Best Mascaras for Sensitive Skin: Drugstore to High End

Key Points

• Brands like CoverGirl, Neutrogena, and L'Oreal carry excellent mascaras for sensitive skin and eyes.

• The best mascaras for sensitive skin include natural, plant-based mascaras and water-based mascaras.

• Even if you have sensitive skin and eyes, you can still have sultry, luscious lashes.

You’ve just spent an afternoon at Sephora and are stoked to get home and try out the new mascara the salesperson recommended. You unwrap the box, apply two carefully layered coats, and hit your closet to pick out something fun to go with your new long-lashed look. While perusing your choices, you notice that your eyes are starting to itch – a LOT. You hurry back to the bathroom; you see that your eyes are super red and tears are forming at the corners, threatening to ruin your new look. 

Mascara is a makeup staple, but finding the best mascara for sensitive skin is a challenge. Traditional mascaras often contain fragrances, preservatives, and synthetic dyes that easily irritate certain skin types. If you have delicate skin, it's important to choose a mascara designed with gentle, hypoallergenic substances. This article discusses selecting the best mascara for sensitive skin and provides guidance for mascara options going into 2023.

Natural, Plant-Based Mascara

Mascaras with natural, plant-based ingredients are softer and more often hypoallergenic than traditional mascaras which generally contain synthetic materials or artificial fragrances that are harsh on the skin and eye area.

Some of the natural substances found in plant-based mascaras include oils, waxes, and extracts from plants like coconut and jojoba. These ingredients condition and moisturize the lashes and provide a natural look and feel. Natural elements like these are much less likely to cause an unpleasant reaction on the skin when compared to mascaras containing harsher chemicals.

Plant-based mascaras are an excellent option for those with easily irritated skin as they're unlikely to cause red, itchy, and watery eyes. However, it's still crucial to check the ingredient list and patch test any new mascara before using it to ensure that it's suitable for your specific skin type and allergies.

Expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $28 for these products.

Pacific Beauty Aquarian Gaze Mascara

Pacifica Beauty Aquarian Gaze Mascara is a plant-based mascara developed with coconut oil, kelp extract, and vitamin B to enhance and moisturize the lashes. It's free from synthetic preservatives and fragrances, making it a soothing choice for those with reactive skin.

This mascara provides buildable volume and length to the lashes and is created from a vegan and cruelty-free formula. It's available in a deep black shade and the brush is designed to effortlessly separate and define the lashes.

According to the Pacifica Beauty brand, this mascara works well on all skin types and is safe for those with fragile eye areas.

Nourish Organics Nourishing Mascara

The Nourish Organics Nourishing Mascara is a top pick for those with easily irritated skin. It's made with gentle yet strengthening organic materials. This mascara contains aloe vera, chamomile, and sunflower oil to soothe and hydrate the lashes, and is free from synthetic fragrances and dyes.

These calming elements make it less likely to cause discomfort or other reactions. The Nourish Organics Nourishing Mascara is safe and effective for those with delicate eyes. The revitalizing recipe conditions and revitalizes the lashes, giving wearers a healthy, luscious look. Using this product is sure to turn heads without sacrificing your skin and eye health.

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

The Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara is an excellent plant-based mascara created with a blend of natural materials that soften the lashes and the surrounding skin. This mascara is designed with plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and corn silk to replenish and revive the lashes. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara is free of unnatural chemicals.

This environment-friendly formula limits agitations on the skin which makes it a safe and effective option for those with delicate skin and eyes. The Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara provides buildable volume and length to the lashes and uses a vegan and cruelty-free recipe great for all skin types.

Mascara Specifically Made for Sensitive Skin

Mascara specifically designed for vulnerable eyes is a product developed for extra gentleness on the eyes and the rest of the face. These mascaras are hypoallergenic and contain elements that aren't known to cause irritation or reactions.

Picking mascara particularly made for fragile eyes is an excellent idea if you have reactive skin or are prone to allergies, as these types of products are unlikely to cause discomfort around the eyes and skin.

Even if you just suspect you have an allergy, it's best to err on the side of caution and select a sensitive-friendly product. Allergic reactions – especially when it comes to your eyes – are never fun.

Clinique High Impact Mascara

The Clinique High Impact Mascara is explicitly made for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. This product is made with a delicate, hypoallergenic consistency safe for use on various skin types. The Clinique High Impact Mascara provides a layerable consistency to the lashes and is available in multiple shades, including black, brown, and if you're feeling spunky, navy.

One of the reasons Clinique High Impact Mascara works well for those with reactive skin is because of its healthy, non-inflammatory recipe. This mascara is formulated for safe use on fragile eyes and skin and isn't likely to cause pain or rashes compared to traditional mascaras consisting of harsh ingredients.

This mascara allows you to customize the volume and length of your lashes, making it versatile for everyday looks or sexy Jessica Rabbit vibes.

