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The Best Hypoallergenic Mascara For People With Sensitive Eyes
by Hannah Marsh and Caroline Harris
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Having sensitive, allergy-prone eyes or wearing contact lenses can mean that the average mascara’s ingredients can be seriously irritating to your eyes throughout the day. If you find yourself victim to bloodshot, teary eyes after applying your mascara, not all hope is lost. Consider switching out your current mascara with hypoallergenic mascara, which is specifically designed for sensitive eyes.
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Hypoallergenic mascaras are great for people with sensitive eyes because of their gentle, non-irritating formulas that are typically free of common irritants (such as silicones, sulfates, parabens, and fragrances). While shopping for mascaras for sensitive eyes, make sure to avoid mascaras that are colored and scented, instead reaching for traditional lengthening and volumizing mascaras.
In addition to investing in the best hypoallergenic mascara, you’ll also want to replace your mascara every three months to avoid the build-up of bacteria. Tip: Try writing the date you bought your mascara directly on the bottle in black marker. That way, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to buy a new one.
Hypoallergenic mascaras cut back on potential allergens that can create harmful reactions like redness, itchiness, eye watering, soreness, and inflammation. When you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, definitely consult your doctor just in case your symptoms are signs of an eye infection (like a stye) that needs to be treated. In addition, think about how your lifestyle could be contributing to creating these symptoms. Do you share your favorite bottle of mascara with all your friends, or do you hold onto eyeshadow palettes long after they’ve expired? These little choices can make a big difference when it comes to eye health.
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The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) even put together a list of tips for eye cosmetic safety, which include washing your hands before applying eye makeup, not sharing your mascara with others, and tossing dried-out mascara. The FDA’s safety measures can help prevent infection and irritation, and are good practice even if you don’t struggle with sensitivity.
Below, find the 8 best hypoallergenic mascaras because even those with sensitive eyes can rock some seriously luscious lashes.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 8 Image Credits: Tarte
Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
A Tarte best-seller, this mascara is vegan and paraben-free with a luxurious feeling, anti-irritating formula. Fact: I own this exact mascara, and get tons of compliments on my lengthy-looking lashes whenever I wear it out on the town.
2 of 8 Image Credits: Target
Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara and Lash Primer
This two-in-one primer and mascara is a huge hit for those looking for a non-irritating, hypoallergenic formula. The primer provides a foundation to help create an even base, and the highly pigmented mascara lengthens and lifts for some serious volume.
3 of 8 Image Credits: Sephora
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
Not only is this Clinique High Impact Mascara safe for delicate eyes, but it’s even waterproof, so it’s sure to look fresh all day long.
4 of 8 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Sisley So Intense Fortifying Volumizing Mascara
Sisley’s non-irritating formula uses an innovative comb brush to distribute, coat, and separate your lashes all in one step. Confidently cover every single lash without worrying about your sensitive eyes.
5 of 8 Image Credits: Amazon
Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
Contact lenses are great for those of us who can’t see more than a few inches from our face, but they can be easily irritated by many mascara formulas. Instead of having to choose between gorgeous lashes and being able to see, this Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara uses hypoallergenic ingredients to work with those who have sensitive eyes. It even uses Vitamin E and olive oil to nourish the lashes long after you take it off.
6 of 8 Image Credits: Ulta
Almay Multi-Benefit Mascara
Using an anti-breakage, pro-vitamin formula, Almay’s One Coat Multi-Benefit Mascara makes for longer and stronger lashes the more often you wear it. The extra gentle product is safe for the even the most sensitive of eyes.
7 of 8 Image Credits: Amazon
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara
Organic formulas no longer mean you have to sacrifice quality for natural ingredients. This Physicians Formula mascara gives major volume and color without irritating your eyes in the process. And the best part? A little soap and water at the end of the day is all it takes to leave your lashes bare again. No harsh makeup removers needed!
8 of 8 Image Credits: Amazon
Mia Adora 3D Fiber Lash Mascara
This three-step process uses hypoallergenic ingredients to thicken and lengthen thin, sparse eyelashes. Not only will your eyes look and feel great while it’s on, but the formula also works to strengthen your natural lashes for when you go bare-faced, too.
