Hey there! If you’re like me, mascara is a total game-changer in your makeup routine. Seriously, just one swipe and my eyes look more awake and youthful. It’s amazing how a simple tube of mascara can do that! I was excited to test and review the best mascara for sensitive skin on the market. And with how often we all use it, it only makes sense to invest in a product that delivers on length, volume, and staying power, but also is a trusted favorite hypoallergenic mascara that won’t make our eyes itch. Finding a great mascara for allergies was the top priority of this review.
However with so many options, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on the latest and greatest. It’s also easy to feel like finding a safe product like mascara for allergic contact dermatitis is overwhelming. I know I do! I’m sharing my top picks for the best mascaras for sensitive skin. Trust me, these are tried and true favorites that will give you everything from a natural look to bold volume without clumping or smudging throughout the day.
Allergens I avoid
If you’ve been here long, you know everything I use is free of my allergic contact dermatitis allergens. If you need a refresher, I avoid the following in all products:
- Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon Pereirae)
- Fragrance Mix I
- Formaldehyde and its releasers
- Sodium Gold Thiosulfate
- Sodium Metabisulphite
- Tincture of Benzoin
- Propolis
- Cinnamic Aldehyde
I’m excited for you to see the options for the best mascara for allergic contact dermatitis and which ones came out on top!
For this post I reviewed these as the best mascara for sensitive skin:
• Joah Lash Up Rising Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara, Waterproof
• e.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Waterproof Mascara, Black
• Wet ‘n Wild Get the Skinny Mascara, Black
• Half Caked Totally Tubular Mascara, The Heights, Blackest Black
• Wowcombo Cosmetics My Amazing Lashes Mascara
• Kat Von D Vegan Beauty Go Big or Go Home Mascara, Trooper Black
• Prime Causemetics PrimeLash Mascara, Black
Our Top Picks
for the best mascara for sensitive skin
BEST OVERALL: DIME Beauty Volume Mascara
BEST SPLURGE: Prime Causemetics PrimeLash Mascara
BEST VALUE: e.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Waterproof Mascara
BEST VOLUMIZING: Joah Lash Up Rising Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara
BEST LENGTHENING: Kat Von D Vegan Beauty Go Big or Go Home Mascara
BEST FOR CURL: THE BEST LITTLE MASCARA EVER
BEST PACKAGING: Half Caked Totally Tubular Mascara, The Heights
BEST WATERPROOF: The Perfect™ Waterproof Mascara
BEST SKINNY BRUSH: Wet ‘n Wild Get the Skinny Mascara
BEST TUBING: Wowcombo Cosmetics My Amazing Lashes Mascara
Best Overall
DIME Beauty Volume Mascara
DIME Beauty Volume Mascara is the hypoallergenic mascara I’ve been searching for. It’s a perfect, daily-use, hypoallergenic mascara and a great mascara for allergies and sensitive skin. With a tapered brush, it goes on smooth without smearing or clumping, and it’s buildable. Not too heavy, but not too light. Some mascaras are just too much for daily use, and this one is not! I can wear it daily, and it gives me a perfect everyday look. At under $20, it’s a great value as well.
With the added ingredient Squalane, this mascara helps to replenish your strands and equally important, it protects your hair from further damage. Squalane is a natural lipid that helps with moisture and aids in protecting hair from breakage, all this making squalane a great addition to this mascara and making it a perfect choice as the best mascara for sensitive skin and a suitable mascara for allergic contact dermatitis allergies.
Benefits: Volume, Smudge-Free, No clumping | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No
Ingredients: Water, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Magnesium Stearate, Squalane, Microcrystalline Wax, CL 77897 (Titanium Dioxide), CL 77499 (Iron Oxide)
Cost: $16
Reasons I like it as the best mascara for sensitive skin
What We Like: This mascara lifts, lengthens and is perfect for every day.
What We Don’t Like: The white tube can get dirty but feels nice and heavy.
Best Splurge
Prime Causemetics PrimeLash Mascara, Black
Prime Causemetics PrimeLash Mascara came highly recommended by a friend as a great choice for the best mascara for sensitive skin. She loved it for its easy-to-apply formula, and that it gave her lashes a fuller look. The mascara has a specially designed brush that coats each lash evenly, preventing clumps and smudges. It is also water-resistant and long-lasting, making it perfect for those long days or nights out. I found it very nice and one I will continue to use.
