The Best Non-Toxic Mascara

The Best Non-Toxic Mascara That Doesn’t Smudge

Want a clean, non-toxic mascara that gives you long, full, gorgeous lashes without the dreaded raccoon eyes? I tested a bunch of non-toxic mascara brands and I’m sharing my favorites.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Mascara is the one beauty product I cannot live without. I know, it sounds a bit dramatic, but I have wimpy, short lashes and look washed out and tired without applying at least one coat of mascara every morning.

You might be thinking that lashes don’t take up much surface area, so why rush to swap to a natural formula? According to the American Optometric Association, makeup debris and particles can get into the tear duct and other parts of the eye and cause dermatitis, dry eye, blocked ducts and other reactions. So that means all the harmful chemicals in traditional makeup are making their way into your eyes.

Over the years I’ve tried a ton of drugstore mascara brands, and even the waterproof versions left me with raccoon eyes. So I decided to give some non-toxic mascara brands a try. I’m sharing all of the brands that give me long lashes without smearing under my eyes.

Basic Mascara Formulation

Mascara typically contains a solvent as the base, a pigment to darken lashes, a polymer to form a film that coats the lashes, a preservative to limit microbial growth, and wax to thicken the formula and moisturize the lashes. Most mascara formulas also contain a fragrance to mask any unpleasant smells from the formulation.

Popular drugstore mascara brands may contain harmful ingredients that are dangerous for your eyes. The Australian Academy of Science calculated that up to 31 different chemicals can be found in one tube of mascara!

Avoid These Ingredients In Mascara

Aluminum Powder- Aluminum powder is a metallic compound used as a cosmetic colorant in eye makeup. It’s a byproduct of aluminum manufacturing and is considered a neurotoxin. It is listed on makeup labels as aluminum, LB Pigment 5 or pigment metal.
BAK- Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a preservative found in eyeliner, mascara and makeup remover. A 2009 study found BAK to be toxic to the epithelial cells of the eyes. BAK may be listed as benzalkonium chloride, quaternium-15 or guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.
BHA and BHT- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA)and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT) are preservatives derived from petroleum and found in some mascara formulas. BHA is an endocrine disruptor and a possible carcinogen. BHT is a respiratory irritant and is considered toxic or harmful to human organ systems.
Carbon black- Carbon black delivers color to traditional mascara and other eye makeup. It’s been linked to cancer and organ system toxicity. Avoid labels with carbon black, D & C Black No. 2, pigment black 6 or 7, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black and thermal black.
Coal Tar Dyes- Coal tar is recognized as a human carcinogen and may be contaminated with low levels of heavy metals. These dyes are used as a colorant in mascara. You may find them listed as CI followed by a five digit number (includes FD&C Blue No. 1 or Blue 1, Green 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 33, etc.). They may also be labeled as Aminphenol, Diaminodenzene or Phenylenediamine.
Ethanolamine compounds (labelled as DEA, TEA and MEA)- Ethanolamines may be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are cancer-causing chemicals.
Formaldehyde- Diazolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, DMDM hydantoin, methenamine and quarternium-15 are formaldehyde-releasing preservatives found in cosmetics. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen as well as a skin irritant.
Parabens- Parabens are a type of preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of mascara, deodorant, lotion, and other beauty products. The most commonly used are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and butylparaben. Parabens disrupt hormone function and are linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. A 2004 study found high concentrations of parabens in breast tumor samples. The European Union banned the use parabens in cosmetics in 2012.
Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A Acetate)- Retinyl acetate is used as a moisturizing agent in some mascaras. Use of retinyl acetate is linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, and organ system toxicity. Acetate has been prohibited and restricted in Canadian cosmetics.
Thimerosal- Thimerosal is a mercury-based compound that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. This neurotoxin has been banned from many products globally. For some reason mascara is exempt from the mercury ban. There are still beauty brands that use thimerosal in mascara and other cosmetics.
Undisclosed fragrance- Beauty products can list fragrance as one ingredient and don’t have to disclose the fact that these formulations may contain hundreds of ingredients. Undisclosed Fragrance may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory irritants and neurotoxic chemicals. Synthetic musks like ambrette, galaxolide and tonalide, are linked to hormone disruption. Fragrance formulations also contain phthalates, which are hormone disruptors.

How To Choose A Natural Mascara

There are a few ways to look for a product that’s safe and non-toxic. One place to start is the EWG’s Skin Deep Database. I try to look for anything that has a score of 1-2. I personally use the Switch Natural App to analyze the ingredient list, and all of my picks below are Switch Natural approved.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A NATURAL MASCARA

Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary extract and sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (food grade) are all better ingredient choices to look for in natural mascara.
Beeswax or candelilla wax thicken and volumize.
Cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, or sunflower oil, all natural or organic butters and oils are used to moisturize and repair.
Iron oxides are used as pigments.

How I Tested

I wore each mascara brand for at least a week, and rated each on the following categories:

My lash profile: short, brownish lashes that lack volume. In other words, I need all the help I can get.
Volume/length- Did the product actually provide length or noticeable volume to my lashes?
Color/vividness- Could I actually see the product on my lashes? I wear black mascara, and I like a deep, dark, black color.
Wear- Did the product stay on my lashes all day?
Smudge-factor- Did I get raccoon eyes (after desk work, after exercise, by the end of the day)?
Overall Score- Would I buy this mascara again?
I did not get any compensation or free samples from any of the mascara brands reviewed. All mascara sampled was purchased by me.

Revolution Beauty

Revolution Beauty 5D Whip Lift Mascara
Cost | $19.99
Shades | Black
From the Revolution Beauty website | This mascara has a unique twisted vortex shape that grabs every lash from the root and directs it upwards to give the ultimate lifted look. The ultra-black ink formula is created for long-lasting results. That means no smudging, no crumbling and absolutely no drooping throughout the day.
My Thoughts | This is my new favorite mascara. I have super wimpy lashes, and this mascara gives me length and volume with just one application. It doesn’t run much if at all, maybe only after a really sweaty workout. It has moved into my top spot.
Shop | Revolution Beauty 5D Whip Lift Mascara

Ilia

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
Cost | $28.00
Shades | Soft Black, After Midnight
From the Ilia website | Limitless Lash Mascara lengthens, lifts, and separates with just the right amount of volume.This award-winning clean mascara is boosted with arginine and organic Shea butter to nourish and condition lashes. The dual-sided wand has a shorter side that curls and lifts and a longer, comb-like side to separate and lengthen with precision. Gentle enough for sensitive eyes.
My thoughts | I have used this mascara for years and years. I really like it, but I do feel that for super wimpy lashes it doesn’t have quite as much oomph as I want. It doesn’t smudge very much, if at all, which is ideal, and it is definitely a clean beauty classic that you won’t regret buying. This is my college-aged daughter’s favorite (and she’s used the one I like best).
Shop | Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

Ilia Volumizing Mascara
Cost | $28.00
Shades | Classic Black
From the Ilia website | Fullest Volumizing Mascara thickens and defines lashes from root to tip with fullness you can’t miss. Clean, nourishing ingredients condition with every coat for lashes that look fuller and thicker. This clean volumizing mascara wraps each lash in weightless, buildable volume.
My thoughts | I absolutely love how much volume this mascara brings to my lashes. My only issue is that it smudges under my eyes. I have read many reviews from people saying it doesn’t run for them, so it’s worth giving this mascara a try if you want fuller lashes.
Shop | Ilia Volumizing Mascara

Honest

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara and Lash Primer
Cost | $19.99
Shades | Classic Black
From the Honest website | This award-winning mascara is designed to work together to deliver ultimate length and volume.
My Thoughts | I was pleasantly surprised by this non-toxic mascara. It is one of my top picks, and provided the length and volume I was looking for in a good mascara. It comes with a primer, which I used before applying the mascara (the mascara does not work as well without the primer). The wand situation is a little awkward (the primer and brush are on opposite sides of the tube), but it didn’t stop me from choosing this mascara brand as one of my favorites. My eyelashes were stiffer after application, probably due to the primer, but this mascara added an impressive amount of length and volume. I experienced very little to no smear under my eyes by the end of the day. On a few days I noticed a small amount of product under my eyes and some flakes, but it really wasn’t enough to notice unless my face was close to a well-lit mirror. It is my daughter’s go-to mascara.
Shop | Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara and Lash Primer

