To prevent microbial growth, artificial preservatives are added to water-based cosmetics. This can cause redness or irritation in some people sensitive to preservatives when using mascara.
Luckily for anyone whose eyes are as sensitive as those of Game of Thrones fans reminiscing about the series finale, hypoallergenic mascara does exist.
How to Choose the Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
Read the label carefully: look for the word hypoallergenic. You might also see the word "natural" on it, but that term doesn't mean much. And it certainly doesn't mean the mascara is suitable for sensitive eyelids, as it may still contain irritating botanicals.
Avoid products containing 3D fibers. These mascaras are very popular because they add extra length to your lashes. However, these fibers can get into your eyes and cause further irritation.
Waterproof mascara is also often allergenic. It contains aggressive chemicals that increase the durability of this product.
What's in a good mascara for allergy sufferers? The following components should not be present:
- aluminum powder,
- propylene glycol,
- parabens,
- thiomersal,
- thimerazole,
- imidazolidinyl urea,
- diazolidinyl urea,
- DMDM,
- bronopol,
- 2-bromo-2-nitropron-1,3-diol,
- bronidox,
- 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane.
The best hypoallergenic mascara of 2020
The best choice for sensitive eyes is hypoallergenic mascara, which contains no fragrances, rich coloring pigments, or artificial preservatives. To help you choose the best hypoallergenic mascara, we've compiled a list of 10 options recommended by cosmetologists, experts from various fashion magazines, and those with positive user reviews.
10. Clinique High Impact
Cosmetics company Clinique is beloved for its hypoallergenic products, and this mascara is no exception.
The manufacturer claims that High Impact Mascara is free of fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and has been allergy tested.
But just because this product is eye-safe doesn't mean it lacks effectiveness. It will leave you with voluminous lashes after just one application, meaning less time in front of the mirror. While Clinique High Impact doesn't promise a dramatic eye look, it does separate lashes beautifully, has minimal flakes, has a comfortable brush with dense bristles and a good stopper, and won't damage lashes with prolonged use.
It's not waterproof, but that's the problem with all hypoallergenic mascaras. However, it removes completely.
9. Almay One Coat Thickening
This hypoallergenic, fragrance-free mascara is infused with nourishing aloe vera and vitamin B5 to help fight blemishes and flakes.
The formula has been ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested to ensure easy and safe application. This mascara is suitable even for daily contact lens wearers and won't sting if accidentally gets into your eyes.
Users are delighted with how Almay One Coat thickens lashes without creating clumping or excessive volume. It features a convenient, fluffy brush, has a thick but not too thick consistency, dries quickly, and doesn't flake. Just one coat is enough for beautiful-looking lashes.
8. ART-VISAGE Chicago
This excellent and affordable hypoallergenic mascara is a multitasker. It not only conditions lashes thanks to panthenol, but also evenly coats them, adding subtle length and curl.
At the same time, it does not crumble from the eyes during the day and is easily removed with a special product or even soapy water.
In user reviews, users note that ART-VISAGE mascara begins to dry out after a month of use. However, if you soak it in hot water for a few minutes, it becomes quite fluid again and is ready to use.
7. Pierre Rene Iconic Lashes Mascara
One of the best hypoallergenic mascaras of 2020 has been ophthalmologist-tested and contains caring ingredients such as panthenol and castor oil.
The convenient conical brush allows you to apply color even to the smallest lashes. Iconic Lashes Mascara perfectly separates lashes, coats them quickly, and creates a truly expressive look.
6. Hypoallergenic Long & Volume Mascara
This budget-friendly, paraben- and fragrance-free mascara not only makes lashes look thicker and longer upon application, but also washes off easily without leaving behind those "panda eyes.".
This product applies quite easily, doesn't smudge, and, thanks to the stiff bristles, perfectly separates lashes. Once applied, it lasts for 4-5 hours.
5. Dizao Organic Moisturizing Black Mascara
This highly nourishing mascara contains many beneficial and natural ingredients such as chamomile oil, beeswax, sunflower seed oil, etc.
The formula, free of harsh chemicals, is ideal for allergy sufferers. The mascara has a thick consistency and a pleasant, light scent reminiscent of coffee and chocolate.
However, this product doesn't boast long-lasting wear. Therefore, we recommend using it for short outings—for a couple of hours, after which it starts to flake. Another drawback of this mascara is that it only comes in black.
4. Eveline Cosmetics All In One
It's incredible how affordable hypoallergenic mascara for sensitive eyes can be. Eveline Cosmetics All In One contains panthenol and jojoba oil to condition lashes.
After applying this mascara, lashes look natural and yet voluminous. The product can be easily removed with plain water if necessary.
3. MakeUmake Fibrescara
If you're looking for a mascara with a rich array of caring ingredients, this is it. It contains vitamins E and A, as well as keratin, jojoba oil, and castor oil. All of these ingredients protect lashes from damage, making them smoother and fuller.
In addition to nourishing and protecting, MakeUmake Fibrescara mascara helps separate and volumize lashes, making eyes appear larger and more expressive. It doesn't flake or clump, and lasts for about 5-6 hours.
2. Physicians Formula Organic wear 100% Natural Origin FakeOut
You'll fall in love with this mascara's design at first sight. Add to that its hypoallergenic properties and 100% natural formula, which lengthens and curls lashes with just one coat, and you'll likely agree that this mascara is a must-have for any makeup bag.
It dries instantly without weighing down lashes, and the comfortable brush allows for quick distribution along the entire length of lashes. It doesn't flake, clump, or create a spidery effect when applied.
Another good fact: Physicians Formula Organic wear is not tested on animals.
1. TARTE Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
This is by no means the cheapest hypoallergenic mascara, but its high price is justified for several reasons:
- Amazing design.
- Does not contain aggressive substances (parabens and phthalates), so it is suitable for those who wear contact lenses.
- Contains rice bran wax, provitamin B5 and olive esters, and vitamin C for the free radical protection even eyelashes need.
- Contains carnauba wax for the easiest and smoothest application.
TARTE Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara features a comfortable, fluffy brush that's scratch-free and clumpy. It sets lashes from root to tip, adding volume and subtle curl.
You can't layer this mascara heavily, so don't expect a "fan effect." However, its staying power is among the best, around 7-8 hours. And the longevity is impressive – at least 3 months; given the high price, it would be wasteful to buy this product every month.
These cosmetics make a great gift for a colleague, relative, or loved one. They offer the perfect balance of external beauty and high-quality inner content.