This hypoallergenic mascara formula, like a few others I tested, also features squalane for added moisture and protection against breakage. This PrimeLash mascara is made to lengthen, volumize, separate, and define the shorter, finer lashes that women often experience after age 50. This formulation is also a great mascara for allergies.
Although I didn’t test it, I was most intrigued by their Navy Blue shade. Their website carefully notes this is NOT your 80’s electric blue! The shade is sapphire bellied. Think Lady Diana’s peepers. Whitens and brightens tired eyes. Matches copper, brown, gold, and all jewel tones in an ultra-natural finish. No one will ever guess it’s blue. If you grab one, be sure to grab this shade and give it a try!
Benefits: Volume, Instant Lift & Length, All-day Wear | Shades: Black, Dark Brown, Navy Blue | Waterproof: No
Ingredients: Aqua, Candelilla Cera, Carbomer, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Magnesium Stearate, Squalane, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Nylon-6
Cost: $28
Reasons I like it as the best mascara for sensitive skin
What We Like: Easy to apply, lasts all day. Color choices for everyone. Perfect choice for mature lashes and a great mascara for allergies.
What We Don’t Like: A bit pricey.
Best Value
e.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Waterproof Mascara, Black
e.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Waterproof Mascara is a great value and a great hypoallergenic mascara! It has several key benefits I noted that make it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality mascara for allergies and a safe mascara for allergic contact dermatitis.
The brush is about as big and beautiful as you could ask for. Because of its special shape, it can coat each lash evenly, adding volume and length to your lashes. I really enjoyed using this brush, although at first I was a bit intimidated. The formula also helps to lift and curl your lashes and really made my eyes have an open look.
I wore this all day through some pretty interesting weather, and because it’s waterproof, I didn’t have to worry. It is long-lasting and smudge-proof! At under $10 and available on Amazon and at Target, this is easy to find. As you know, sometimes products safe for my allergens can be tricky to locate. I saw this product is offered in so many places!
Benefits: Volume, Length, Curl | Shades: Black, Black Brown, Extreme Black | Waterproof: Yes
Ingredients: Isododecane, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Paraffin, C10-18 Triglycerides, Silica Silylate, Dextrin Palmitate, Microcrystalline Wax, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Water/Aqua, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Palmitic Acid, Silica Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Mica
Cost: $8
Reasons I like it as the best mascara for sensitive skin
What We Like: This mascara lifts, curls, and lengthens without breaking the bank.
What We Don’t Like: Nothing.
Best Volumizing
Joah Lash Up Rising Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara, Waterproof
I recently had the opportunity to try out the Joah Lash Up Rising Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara, Waterproof, and I must say, I was impressed! This hypoallergenic mascara has beautiful packaging, and the formula is incredibly creamy and easy to apply. It’s buildable and won’t clump or flake off, which is great for those with sensitive eyes. It also lasts all day and is easy to remove.
The Joah mascara formula is designed to increase the volume and length of your lashes, giving you a fuller and more dramatic look, and it did just that! I even got some compliments on how thick my lashes looked. I love buildable mascara, and with the creamy texture of this formula, it was easy to put on several coats. This is a great mascara for allergies. Additionally, the price is right coming in around $10.
Benefits: Volume, Length, Curl | Shades: Blackest Black | Waterproof: Yes
Ingredients: Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Talc, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ceresin, Microcrystalline Wax, Dextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Aluminum Distearate, Dextrin Palmitate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Iron Oxides
Cost: $10
Reasons I like it as the best mascara for sensitive skin
What We Like: This mascara is buildable and has the deepest black color.
What We Don’t Like: Can feel thick at first.
Best Lengthening
Kat Von D Vegan Beauty Go Big or Go Home Mascara, Trooper Black
This hypoallergenic mascara is a favorite among celebrities and beauty bloggers alike. The Go Big or Go Home Mascara is a great choice for those looking for a more dramatic look. This 100-percent vegan formula contains a plant-based blend of waxes from olive and sunflower oils, which provide the base for extreme volume. The use of these particular waxes makes it a safe option for those with Propolis (beeswax) allergy making this a great mascara for allergic contact dermatitis allergies.
Additionally, the custom-designed brush has wavy-fiber bristles that coat each lash for fluffy, full coverage in the high-pigment shade Trooper Black. This thick formula was nice and easy to control. I didn’t notice any flaking, and for that reason I rated it high on my list. However, I wish it wasn’t $25 per tube. This is still a great mascara for allergies!