Dime

Dime Tubing Mascara
Cost | $22
Shades | Black
From the Dime website | This smudge-proof, strengthening mascara provides lashes with the right amount of length and volume, all without clumping or flaking. It has a tapered brush to easily build lashes and contains powerful ingredients to aid in hair strength, length, and thickness. Tubing mascara creates a tube-like coating around each eyelash, and the tubes are made of polymers that are designed to make lashes look longer and more separated.
My Thoughts | Even though the wand is thinner than all the others I tested, it delivered plenty of product on my lashes. I felt like 2 coats of this mascara gave my lashes both volume and length. It also barely smudged after a punishing workout.
Shop | Dime Tubing Mascara

Saie

Saie Mascara
Cost | $26
Shades | Classic Black, Rich, Warm Brown
From the Saie website | This thick, buildable formula multitasks and outlasts from root to tip. Formulated to strengthen and condition with rich nutrients. The perfect pick-me-up for long, lifted lashes.
My Thoughts | I really like this mascara, although I did need 2 coats for longer, thicker lashes. I liked how the mascara wand also acted like a comb and kept my lashes well separated.
Shop | Saie Mascara

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani Can’t Stop Staring Lengthening & Lifting Mascara
Cost | $31.54
Shades | Intense Black
From the Give by Gwen Stefani website | Created to maximize every single lash, the precision brush grabs & separates lashes at the root adding length, lift, & definition without the clumps. The ultra-lightweight, vegan formula keeps lashes lifted and touchably soft while deep black clean pigments stay put on lashes- no flaking or smudging.
My Thoughts | The little ball on the top of the wand was new to me, but I ended up being really impressed with how well it worked to deposit mascara on my lashes and to separate my lashes- no comb needed. Two coats of this mascara did a really nice job of lengthening and providing volume (maybe a little less volume than some of the others, but all-in-all, not bad). It did not smudge after a sweaty workout.
Shop | Gwen Stefani Can’t Stop Staring Lengthening & Lifting Mascara

Kylie Cosmetics

Kylie Cosmetics Kylash Volume Mascara
Cost | $24
Shades | Black
From the Dime website | This celebrity mascara promises lifted, defined, and fuller lashes, and features a clean and vegan formula that doesn’t compromise on performance.This mascara provides volume, length and holds curl.
My Thoughts | This mascara is pretty good, but not the best that I tried. It didn’t smudge, but it also didn’t have quite the volume and length that I got from some of the other brands.
Shop | Kylie Cosmetics Kylash Volume Mascara

mascara

Jane Iredale

Jane Iredale Purelash Lash Extender & Conditioner
Cost | $29
Shades | White Primer & Conditioner
From the Jane Iredale website | A single coat of this conditioner before applying mascara will help strengthen, lengthen and thicken your lashes, making the mascara twice as effective.
Shop | Jane Iredale Purelash Lash Extender & Conditioner

castor oil

Organic Castor Oil

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Organic Castor Oil
Cost | $9.99
Shades | Clear
From the Kate Blanc Cosmetics website | This USDA Certified Organic castor oil promotes eyelash growth and eyebrow growth.
My Thoughts | My daughter uses this castor oil on her eyelashes every night and they are amazing! I am simply too lazy to do this, but it really pays off.
Shop | Kate Blanc Cosmetics Organic Castor Oil

eyelash curler

Shiseido

Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Cost | $27
Shades | White Primer
From the Shiseido website | This stainless steel eyelash curler is perfect for eye-framing fringe. Its broad curve grabs every last lash, no matter the eye shape, while the edge-free design prevents pinching for an eye-opening, glamorous curl.
My Thoughts | An eyelash curler is a must, and I love this one! It has lasted forever!
Shop | Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Sweed Eyelash Growth Serum
Cost | $55
From the Sweed website | This clean, prostaglandin-free lash-enhancing serum gives you longer and fuller-looking lashes in just 4-6 weeks!
My Thoughts | I have not tried this yet, but it gets great reviews!
Shop | Sweed Eyelash Growth Serum

Mascara Accessories

Eyelash Separator Comb Set– A non-negotiable for mascara application.

