9 Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes, Tested by Experts
These hypoallergenic picks won't irritate watery, dry or allergy-ridden eyes.
Reviewed by Sabina WizemannBeauty Lab Director
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While some people can tolerate all types of mascara, that's not the case for everyone.
"When someone with sensitive eyes uses a mascara with allergenic ingredients, this can create an allergic response of not only the eyelid skin, a form of contact dermatitis, but can cause an allergic reaction in the eyes," explains Diane Hilal-Campo, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist in Oakland, New Jersey and founder of twenty/twenty beauty. "Inflammatory cells cause a histamine release, which can make eyes become red, itchy and irritated and can also cause scaling or swelling of the lids."
Some of these highly eye-allergenic ingredients include beeswax — anyone with seasonal pollen allergies can be affected by this one — and a lesser-known plant wax called carnauba wax. A general rule of thumb: "The more ingredients used, the higher the chance of allergy," says Dr. Hilal-Campo. The solution? Mascaras specially formulated for sensitive eyes, which are less likely to irritate than traditional formulas.
To find the best mascaras for sensitive eyes, our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab scientists test the latest formulas on consumer testers for multiple factors, including the ease of use, effects on eyelashes, irritation and transfer. We also utilize the SkinSAFE beauty product database to verify that mascaras are made without ingredients that are common allergens.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
Pros
- Measurably thickens, lengthens and defines lashes
- Doesn't smudge or run when exposed to water
- Good value
Cons
- Can get clumpy on lashes
A Good Housekeeping Seal star and one of the GH Beauty Lab's top-tested mascaras of all time, this does-it-all CoverGirl mascara is also hypoallergenic.
GH experts used the Lab’s Visia Complexion Analyzer device to measure transformation in length and volume through magnified before-and-after photos, and it scored high with consumer testers for going on smoothly, volumizing, lengthening and separating lashes. A few reviewers noted that it can get clumpy; swipe slowly with the wand to prevent any mess.
The formula also earned near-perfect marks in water-resistance tests — no smearing, smudging or running after testers splashed their faces 10 times with warm H2O. That means that even if tears come, the mascara will stay put. "This is my holy grail mascara," GH's beauty director says. "Nothing makes lashes look so much bigger yet somehow natural."
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Pros
- Volumizes, lengthens and curls lashes
- Ophthalmologically-tested
- Bargain price
Cons
- Can flake onto skin
Ophthalmologically-tested, Essence’s tapered wand was a winner of a past GH Beauty Lab test. It received top ranking in Lab evaluations for lengthening, volumizing and curling lashes. “My new go-to mascara,” a tester said. It made lashes fuller, longer and darker. Some reviewers noticed flaking, so be sure to have a wipe ready for clean-up after if needed.
Pros
- Provides natural-looking definition
- Mild formula
- Great value
Cons
- Doesn't create a dramatic look
A Good Housekeeping Seal star and cult classic, CoverGirl's formulation, which comes in a waterproof version, is made specifically for sensitive eyes and is hypoallergenic as well as suitable for contact lens wearers. The mascara gives lashes a clean, defined look that resists clumping.
"I’ve been using this mascara since I was in middle school...thirty years ago!" a reviewer said. "I’m allergic to everything, except this product. It never clumps, it lengthens, separates and my eyes are never irritated." This may not be for you if you are craving a dramatic look as the results are more natural.
Pros
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Didn't irritate eyes or surrounding skin
- Separates and defines lashes
- Doesn't clump or flake
Cons
- Not as volumizing
From a brand renowned for its sensitive skin-friendly formulas, Almay's hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free mascara is a GH Beauty Award winner and earned high marks in GH Beauty Lab testing for not causing any redness or irritation to eyes or eyelids. It also has a SkinSAFE score of 100%, meaning it's free of common allergens and safe for those with sensitivities.
A top performer in GH Beauty Lab mascara testing, it scored high for defining, separating and reaching all lashes; its easy-to-use brush and smooth application; and not clumping or flaking. However, it's not as volumizing as some other formulas. "I love how easily it glides on my lashes and how easy it is to remove with micellar water, no rubbing necessary," a tester reported.
e.l.f. Lash It Loud Mascara
Pros
- Non-irritating
- Lengthens and separates lashes
- Great value
Cons
- Hard to remove
The winner of the GH Beauty Lab's most recent mascara test, E.l.f.'s formula delivers great length in a mild formula that received a 100% SkinSAFE score for excluding the most common allergens and irritants.
The mascara ranked near the top for lengthening lashes and not irritating eyes and earned the highest score for smooth application, separating lashes and not flaking. "Lengthened and lifted my lashes well," a tester commented. "I have sensitive eyes, and this mascara did not irritate them." While it goes and stays on easily, a few reviewers noted that the formula can be hard to remove.
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
Pros
- Noticeably boosts fullness, curl and length
- Didn't irritate eyes or skin in testing
- Won't flake
Cons
- Can be clumpy
Lancôme's bold formula was a winner in GH Beauty Lab mascara testing for standout lash volumizing and curling effects that didn't inflame eyes. In addition to earning a 100% SkinSAFE score for not containing top allergens, the formulation scored high in Beauty Lab evaluations at not causing irritation or redness on eyes or skin. It rated top at thickening and curling eyelashes and tied for the best at not flaking, although some testers did experience clumping. "Most mascaras will irritate my eyes...but this one did not," a tester remarked.
COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Stretch & Strengthen Mascara
Pros
- Won't irritate if you wear contact lenses
- Lengthens lashes
- Layers well
Cons
- Not ideal for volumizing or curling
If you wear contacts, take note: You need to be selective when choosing your mascara, especially if you have sensitive eyes. This one from CoverGirl is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Our testers found that it doesn't irritate eyes and is great at lengthening, but won't be your go-to formula for curling or volumizing. "I liked how the mascara lengthened my lashes and made them appear thicker," says GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. "The bristles on the brush are well-spaced and abundant, so it layers on the lashes easily and evenly."
twenty/twenty beauty Clean Sweep Mascara
Pros
- Lasts all day
- Doesn't smudge
- Doesn't cause irritation
Cons
- Can be hard to remove
Dr. Hilal-Campo spent years formulating this mascara specifically for sensitive eyes "to ensure it would be safe, clean and comfortable for those who have historically never been able to wear mascara without irritation, as well as nourishing to the delicate eye area." It contains biotin, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to strengthen and hydrate dry, thin lashes and is gentle enough for dry eyes and those who wear contact lenses.
"I have dry eyes and stopped wearing mascara, even the hypoallergenic kind, because it stings my eyes," says one reviewer. "I just bought this mascara and have had zero stinging with it; it builds up nicely and stays on all day." Be mindful not to apply too much; a few reviewers noted that it can be hard to take off.
Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
Pros
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Won't irritate allergy eyes
- Lengthening effects
Cons
- Some say the formula is clumpy or messy
Highly-rated, Neutrogena's lengthening mascara formula is ophthalmologist-tested, as well as safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Though the GH Beauty Lab hasn't tested this formula, the brand has a trusted reputation for those with sensitivities.
It earned rave reviews from many users with allergies for not irritating. "This mascara is awesome for long-looking lashes! One of the best I've ever tried," a fan said. "I haven’t had any skin reaction or irritation from it." It can be clumpy and messy so use carefully.
How we test mascaras for sensitive eyes
The GH Beauty Lab regularly evaluates mascaras on consumer testers, who rate performance on factors such as ease of use and application, volumizing, lengthening, curling and defining/separating effects, wearability (flaking/smudging) and irritation of eyes or the surrounding skin.
GH Beauty Lab scientists also consult the SkinSAFE beauty product database to confirm that mascaras are free of the most common allergens and safe for those with sensitivities, based on a scoring system of up to 100%.
For waterproof mascaras, the Beauty Lab performs a splash test, during which testers apply the mascara, wait 10 minutes and then splash warm water on their face repeatedly to gauge whether the formula smears or transfers. In the Beauty Lab's most recent traditional and waterproof mascara test, scientists evaluated 21 new formulas on 402 consumer testers and tallied 6,432 survey questions to find the top performers.
What to look for when shopping for the best hypoallergenic mascaras
When searching for the best mascara for sensitive eyes, seek out the following:
✔️ Key terms like "hypoallergenic," "allergy-tested," "ophthalmologist-tested" or "ophthalmologically-tested" on the product's packaging. "These terms are a general guideline when choosing mascara for sensitive eyes and imply that the brand has attempted to omit potential allergens that can cause reactions for some people, though they're not a guarantee that a product is 100% allergy-proof," explains Wizemann. For these designations, companies often test the product for allergic reactions or sensitivity on volunteers, she explains. "Ophthalmologist-tested indicates the testing was overseen by an eye doctor," she says.
✔️ Brands that have a trusted reputation for treating sensitive skin and eyes that support their claims with hypoallergenic, allergy-tested or ophthalmologist- or ophthalmologically-tested methodologies, as mentioned above, if you tend to experience irritation.
✔️ Steer clear of mascaras that include fragrance on the ingredients list, which can be an irritant, and those that contain natural extracts, which can trigger allergies, Wizemann suggests. Dr. Hilal-Campo also specifically advises avoiding some natural extracts, including nickel, beeswax, carnauba wax, coal tar, carbon black and lanolin among others, as "all are potential irritants."
✔️ Choose a waterproof formula if your eyes tend to water, though be careful to remove it gently without rubbing or tugging to avoid inflaming the eyes and eye area. Dr. Hilal-Campo advises to proceed with caution when it comes to waterproof mascaras. "They can be harsh on the eye area since they are designed to stay put," she says.
✔️ Positive reviews. "Chances are, people with sensitive eyes who have experienced a reaction to a product will share that information," says Dr. Hilal-Campo.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Beauty Director April Franzino originally wrote this piece, working with GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann to report on the GH Beauty Lab's best-tested hypoallergenic mascara formulas for sensitive eyes and expert commentary on how to shop for them. Wizemann selected the GH Beauty Lab's top-tested hypoallergenic mascaras for sensitive eyes and provided expert advice on how to shop for the best formulas.
Wizemann has coordinated multiple makeup product tests by collaborating with professional makeup artists, conducting Lab testing and performing large consumer studies, including on mascaras. Franzino has over 15 years of experience researching, writing and editing makeup-related content utilizing the expertise of the GH Beauty Lab scientists and top industry professionals such as makeup artists and cosmetic chemists.
GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price was the most recent updater of this article, adding newly tested picks recommended by Wizemann as well as expert tips from an ophthalmologist. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing makeup stories and is an expert in all makeup product categories including eye, lip and face makeup, tools, professional services and more.
April (she/her) is the senior beauty and style director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
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