Benefits: Extreme Volume, Length, Curl | Shades: Trooper Black | Waterproof: No
Ingredients: Water, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Oryza Sativa Cera/Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Polybutene, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Polyvinyl Stearyl Ether, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-21, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499)
Cost: $25
Reasons I like it as the best mascara for sensitive skin
What We Like: This mascara lifts, curls, and lengthens, making a dramatic statement.
What We Don’t Like: The extreme volume may not work for everyday, casual looks.
Best for Curl
THE BEST LITTLE MASCARA EVER: length + definition formula
With its curved wand to separate and fan your lashes, you’ll love this mascara! With a formula specifically created to lengthen each lash to the max, this innovative, luscious formula is smear-proof, sweat-proof, smudge-proof and budge-proof, yet removes with just warm water making it one of the best mascaras for sensitive skin. The formula contains:
- Plant-based Squalene – naturally strengthens lashes + protects against breakage.
- Powerful Candelilla Wax – super duper smudge-proof staying power without harsh removal.
- Restorative Palm Oil – prevents moisture loss + fights free radical damage.
I loved the cute size of this hypoallergenic mascara. Occasionally, I like to take my makeup with me in my purse, and this size makes it easy to carry along. The only thing I really didn’t like about this mascara is it’s not easy to locate. It’s really only available on the manufactures website. Otherwise, this is a great choice as a mascara for allergies and at a nice price point.
Benefits: Volume, Length, Curl | Shades: Dark Black | Waterproof: No
Ingredients: Water, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cetyl Alcohol, Squalane (Plant Derived), Ethylhexyl Myristate, Magnesium Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: CI 77499, CI 77891
Cost: $12
Reasons I like it as the best mascara for sensitive skin
What We Like: This mascara lifts, curls, and lengthens without breaking the bank.
What We Don’t Like: It’s not on Amazon.
Best Packaging
Half Caked Totally Tubular Mascara, The Heights, Blackest Black
This Totally Tubular Mascara is a true tubing mascara. Tubing mascara is a type of mascara that contains polymers that wrap around each individual lash like a tube, creating a lengthening effect. It is long-wearing and tear-proof, and some formulas even contain nourishing ingredients like vitamin E to keep lashes soft and supple.
The best part of tubing mascara is it typically stays put until you take it off. No smudging here! For this reason it’s a perfect mascara for allergies to use daily. Comparatively, I liked the WOW Tubing Mascara a little bit more than this one. This formula is easier to control, but isn’t as thick. Therefore I gave the tubing award to the WOW over this Totally Tubular.
This mascara won my packaging award because it is absolutely adorable, especially for a girl who started wearing mascara in the 80s like me! It comes in the most adorable 80s-themed box!
Benefits: Volume, Length, Smudge-proof | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No
Ingredients: Aqua, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Glycerin, Stearic Acid, PVP/VA Copolymer, Candelilla Wax, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Triethanolamine, Tocopherols, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose
Cost: $14
Reasons I like it as the best mascara for sensitive skin
What We Like: This mascara is a true tubing mascara
What We Don’t Like: You need to work quickly to add a second coat.
Best Waterproof
The Perfect™ Waterproof Mascara, Superglossy Black
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic mascara that will stay put through rain, sweat, or tears, The Perfect Waterproof Mascara might just be the answer to your prayers. This mascara promises to provide length, volume, and definition while also being smudge-proof and long-wearing. The formula is designed to resist water, humidity, and heat, making it perfect for all-day wear or special occasions and one of the best mascaras for sensitive skin.
The special wand is designed to separate and coat each individual lash, creating a bold and dramatic look. The Perfect brand is known for its high-quality makeup products, and this perfect mascara for allergies is no exception. So go ahead and add it to your makeup bag – your lashes will thank you!
Benefits: Volume, Length, Curl | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes
Ingredients: Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Talc, Ceresin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Propylene Carbonate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica, Aluminum Distearate, Dextrin Palmitate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Nylon-6, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Maltodextrin, BHT, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides)
Cost: $12
Reasons I like it as the best mascara for sensitive skin
What We Like: This mascara provides natural volume, length and curl.
What We Don’t Like: Not available on Amazon.