Fitglow Concealer– To cover up undereye circles.

COVER FX Setting Powder– A translucent matte powder that’s perfect in the undereye area, especially after applying concealer. This one is acne-safe.

Under Eye Setting Powder Brush– This brush is perfect for applying setting powder under the eyes.

Makeup Remover– From makeup wipes to oil-based remover to acne-safe formulas, I’m sharing 17 non-toxic makeup remover brands for face and eye makeup.

Face Cleanser– Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, mature skin or normal skin, I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic face cleanser for those on a budget.

Black Makeup Turkish Cotton Washcloth– To keep your white towels pristine!

Natural Mascara Tips

Be gentle with your lashes. No tugging and hard rubbing, ever.
Place the mascara wand at the base of your lashes and comb from root to tip.
To get more product on your lashes and add to add volume, lightly wiggle the wand from side to side at the middle of your lashes.
Use a lash comb after mascara application to separate any lashes that have clumped together. I love the Tweezerman Folding iLashComb.
Apply a translucent powder, like COVER FX Setting Powder, under your eyes to keep greasiness under control, which in turn helps control undereye smear.
Use a Q-Tip, like these Organic Cotton Swabs with Biodegradable Natural Bamboo Handle, to gently brush away any mascara flakes that may make their way under your eye.
Remove your mascara before sleeping. I wash my face with a non-toxic face cleanser. This includes applying cleanser to my closed eyes and rinsing. To remove any excess mascara that didn’t get removed from washing, I moisten a cotton or reusable pad with Beauty by Earth Makeup Remover and gently swipe both eyes with the pad (again, resist the urge to tug at the skin around your eyes).

More Clean Beauty Inspiration

References

Petrosyan, T. Cosmetics and the Eye: How Your Beauty Products Could Be Harming Your Eyes. American Optometric Association, 2018.
https://www.aoa.org/Documents/CPC%20SUBMISSION%20%20Cosmetics%20and%20the%20Eye%20How%20Your%20Beauty%20Products%20Could%20Be%20Harming%20Your%20Eyes.pdf
Jones, O. and Selinger, B. The Chemistry of Cosmetics. Australian Academy of Science. 2019 Sept. 19.
https://www.science.org.au/curious/people-medicine/chemistry-cosmetics
Klotz, K. et al. The Health Effects of Aluminum Exposure. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017 Sep; 114(39): 653–659.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5651828/
Epstein, S.P. et al. Comparative Toxicity of Preservatives on Immortalized Corneal and Conjunctival Epithelial Cells. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Apr; 25(2): 113–119.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2958436/
Butylated hydroxyanisole. Toxicology Data Network. Environmental Health and Toxicology. 2017 Feb. 28.
https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+3913
Jayalakshmi, C.P. and Sharma, J.D. Effect of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on rat erythrocytes. Environ Res. 1986 Oct;41(1):235-8.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3757972
Carbon Black. Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. A Project of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.
http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/carbon-black/
Coal Tar. Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. A Project of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.
http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/coal-tar/
Ethanolamine compounds (labelled as DEA, TEA and MEA) contaminated with Nitrosamines. Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. A Project of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.
http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/nitrosamines/
Congleton, J. Exposing The Cosmetics Cover-up: Is Cancer-Causing Formaldehyde In Your Cosmetics? Environmental Working Group (EWG).
https://www.ewg.org/research/exposing-cosmetics-cover/formaldehyde-releasers
Darbre, P.D. et al. Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. J Appl Toxicol. 2004 Jan-Feb;24(1):5-13.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14745841
Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A Acetate). Environmental Working Group (EWG).
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/705543-RETINYL_ACETATE_(VITAMIN_A_ACETATE)
Nudelman, J. and Engel, C. Right To Know. Exposing toxic fragrance chemicals in beauty, personal care and cleaning products. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. Sept. 2018.
https://d124kohvtzl951.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/26092837/BCPP_Right-To-Know-Report_Secret-Toxic-Fragrance-Ingredients_9_26_2018.pdf
Synthetic Musks. Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. A Project of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.
http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/synthetic-musks/

The Best Non-Toxic Mascara