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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.
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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. You can also look for terms like "hypoallergenic" or "allergy-tested".
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
Why We Love It
Lifts straight lashes
Volumizing
Ophthalmologist-tested
What to Consider
It's not waterproof
This lightweight formula is Brissette's go-to because it contains tiny fibers that help lift and volumize lashes. 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. The formula is also fortified with nourishing oils, like coconut, argan, and moringa, to help nurture and hydrate fragile, sensitive eyelashes. Shop it in two shades—black and black-brown.
Key ingredients: | Synthetic beeswax, coconut, argan, and moringa oils |
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Size: | 0.3 oz |
Shades: | Two |
Waterproof? | No |
Why We Love It
Long-lasting formula
Lengthening
Easy to remove
What to Consider
If you like very dramatic results, you may not love this option
If your eye sensitivities stem from 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.
Key ingredients: | Tubing film polymers, rice bran wax, and fatty acids |
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Size: | 0.25 oz |
Shades: | One |
Waterproof? | No |
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3
Best Lengthening Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
Lancôme Définicils Defining and Lengthening Mascara
$34 at Oprah Daily Shop
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, flaking, or smudging, making it one of Guerra's favorites. It separates and lengthens the lashes without looking unnatural thanks to the fine-comb brush that offers precise application. It's the perfect option for those who prefer a no-makeup makeup look or softer results. It's available in black and deep brown.
Key ingredients: | Polymers, panthenol, and vitamin B5 |
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Size: | 0.23 oz |
Shades: | Two |
Waterproof? | No |
Why We Love It
Budget-friendly
Volumizing
Contains conditioning argan and marula oil
What to Consider
It's a little watery at first
This budget-friendly, vegan formula is free of talc, mineral oil, sulfates, and parabens, all of which can be triggers for sensitive eyes. The thick round brush is great for creating dramatic volume on all lash types. The non-waterproof version is available in three shades—very black, pitch black, and black-brown. If you're looking for something more long-lasting, you can shop it in a waterproof option, which comes in black and brown shades.
Key ingredients: | Argan and marula oils |
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Size: | 0.44 oz |
Shades: | Three |
Waterproof? | No, but it comes in a waterproof option |
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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 is called "healthy lengths" because it's designed to do just that— offer healthier, stronger, and longer-looking lashes with every swipe. The formula contains strengthening ingredients like vitamin E and rice protein, plus nourishing olive oil. The sensitive-safe formula makes it a great option for contact lens wearers, too.
Key ingredients: | Vitamin E, rice protein, and olive oil |
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Size: | 0.21 oz |
Shades: | Two |
Waterproof? | No |
6
Best Mascara for Short Lashes
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
$20 at Oprah Daily Shop
Why We Love It
Unique brush coats every lash
Opthalmologist-tested
Allergy-tested
What to Consider
Some reviewers say the mascara dries out quickly
Aside from being ophthalmologist-tested, allergy-tested, and safe for contact lenses (check, check, and check), this innovative 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, which makes it great for bottom lashes, too! It also makes lashes resistant to humidity and holds them in place so they stay lifted. It comes in a brown, black, and brown-black shade.
Key ingredients: | Castor and olive oil |
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Size: | 0.29 |
Shades: | Two |
Waterproof? | No |
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7
Best 2-in-1 Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer
Now 15% Off
Why We Love It
Lengthening
Long-lasting staying power
Ophthalmologist-tested
What to Consider
The primer is white and needs to be covered with coats of mascara
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 without looking clumpy or spidery. The cruelty-free formula is made with jojoba esters to help nourish and fortify lashes and is made without common allergens, like parabens, paraffins, synthetic fragrances, silicones, and mineral oil.
Key ingredients: | Jojoba esters |
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Size: | 0.27 oz |
Shades: | One |
Waterproof? | No |
8
Best Volumizing Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
$22 at Oprah Daily Shop
Why We Love It
Lifting
Volumizing
Vegan formula
Ophthalmologist-tested
What to Consider
Thick brush may be too big for short lashes
Looking for va-va-voom? This vegan and ophthalmologist-tested 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, but the best part it doesn't feel heavy on the lashes. The weightless formula separates, lifts, and adds volumes to perfection. It's available in ultra-black color and is water-resistant, offering long-lasting results.
Key ingredients: | Castor oil |
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Size: | 0.45 oz |
Shades: | One |
Waterproof? | No |
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Why We Love It
Affordable
Ophthalmologist-tested
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. The fiber brush is shaped like a cone, which helps to coat every single lash to lift and enhance volume. You can also rest assured that it doesn't clump, flake, or smudge.
Key ingredients: | Paraffin and rice bran wax |
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Size: | 0.30 oz |
Shades: | One |
Waterproof? | No |
Why We Love It
Long-lasting
Thickening
Ophthalmologist-tested
What to Consider
Some reviewers say it can flake after a while
If you're looking for a mascara that stays put and gives fine lashes a boost, Almay has got you covered. The fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and 0phthalmologist-tested 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. Find it at any local drugstore for a budget-friendly price.
Key ingredients: | Aloe and vitamin B5 |
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Size: | 0.26 oz |
Shades: | Three |
Waterproof? | Yes |
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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 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