Finding the best mascaras for sensitive eyes takes a little bit of extra care and attention. You have to strike the perfect balance of length, volume, and comfortable day-long wear.
The best mascara for one type of eye sensitivity won't necessarily be the right for another. Allergies to anything from dust to fragrance are common reasons to need specialized mascara. But irritated, dry eyes can also happen at any time due to contact lens use (or misuse), seasonal sensitivity, and hormonal changes. "Dry eye syndrome, or xerophthalmia, is extremely common, and can present with a variety of symptoms such as being uncomfortable, itchy, gritty, red and sore, light sensitivity and increased watering," explains Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr Elizabeth Hawkes.
Whether you're a lifelong allergy sufferer or have unexpectedly reacted to your best drugstore mascara, any sign of irritation shouldn't be ignored. "If you’ve noticed itchiness, puffiness, or redness around your eyes after using makeup, take a look at the ingredients," advises Lenstore's expert optometrist Roshni Patel. "Get to know the types of preservatives used, and avoid brands that use them." The most important factor by far is what has – and hasn't – been included in the formula. That's why we scrutinized each and every one of these product's ingredient lists for common allergens and tested them thoroughly on our own lashes to give our seal of approval.
The mascaras for sensitive eyes we tried for this feature
The best mascaras for sensitive eyes, chosen by our beauty team
Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Clinique was one of the first mainstream hypoallergenic brands, and it always ensures that mascaras are allergy-tested and approved by dermatologists and ophthalmologists (a reassuring trio.) This mascara in particular boasts all the features of a foolproof mascara for sensitive eyes - thoroughly tested, free from allergens and fragrance, gentle to remove, and stellar results that last all day.
When testing, we loved using the curved brush that instantly gave lashes a natural lift and curl. The texture is also one of our favorite features - not too wet or too dry, it glides on without pulling but also doesn't leave any messy spots after application. We also noticed that it does exactly as promised, working to separate and coat the lashes without any clumps. We loved how our lashes looked with this on – a perfect sweet spot of nicely fanned out, a little bit dramatic, but not OTT.
As a tubing mascara, this is kind to the eyes from application to removal, and we were pleased with how easily the little tubes slipped off our lashes with a bit of warm water on a pad. This is a product that really ticks all the boxes for sensitive eyes that still want some impact.
Another one of the best tubing mascaras makes it onto our list, but this one takes the practicality and easy removal of tube tech and injects it with a huge dose of glamour. From the opulent gold tube to the ultra-lengthening formula, this mascara demands to be taken out for the night and shown a good time (but will still treat your eyes kindly come morning). The wand is of the flexible, cone-shaped silicone variety, covered with tonnes of micro-spokes to coat even the tiniest lashes.
This then forms polymer 'tubes' around each hair, which set down for the day until you gently slip them off with warm water - a great thing for anyone wondering is mascara bad for your eyelashes as it's often the removal that causes irritation. Our eyes can also be particularly sensitive to eye makeup removers, so we found this was a great solution.
When testing, we found that this ophthalmologist-tested product provides brilliant length, lift, and separation, giving results that are truly comparable to lash extensions, all without causing any irritation. We also found that it can be easily layered to get thicker and more dramatic results if you prefer a slightly more spider-y finish. Our go-to for glam makeup looks, this will always be an essential in our makeup kit.
First up, this ticks all of the boxes for sensitivity. It's had ophthalmological testing, it's got a gentle ingredients list that's 80% natural origin and it boasts the ability to be removed with warm water alone, no chemicals required. In terms of the mascara itself, the wand is a flexible silicone cone that we took one look at and thought, yep, this is about maximum length and minimal volume.
We weren't wrong, this would absolutely make one of the best mascaras for short lashes. Our lashes were lightly coated in formula and then stretched out to infinity, but not really bulked up. Our lashes also looked glossy, which might have something to do with the acai oil in the formula. We loved this on our lower lashes too, for a cute doe eyes effect, that doesn't transfer or smudge.
In fact, this was one of the most budge-proof formulas on our list - we wore this mascara for over 12 hours on a pretty sweaty day and it stayed perfectly in tact. With absolutely no irritation at any point, plus a quick and fuss-free removal process, this has our vote for the best lengthening mascara for sensitive eyes.
The Milk Kush mascara has already made it onto our roundup of the best fiber mascaras, and we love it for sensitive eyes too. Made from almost entirely natural ingredients, it is free of parabens, silicone, alcohol, fragrance, and gluten - a dream for those with allergies. Containing unique heart-shaped fibers that wrap your lashes to trap in the formula and keep the results soft and full, it works cleverly to keep your look flawless throughout the day.
When testing, we noticed the difference in the feeling of this formula compared to other mascaras for sensitive eyes we've used. It is significantly drier and less watery than the Beauty Pie Wrap Star, for example, however still soft enough to apply without tugging on the lashes. If you find thinner formulas to be tricky to apply or irritating on your eyes, this softer formula will work wonders for you.
It is definitely more thickening and volumizing than lengthening, but the results on our eyes were still noticeable and ideal for everyday use and heavier makeup days alike. The added hemp-derived cannabis seed oil also helped to keep lashes soft for comfortable day-long wear that didn't cause any itching. This is definitely a mascara we will turn to when hay fever strikes or our eyes are feeling particularly fragile and need a reliable pick-me-up.
This is a mascara we absolutely always get compliments on. Designed to lengthen, the conical wand shape is ideal for drawing lashes out and getting that falsies effect we love. The innovative stretching formula is comprised of two layers; the first being polymers to stretch each lash beyond its tip, while the second layer of micro‑emulsion polymers gives structure to perfectly curl and define.
We have used this mascara for several months now and it is still one of our go-tos for everyday makeup. It is extremely quick to apply and there's no need for multiple coats to get a full, fanned-out look. The best part about it is that it can be trusted to stay put all day. We have oily skin that usually causes mascara to transfer, but even the longest and sweatiest days are no match for this product.
The 38C in the name refers to the removal process - water at 38 degrees Celsius will remove this mascara no problem, so there's no need for your best makeup remover here. There are also volumizing and separating mascaras in 38C range, so if you're looking for one of those factors over length, it's worth giving them a go.
If you liked the sound of the Milk Kush mascara but you're after something ever so slightly more hydrating, this is the product for you. The formula contains shea butter to nourish lashes as well as niacinamide to avert eyelash breakage, making it an ideal pick for those looking to boost lash health.
When testing, we noticed that the micro bristle brush is very similar to the Clinique one in terms of the curved shape. However, this is slightly smaller and more precise, making it brilliant for catching shorter lashes. The formula has a similar thick feel to the Milk Kush, as mentioned, but you can definitely feel the nourishing elements at play here. It glides on seamlessly and gives a lash lift effect in an instant, drying down quickly without causing a mess and staying put for a full day of wear - even in the sweaty summer months.
If you have very sparse lashes, this may not do much for you in terms of thickening effects. But combined with the best eyelash grower serums, Future Lash will deliver on curl and length whilst also making a huge difference to your overall lash health. Safe for contact wearers and free from gluten and soy, this is a fantastic option for even the most sensitive eyes that will also come off with a swipe of warm water.
Tubing mascaras are definitely some of the best lengthening mascaras if you want length that won't drop all day, and this product is a testament to that. With technology that coats every single lash and a fragrance free, flake-proof formula, it is specifically recommended by the brand as a perfect pick for those with sensitive skin and eyes.
When testing, the first thing we noticed was the unique corkscrew wand that is unlike any other mascaras we have tried. We definitely felt this helped with catching every lash, but it may be tricky to get used to at first. The consistency also struck us, as it felt extremely hydrating without being wet or runny - essential for our hooded eyes that often catch smudges when applying mascara.
Just one coat gave us both length and volume, and we can see this formula being easily layer-able with the best lash primers for long-lasting drama. The only downfall is that we did notice a tiny bit of transferring onto our oily eyelids after about eight hours of wear, so we would recommend that those with oilier skin types powder their skin before applying this. However, if you want to look like you've had a lash lift and tint in a matter of seconds, you'll love it. This is another one that can be removed with water, but we also swiped it away effortlessly with the best cleansing balms with no traces left behind.
The Imperial Lash mascara is designed to give major length, volume, and definition - everything we look for in a mascara. With a wax blend that prevents clumps and film formers that keeps pigment from smudging with 12-hour wear, you won't catch any transfers here.
We would compare the formula quite closely to Lash Slick, as this mascara has a wet texture to it that applies smoothly and evenly. When testing, we found that it is easily layerable and only needs a couple of coats to give an extremely defined look that makes lashes pop, so it is a great alternative if you want the feeling of Lash Slick but with more dramatic results. Not at all flaky or crusty, it can be trusted to survive a full day of wear.
However, you will need one of your best cleansers to remove this one, so this is something to keep in mind if you get some irritation from makeup removers. It was quite a messy removal process, probably due to the wetter formula, but it did remove completely with our usual facial cleanser. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, it is one of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes if you want dark and defined lashes that won't feel uncomfortable or itchy.
