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If you have sensitive eyes, then you're familiar with the struggles of finding a mascara formula (or any eye makeup product) that doesn't leave you irritated. It's not uncommon to have sensitivity in this area because the skin near the eyes is especially thin and delicate (fun fact: this is why it's the part of the body that shows signs of aging faster than others). "The most common symptoms of sensitive eyes are heavy or tired eyes, redness, irritation, dryness, puffy eyelids, burning or stinging, and even intermittent blurry vision," says Ashley Brissette, MD, Clinique's guiding ophthalmologist. Luckily, even if you're susceptible to these symptoms, it doesn't mean you have to forgo long and voluminous lashes. All you have to do is search for a mascara that's safe for sensitive eyes.
Our Top Picks
What to look for when choosing a mascara for sensitive eyes
If you're extremely sensitive, searching for mascaras that have "ophthalmologist-tested" on the label or packaging will be your best bet, says Brissette. Also, many mascaras are made with waxes, which can get stuck in contact lenses or in the eyes, so searching for an oil- or wax-free formula is helpful, she adds.
Other common allergens to steer clear of are parabens, fragrances, and dyes, says celebrity makeup artist J Guerra, who adds that it's a good idea to invest in a gentle eye makeup remover: "No matter how sensitive the formula, the removal process can be irritating. Oil-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free removers minimize the chance of a flare-up." Ahead, shop 10 non-irritating, made-for-sensitive-eyes mascaras.
The experts:
- Ashley Brissette, MD, Clinique's guiding ophthalmologist
- J Guerra, celebrity makeup artist
Best Lifting
Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara
Why We Love It
- Available in black and brown
- Volumizing
- Ophthalmologist-tested
What to Consider
- Some reviewers say they don't love the look of the fibers
This lightweight formula is Brissette's go-to. It's "non-clumping, non-flaking, smudge-proof, and sweat- and humidity-resistant," she shares. The tapered wand has a precision tip that allows you to coat every lash while the rounder end adds volume.
Why We Love It
- Long-lasting formula
- Lengthening
- Great for daily wear
What to Consider
- If you like very dramatic results, you may not love this option
If your eye sensitivities stem from a flaky mascara, Guerra recommends a tubing formula. Tubing mascaras are long-lasting because they're made with polymers that form a cone around each lash so that it doesn't smudge or budge until it's time to remove with water and an eye makeup remover. The formula also contains plant-derived rice bran wax to add structure and length, while fatty acids nourish and condition.
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Best Lengthening
Lancôme Définicils Defining and Lengthening Mascara
Why We Love It
- Offers length
- Defines lashes
What to Consider
- It's more expensive than other options on this list
This formula contains panthenol and vitamin B5, gentle ingredients that help condition lashes without irritating sensitive eyes. It also offers length without clumping, making it one of Guerra's favorites.
Best Vegan
Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
Why We Love It
- Budget-friendly
- Volumizing
- Contains conditioning argan and marula oil
What to Consider
- It's a little watery at first
This vegan formula is free of talc, mineral oil, sulfates, and parabens, all of which can be triggers for sensitive eyes. It's also budget-friendly and creates dramatic volume on all lash types.
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Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
Now 32% Off
Why We Love It
- Opthalmologist-tested
- Strengthening
- Affordable
What to Consider
- Some reviewers say it can be clumpy on short/thin lashes
Even those who feel like they can't tolerate anything find that they can wear this dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested option without trouble. The lengthening formula contains strengthening ingredients like vitamin E and rice protein, plus nourishing olive oil.
Best for Short Lashes
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
Why We Love It
- Unique brush coats every lash
- Opthalmologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
What to Consider
- Can flake
Aside from being ophthalmologist-tested, allergy-tested, and safe for contact lenses, this mascara is great for all lash lengths, especially short ones. The unique brush has three flexible spines with tiny bristles that coat lashes you didn't even know were there. It now comes in a brown shade, too.
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Best 2-in-1
Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer
Now 20% Off
Why We Love It
- Lengthening
- Long-lasting staying power
What to Consider
- Some reviewers say the primer is a bit clumpy
First apply the eyelash primer to prep the lashes and promote length and long-lasting staying power. Follow up with the ophthalmologist-tested and EWG-certified mascara formula, which transforms straight and short lashes to sky-high fringe.
Best Volumizing
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
Why We Love It
- Lifting
- Volumizing
- Vegan formula
What to Consider
- Thick brush may be too big for short lashes
Looking for va-va-voom? This vegan formula doesn't disappoint. The brush has both short and long bristles to lift and curl every lash with just one swipe. It's the perfect option when you're looking for dramatic results.
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Best Budget-Friendly
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Why We Love It
- Affordable
- Lifts
- Defines
What to Consider
- Formula is a bit wet
It doesn't get better or more budget-friendly than this ophthalmologist-tested mascara, which lengthens, defines, and curls for only five bucks. It's also free of fragrance, oil, and parabens.
Why We Love It
- Long-lasting
- Thickening
What to Consider
- Can flake
If you're looking for a mascara that stays put and gives fine lashes a boost, Almay has got you covered. The fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formula gives the look of thicker and fuller lashes without clumping or smudging. The rounded brush wraps evenly around the lashes to provide lift and thickness. It also contains nourishing aloe and vitamin B5 to condition.
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How We Chose the Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes
Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with beauty experts to learn all about what to look for and avoid when choosing a mascara for sensitive eyes, and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best picks.
Genesis Rivas
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok