There are also conditioning ingredients, such as hydrogenated jojoba oil, to prevent brittleness. And importantly, the formula is “without fragrance, nickel, paraben, and common preservatives, so it is a hypoallergenic and safe choice for sensitive eyes,” says Dr. Kelley.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can mascara irritate my eyes?
You might pay attention to the ingredient list of the products you apply in larger amounts, but your eyes and the skin around them are especially susceptible to sensitivity from the ingredients that could be lingering in your current tube of mascara. “The skin on eyelids is the thinnest on the body, so anything applied to the eye area is easily absorbed,” says Bruce Moskowitz, an assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Due to the sensitive nature of the eye area, Dr. Kelley says mascaras in particular can be a main factor in chronic irritation, depending on their formulation. “First, you may develop sensitivity to an ingredient over time, even if it did not initially irritate your eyes,” she says. “Additionally, when you use your mascara brush, bacteria from your eyelashes can transfer onto it. The bacteria can accumulate on the brush and the container, increasing the risk of allergic reactions or infections.”
Dr. Kelley adds that when mascara is applied near the lash line, flakes and bacteria can irritate or infect the area, potentially blocking the oil-producing glands at the eyelid margin. “These glands are crucial for maintaining a healthy tear film, and when they become blocked, it can lead to dry and irritated eyes,” she says.
How can I minimize mascara-related irritation?
First, reconsider your mascara. To find a sensitivity-friendly mascara, our experts all agree: Check the ingredients label. “It’s important to remember that everyone has different sensitivities and allergies, so always read the ingredient list, even for mascaras that are marketed as suitable for sensitive eyes, so you can avoid any ingredients you may be allergic to,” says Dr. Kelley. Ingredients like parabens, sodium benzoate, propylene glycol, fragrances, and certain dyes like black iron oxide can all contribute to eye and skin irritation or contact dermatitis. That’s why careful selection of ingredients and patch testing is crucial for individuals with sensitive eyes, says Dr. Kelley.
No matter which mascara you use, Dr. Kelley also notes that it’s essential to remove your mascara before going to bed in order to avoid irritation. “If you wear contact lenses, take them out first, and to prevent allergic reactions to the cleanser, use a hypoallergenic makeup remover to clean your lashes and the area around your eyes,” she says. And, of course, replace your mascara every three months to avoid bacterial buildup, according to Dr. Collins.
If you have an eye infection, Dr. Kelley says to avoid using mascara (and any other eye makeup in general) until it has cleared and discard the mascara you were using. “If your eyes are often irritated, don’t hesitate to reach out to your eye doctor so they can determine the underlying cause,” she adds.
Meet the experts
- Julie Chung, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist based in Santa Monica, California
- Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas
- Donna Hart, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology based in Austin, Texas
- Sonia Kelley, OD, MS, an optometrist based in Texas
- Bruce Moskowitz, an assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at Mount Sinaibased in New York City
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best clean mascaras for sensitive eyes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
