Finding the best mascara for sensitive eyes sounds like a highly specific ask for a makeup product that notoriously leadings people on never-ending searches. Just figuring out the best mascara in general can be tough, particularly if you want one that does it all: lengthening, volumising, and holding a curl — all while being easy to remove and flake-free.
But thanks to the growing number of innovative formulas designed with irritated eyes in mind, a good portion of the options now actually tick that extra box off without even trying.
Best mascara for sensitive eyes 2023, at a glance:
The timing couldn’t be better, since sensitive eyes are more common than you might think. The usual signs include “redness of the eyelids or the eyes themselves, watery eyes, itching or burning, swelling or puffy eyes, and lastly, blurry vision,” says Ashley Brissette, MD, an ophthalmologist in New York City and founder of eye care brand Daily Practice. “If you experience any of these, it could mean you have a sensitivity or even an allergy to eye makeup ingredients.”
The most frequent allergens in question tend to be synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, coal tar (which is used in limited concentrations), polyethylene glycol (a thickening agent), and formaldehyde—which isn’t that common anymore, but can still be found in certain formulas, she says.
While it’s tough to make any generalisations about which ingredients to avoid, there are a few strategies you can try. For starters, look for an ophthalmologist-tested, hypoallergenic mascara that’s “safe for sensitive skin with excellent safety testing,” says Dr. Brissette. She also advises avoiding a waterproof formula whenever possible. “It is so hard to take off that you end up pulling and tugging on the delicate eyelid skin and lashes, which can cause damage and irritation,” she explains.
Beyond not exacerbating dry eyes, the best mascara for sensitive eyes should also do the stuff you actually want the best mascara to do, like thickening, lengthening, and defining your lashes.