Best Skinny Brush
Wet ‘n Wild Get the Skinny Mascara, Black
Wet ‘n Wild Get the Skinny Mascara, Black is a great choice for those looking for a waterproof mascara that won’t smudge or clump and is a great value! It has a creamy formula and a tiny brush that grabs all your lashes, making it perfect for creating doll-like lashes and a great option when choosing one of the best mascaras for sensitive skin.
I have really enjoyed using this mascara for its long-lasting wear and ability to separate and coat every lash. It’s affordable and easy to find (even at a the local drugstore) and can create a seamless black look. All in all, Wet ‘n Wild Get the Skinny Mascara is a great choice for those looking for waterproof mascara for allergies that won’t smudge or clump.
Benefits: Volume, Length, Curl | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes
Ingredients: Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Microcrystalline Wax/Cire Microcrystalline, Ceresin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dextrin Palmitate, Glycerin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Water/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Nylon-66, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, BHT, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891, Iron Oxides/CI 77499
Cost: $6
Reasons I like it as the best mascara for sensitive skin
What We Like: Waterproof mascara that won’t clump.
What We Don’t Like: Nothing.
Best Tubing
Wowcombo Cosmetics My Amazing Lashes Mascara
I started using this hypoallergenic mascara almost two years ago and have really been impressed with it. Tubing mascaras like My Amazing Lashes Mascara by WOW Combo are a great choice for those looking for long-lasting, smudge-proof mascara. This perfect mascara for allergies is designed to instantly make your lashes appear longer, fuller, and thicker without flaking or smudging.
The best part of tubing mascara is it is easy to remove. This formula is thicker, and at first, I struggled to get the application just right. But now I love it. I can apply a small amount for everyday volume or multiple coats for a more dramatic look. Additionally, it has over 39,400+ rave reviews! That’s pretty impressive and makes it a true choice when choosing one of the best mascaras for sensitive skin.
If you have never used tubing mascara when you want to remove it, you simply use warm water, and the tubes just slide right off. It felt very different at first, but now I’m used to it and really enjoy this mascara.
Benefits: Volume, Length, Curl | Shades: Black, Black Brown, Extreme Black | Waterproof: No
Ingredients: WATER (AQUA), CANDELILLA WAX, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, SQUALANE, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, CARBOMER, NYLON-6, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN [+/- MAY CONTAIN: IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), CI 77266 (BLACK 2)]
Cost: $15
Reasons I like it as the best mascara for sensitive skin
What We Like: Stay put tubing mascara for every day and nights out too!
What We Don’t Like: Nothing.
Best tips on wearing mascara
best mascara remover for sensitive skin
No one wants to spend minutes rubbing their eyes, fighting to remove mascara. Finding the best mascara remover for sensitive skin has been a mission of mine. I love using this Clinique Take the Day off cleansing balm. It’s great at removing all types of mascara and even mineral sunscreen.
Generally, I use it at the end of the day. It is a very silky texture. I rub it all over my face and concentrate on my eyes to remove my mascara. Additionally, I follow up with a microfiber cloth from Jane Iredale I’ve used for years. It’s called the Magic Mitt. I love it. It advertises you can even use it with just water and at the beginning of my allergic contact deramtitis journey, that’s exactly how I used it. Today though I use it to remove my makeup with this balm. You can follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove any remaining residue and sometimes I do, but generally this is fine to use solo.
Benefits: Gently removes stubborn mascara and mineral makeup/sunscreen | Sizes: 30 ml ; 125 ml
Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Polyethylene, Peg-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water\Aqua\Eau, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol
Cost: $26
How often should I replace my mascara?
Depending on how often you use it, you should replace your mascara every three to six months. A good rule of thumb is that if you notice a change in the consistency or smell of the product, it’s time to toss it out. Additionally, if you struggle with allergies or sensitive eyes, you need to pay special attention to tossing your mascara on a regular schedule. Every three to six months is appropriate.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a mascara that will give you long, thick lashes and won’t smudge or flake off during the day, then it’s important to invest in one of the best mascaras on the market. When you have sensitive skin or allergic contact dermatitis as I do, it’s imperative you choose one without your allergens. I hope you find one that is best for you by looking at reviews from other people who have used them before (like this article!). Reviewing these 10 safe for me mascaras has been a lot of fun.
Remember when trying a new product, it’s best to self patch test it on your inner arm. Apply the product twice daily for five days. If at the end of five days you do not have a reaction, you can assume the product is safe for you to use.