Almay One Coat Nourishing Mascara

Similar to the Clinique High Impact Mascara, the Almay One Coat Nourishing Mascara is meant for fragile eyes and contact lens wearers.

Almay’s mascara is made with hypoallergenic elements that aren't made with synthetic fragrances and dyes. The product is calming yet rejuvenating for those with easily inflamed skin and dry eyes. This mascara is enriched with hydrating substances like aloe and vitamin E to enhance and strengthen the lashes, leaving them feeling and looking revived and healthy.

One of the reasons that Almay One Coat Nourishing Mascara is a must-have for those with sensitive skin is because of its laboratory-designed formula. By choosing this eye product, you reduce the risk of inflammation or pain when applying your makeup. This mascara lives up to its reputation and is suitable for those with fragile skin who want to continue using mascara without causing redness and discomfort around the eyes.

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

The Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara works excellently on delicate skin and eyes. This product is a must-have for easily irritable skin since it's known for being safe on sensitive eyes and for contact lens wearers.

This mascara is proven to not inflame the eyes or cause any adverse reactions compared to other popular products that contain unnatural substances. In addition, the Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara contains vitamin E and olive oil to protect and add radiance to the lashes, leaving the eyes looking stunning and beautiful.

Another reason Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara is an exceptional choice is that it provides results that last all day long. The mascara wand is especially thick, leaving each lash extra dark and long. This product is also water-resistant, so it doesn't smudge or flake throughout the day. This makes it a convenient and reliable option for everyday wear.

Water-Based Mascara

Water-based mascara is mascara formulated with water-based recipes, rather than oil-based consistencies like many traditional mascaras. Water-based mascaras are more delicate and hypoallergenic than typical mascaras on the market, making them suitable for those with vulnerable skin and eyes.

One of the main reasons water-based mascara works great for sensitive skin is that it contains fewer potentially irritating materials. Water-based mascaras are typically free from harsh ingredients, making them a gentler choice in comparison to other mascaras.

Water-based mascaras are generally non-comedogenic, meaning that the product doesn't clog pores or contribute to the development of facial acne. This factor is essential for those who are prone to styes, painful red bumps that appear on the lash line, in the water line, on the eyelid, and in the tear ducts.

Water-based mascaras are also excellent for those with dry or easily inflamed skin because they are less likely to flake or dry out the lashes. Water-based mascara moisturizes and hydrates the lashes, allowing them to appear fuller and more voluminous.

Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline’s Great Lash Waterproof Mascara is a water-based mascara made for delicate eyes and contact lens wearers. Its water-based formula is especially soothing on the lashes and the surrounding skin around the eye area. This mascara is free from substances that commonly cause discomfort.

Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara provides a buildable product that allows the user to navigate the volume and length of their lashes. This mascara is available in a range of shades, including black, brown, and navy.

One of the best things about this mascara is you are not going to go on a wild goose chase to hunt it down. It's available at nearly all drugstores, Walmart, Amazon, and even in some airports!

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara

The L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara is a water-based and waterproof eye product designed to add radiance and vibrancy to your lashes. It's made with smudge-proof and flake-proof elements resistant to water, sweat, and humidity.

This product is commonly recommended for those who want long-lasting mascara that withstands wet and humid conditions. It's a must-have mascara for your next tropical vacation.

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara comes with a brush that's made with a unique head that separates and defines each lash. The product contains conditioning ingredients that enhance and moisturize your lashes.

This mascara is suitable for use on all skin types and is available in several shades that compliment different hair and skin tones. The L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara is also known for being an excellent option for those with delicate skin and eyes.

Covergirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara

The CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara works beautifully for those with fragile skin and eyes because it's made with elements that are soothing and non-irritating. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers, making it safe for use around even the most reactive skin types.

This long-lasting hypoallergenic product is less inclined to cause an allergic reaction or discomfort in people who have reactions to certain ingredients considered harsh on the skin. The CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara is free of unnatural chemicals and synthetic fragrances, which tend to impact reactive skin.

The mascara features an oversized brush that helps add extra drama to the lashes. The CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara is one of the most popular mascaras from the CoverGirl brand due to its safe-to-use, lash-enhancing formula.

Sensitive Eyes Deserve Great Lashes Too

Those with sensitive skin no longer have to choose between eye health and makeup. The key is choosing a mascara designed with gentle, non-inflammatory ingredients. Waterproof and plant-based mascaras are an excellent choice if you have delicate eyes, as they’re typically resistant to water and sweat which prevents smudging and flaking. The less the mascara moves from the lash line, the less it gets in your eyes!

Picking a mascara that's free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances is essential as these substances often irritate the vulnerable skin around the eyes and the eyes themselves. The best mascara for sensitive skin varies from person to person, so it's important to test a few different products and choose one that works well for your individual needs and preferences.

The makeup world is committed to developing mascaras that are more inclusive and diverse. This is great news for those with sensitive skin and eyes. With some patience and dedication, and a little makeup shopping, you can have those show-stopping lashes in no time!