The Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes

This best-selling mascara from Ritual de Fille is formulated from 95% natural ingredients. It’s my personal favorite for my sensitive eyes as the blend of waxes and film formers add volume without ever causing irritation even when wearing contact lenses.

Castor oil and argan oil combine to soften the lashes, while the blackest of black pigments provide a lengthening and thickening effect, which lasts all day without flaking or smudging.

If you thought you had to spend a fortune to find a mascara suitable for sensitive eyes, check out this pick from Essence that comes in at just under $5. The formula is free from fragrance, oil, parabens, and alcohol—making it far less likely to cause any irritation.

Not only is it a beauty bargain, but it also effectively separates, defines, and volumizes your lashes. If you prefer a more natural look, it also comes in a gorgeous brown shade.

This luxurious option from Hourglass only requires one stroke to completely coat the lashes in pigment and instantly improve the appearance of your eye makeup. It is also formulated without common irritants such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

In addition to the gorgeous gold packaging, this mascara also has an innovative double-action brush containing extra densely packed bristles which makes applying it a breeze.

Designed especially to be safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, this waterproof mascara from Clinique is the one to reach for if you need a product that is guaranteed not to transfer or smudge.

Formulated without any harsh ingredients such as alcohol, fragrance, parabens, and sulfates, this mascara stays put once applied and can be trusted not to clump or flake throughout the day.

This high-impact mascara uses a special full-bodied brush to deliver rich black pigments to the lashes and leave them looking more curled and voluminous. Take your lashes to the next level with this pick that can be built up for a more intense look while still feeling lightweight.

If you are looking to add dimension to your eye makeup without the help of false lashes, this mascara’s creamy formula makes your lashes appear thicker while still feeling soft and flexible and never stiff.

Packed full of lash-nourishing ingredients, this mascara not only lengthens the appearance of your lashes, it also conditions and strengthens them. Antioxidant vitamin E, rice protein, and olive oil all work together to leave your lashes looking healthier and feeling softer.

Both dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, and formulated to be safe for those with sensitive eyes, this mascara also has a thinner soft-bristle brush to ensure each lash is completely coated from root to tip.

Founded in 1828, Guerlain are experts in creating some of the most luxurious makeup formulas on the market. Their Mad Eyes mascara is no different, and in addition to lasting all day, it also contains lash-caring properties and comes with a soft-fiber applicator.

Beeswax ensures each individual lash is entirely coated with pigment, while cotton extract smooths the surface and adds density to the lashes. Finally, D-panthenol hydrates the lashes and keeps them flexible.

Both the packaging and the formula of this drugstore mascara rival those of luxury brands. The best news is that it has been ophthalmologist-tested and is suitable for sensitive eyes. The specially designed brush fans out your natural lashes to make them appear longer and thicker, while the stretchflex formula covers and defines each lash from the inner to the outer corner.

This mascara is also easy to remove, so you don’t have to scrub it off at the end of the day and risk irritating your eyes.

Tubing mascara can be a great option for those with sensitive eyes who find regular mascaras irritate their skin. It works slightly differently—instead of painting your lashes with pigment, it creates little tubes around each individual lash forming a clean finish that looks like your natural lashes but better.

This pick from Milani is one of the best tubing mascaras available (I use it daily on my bottom lashes and it never smudges). It also contains shea butter and castor seed oil to nourish and soften.

For those with sensitive skin trying to figure out which ingredient causes irritation can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. This pick from clean beauty pioneers Ilia, as with all of their products has been formulated without any sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, and triclosan.

Not only does this mascara separate, lift, and lengthen your lashes, but it also delivers them with a dose of arginine and organic shea butter to ensure your lashes look healthier than ever. It comes in planet-friendly packaging with a dual-sided wand for a more precise application.

For fans of no-makeup makeup, this brown mascara from Tower 28 is the shade to go for. We love the warm espresso tone of this pick and the fact that it is both ophthalmologist and allergy-tested makes it the ideal choice for those with sensitive eyes.

Its triple-wave wand makes creating more voluminous lashes easy and the haircare-inspired formula means your lashes also get coated in aquaflex technology for extra curl. It also has the added benefit of containing a castor oil blend for nourishment and conditioning.

Whether you prefer to maintain a minimalist beauty routine or need a product to help you stay looking groomed on makeup-free days, this clear mascara from Physicians Formula is a great staple to have on hand as it can be used in multiple ways.

The conditioning formula tames lashes and brows and provides a strong hold while still feeling flexible and lightweight. It delivers lash-strengthening peptides, cooling mineral water, and hydrating vitamin E, along with diamond dust for a luminous finish.

If you are looking to create a bolder look with your mascara this colorful collection from Shiseido is the way to go. Available in sapphire blue, violet purple, emerald green, and a classic black—they are guaranteed to take your eye makeup to the next level.

In addition to the graphic shades, the formula curls your lashes and stays clump-free and smudge-resistant all day.

This luxurious pick from Valentino Beauty stays smudge-proof all day while also giving your eye makeup the appearance of wearing false lashes. Suitable for sensitive eyes, the blackest-black pigment coats the lashes from root to tip in an instant.

The wavy bristles make achieving an even application a breeze and the light creamy formula can be built up for extra volume.

This universally flattering mascara works for everyone from beginners to experts. The volumizing formula curls and lengthens lashes improving the overall appearance of any beauty look.

This mascara feels weightless to wear, so makes a great option for your everyday makeup. It has also been infused with castor oil to ensure your lashes are kept nourished and conditioned.