stronger curl for that fluttery look.

What’s better than a multitasking mascara? Swipe on the primer first, then follow-up with a second coat of mascara for thicker, longer lashes. Not only is it recommended by Dr. Fartash, but fans say the brush is what makes this mascara, because it deposits color on even the littlest lashes. It’s formulated without common irritants, including silicones, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

Clinique is beloved for their gentle products, and this mascara is no different. Free of fragrances, parabens, and phthalates, the company says it’s been tested and is safe for sensitive eyes. Plus, it really gets the job done with buildable volume that doesn’t run or smudge.

This hypoallergenic mascara is all about volume. The unique wand ensures each lash is evenly coated and separated. The formula always applies clump-free, so your lashes look smooth and long. Bonus: It comes in four shades, from brown to very black.

If you love an ultra-black mascara, this hypoallergenic pick from Maybelline will become your new go-to. Packed with vitamin E, this formula lengthens, defines, and makes your lashes look extra soft and fluttery without clumping or flaking off. Plus, it dissolves quickly as you wash it off, so no need to tug at your lids.

Made from all-natural ingredients, this mascara will work to nourish and define your lashes. It includes pro-vitamin B5 to strengthen, amaranth peptides to thicken, and coleus forskohlii extract to help the lashes appear darker in color. It also has a hygienic silicone brush, which will give your lashes a push-up effect, thanks to its tiny bristles.

“This mascara is super cheap and it’s the best one I’ve bought so far,” wrote one satisfied Amazon customer—and 148,000 5-star reviewers have backed up that statement, too. Formulated to give off the effect of fake eyelashes, this mascara does not flake or fade. Its formula is also clean with no oils, no alcohol, no fragrances, or parabens.

With a 4.5-star rating and over 8,100 rave reviews, this is a must-have pick for your makeup kit. Plus, it provides up to 80% longer-looking lashes, according to the brand. It features dual sides with a nourishing base coat on one end and a lengthening formula on the opposite side. The formula is infused with ceramide R and D-panthenol, which work together to strengthen the lashes.

If you want thicker but natural-looking lashes, reach for this cult favorite, vegan mascara. It leaves out the harsh stuff (parabens and phthalates) so it’s hypoallergenic, and is suitable even if you wear contacts. Rice bran wax lengthens, provitamin B5 and olive esters condition, and vitamin C offers free radical protection that even lashes need. It also comes in a mini bottle for on-the-go application or end-of-day touch-ups.

This uber-nourishing mascara contains shea butter to condition, beeswax to coat and lengthen lashes, as well as keratin to strengthen. The cruelty-free formula feels doesn’t budge or flake, but feels comfortable on the lashes, since it’s free of common irritants.