Truly a modern cult product, Lash Slick sticks with the brand's tried and true formula: a does what it says on the tin name, a 'clean beauty' ingredients list and a natural makeup look as the end result. That means that if you are looking for ultra-dramatic volumized lashes, look elsewhere. Ingredients-wise, this packs in clever Japanese fiber tech for length, vegan biotin for health, and shine polymers for glossy-looking lashes. Glossier is also a paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic brand, all of which are very helpful in keeping reactions at bay.
When testing, we found this an easy formula to apply as it's so sheeny it simply slips onto the lashes without dragging. Although, we did leave a few little smudges here and there, meaning that those with hooded eyes will need a cotton bud on hand for any clean up. The result was feathery, fanned-out flutter, which lasted well and only dropped a tiny bit throughout the day.
This is definitely a product for those who want a your-lashes-but-better finish, so don't expect dramatic volume. But if you suffer from dryness and want a product that won't dehydrate your lashes, this will do just the trick at keeping them feeling good. Lightweight and smooth, this mascara works wonders for sensitive eyes, and it comes in at a very reasonable price considering the hard-working formula.
How we tested the best mascaras for sensitive eyes
Our beauty writer tested each of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes on her very irritation-prone eyes for at least a full day. With each product, she looked at factors including:
- Application - How well each product applied and whether they caused any irritation when first put on
- Results - How the lashes looked after application and if they gave the right amount of volume and length
- Wear - How each product wore throughout the day and whether any irritation occurred further down the line
- Removal - How easy each mascara was to remove and whether the removal process caused any irritation
- Price point - Whether each mascara is truly worth the money for sensitive eyes
How to choose the best mascaras for sensitive eyes
- Hypoallergenic: Generally, a product marked as hypoallergenic has been created using ingredients that typically cause fewer allergic reactions. However, there aren’t strict regulations around the usage of the term in relation to cosmetics, so a hypoallergenic product can only reduce the chances of a reaction. The best oil-free mascaras are often designed with sensitivity in mind, so we recommend looking out for fragrance, preservatives, and oils in a formula.
- Allergy-tested, ophthalmologist-tested: More useful terms to look for on packaging for added peace of mind, indicating that the product has been vetted by an eye professional and likely passed a tolerance test.
- Patch-testing: Before committing to a new mascara, it could be worth carrying out a patch test. Simply swipe a little on your outer lashes and leave it there for a few hours. If it doesn’t give you any discomfort, take it as a green light to apply it all over your eyelashes or, if you’re still anxious, apply it from the mid-lengths upwards.
- Expiration date: How often should you replace your mascara to avoid irritation? As a general rule, you should throw out mascaras that are more than six months old (discard them sooner if they dry up or give off an unpleasant smell) Mascaras can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, and no one wants an eye infection.
What is the safest mascara brand for sensitive eyes?
Heritage skincare brands such as Clinique apply the same rigor to their makeup ranges as they do to complexion products – the result being some standout mascaras for sensitive eyes. Brands that bill themselves as 'clean beauty' are usually worth a look, as they often formulate without parabens, a preservative that's been associated with reactions in some forms, and also are often free of artificial fragrance, a generally accepted irritant.
As ever, the best thing you can do is shop around. Read up on ingredients, be diligent with your research and you won't need to limit yourself to a few brands only. Refer to our cheat-sheet on 'how to choose the best mascara for sensitive eyes' to give you a better idea of the things to look out for when shopping between brands.
How to apply and remove mascara on sensitive eyes
What’s in your mascara is only one piece of the puzzle – another is how it’s applied and removed. According to makeup artist Kenneth Soh, a few small tweaks to your technique could make a world of difference in learning how to apply mascara on eyes prone to sensitivity. “I would always start with a good lash curler,” he says. “You’ll be amazed at how much more defined your lashes will look, which means you will only need a light coat of mascara.” Kenneth also recommends applying mascara as close as you can get to the root, without actually allowing the product to come into contact with the skin of the eyelid.
When removing your mascara at the end of the day, take extra care and give it time – excessive scrubbing or several rounds of heavy-handed cleansing will only worsen sensitivity. Waterproof mascaras are a great option for those whose eyes water at the drop of a hat (a common occurrence for the sensitive), but try swapping traditional formulas for a tubing mascara instead. They work by wrapping lashes in a fine film of flake-proof polymers and are easily removed with warm water. Your eyes will thank you!
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