I Have Very Sensitive Eyes—These Are the Only Mascaras I’ll Let Near My Lashes
As an editor with easily irritated eyes, these are the very best mascaras for sensitive eyes.
I've always had very sensitive eyes. In fact, I rarely wear a lot of eye makeup as whenever I apply too much, my eyes get red, itchy and watery. Sometimes my entire eyelid can even swell up if I use a product that doesn't agree with my skin. However, one makeup step that I refuse to skip is mascara. I don't know why, but my makeup feels incomplete without this product, so I've spent many years testing out different mascara formulas, from lengthening mascaras to curling mascaras and volumising mascaras to see which ones agree with my eyes (and which ones don't).
The thing is, I don't actually know what I'm looking for when it comes to a mascara for sensitive eyes. Are there certain ingredients I should be avoiding? Should I be using a vegan formula? There are so many options out there that it can be a little overwhelming. So, I decided to consult the experts and find out everything there is to know about the best mascaras for sensitive eyes. Whether you're wanting an affordable mascara or a mascara for mature eyes, I've got the formulas that won't upset sensitive or watery eyes. Keep on scrolling for everything you need to know, and the best mascara formulas for sensitive eyes.
Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes
- Best longwearing mascara: L'Oréal Paris Paradise Castor Oil Enriched Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
- Best for a fluttery look: Clinique High Impact Mascara
- Best for length and volume: Rimmel Kind and Free Clean Mascara
- Best lifting mascara: Ilia Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara
- Best for thin eyelashes: Perricone MD No Makeup Mascara with Biotin
- Best high impact mascara: Milk Makeup Kush Mascara
- Best lightweight mascara: Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara
1. L'Oréal Paris Paradise Castor Oil Enriched Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
I wear this mascara every single day and have never had a reaction. It is ophthalmologist-tested and has been designed for those prone to eye irritation. The gentle formula contains cornflower water to soothe, alongside caster and rose oil, which help to nourish the lashes and allow the mascara to glide on. Not only that, but it also delivers serious impact and never smudges.
Shades: Black
Waterproof: No
Pros
- Affordable
- Great for sensitive eyes
- Buildable formula
Cons
- Only comes in black
2. Clinique High Impact Mascara
Clinique is always my go-to brand when my skin is feeling a little sensitive. This mascara is ophthalmologist tested, allergy tested, safe for sensitive eyes and 100% fragrance-free. It works to add both volume and length and also separates the lashes to give that fluttery effect.
Shades: Black, Black/Brown and Black Honey
Waterproof: No
Pros
- Ophthalmologist tested, allergy tested and fragrance-free
- Thickening and volumising
Cons
- Not the best for curling
3. Rimmel Kind and Free Clean Mascara
Rimmel's Kind and Free makeup range is so good. The brand's mascara is 100% vegan and free from fragrance, with an organic certified shea butter and biotin-infused formula to deliver conditioning length and volume.
Shades: Black and Brown/Black
Waterproof: No
Pros
- Nourishing formula strengthens lashes
- Vegan formula
Cons
- No waterproof version available
4. Ilia Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara
I don't know a beauty editor who isn't obsessed with Ilia Beauty. All of the brand's formulas are so effective, and this mascara is no exception. Ophthalmologist tested, fragrance-free and safe for sensitive eyes, this formula lengthens and adds volume without flaking. Plus, it contains shea butter and organic waxes to nourish and lift the lashes. "Remarkably, this mascara is made with 99% naturally derived ingredients. I remember feeling sceptical the first time I tried it a few years ago — could a natural mascara really perform that well? As it turns out, it can," says Who What Wear UK beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden. "My straight lashes rarely hold a curl for long, yet this one keeps them lifted and defined from morning to night."
Shades: Black and Brown
Waterproof: No
Pros
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Fragrance-free
- Defines, lifts and lengthens lashes
- Also comes in brown
Cons
- Not waterproof
5. Perricone MD No Makeup Mascara with Biotin
After reading reviews on this mascara, it's clear that it's a hit with people who suffer from eye irritation. The 2-in-1 lash treatment not only adds instant length and lift, but also works to thicken eyelashes over time. Oh, and the nourishing formula is fragrance-free. A win-win.
Shades: Black
Waterproof: No
Pros
- Great for sensitive eyes
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- On the expensive side
6. Milk Makeup Kush Mascara
Vegan and cruelty-free, Milk Makeup's Kush Mascara is free from parabens, silicones, alcohol and fragrance. The nourishing formula is safe for sensitive eyes and creates an impactful eye makeup look in seconds.
Shades: Black
Waterproof: No
Pros
- Free from common eye irritants
Cons
- A bit more expensive than most mascaras
7. Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara
Klein is a big fan of this mascara. "It is vegan and formulated for sensitive eyes, and is [both] natural and lightweight." It features a clever "triple-wave" wand that works to define every single lash for a statement finish.
Shades: Black
Waterproof: No
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive eyes
- Creates a fanned lash look
Cons
- Harder to find in stores
Can You Still Wear Mascara With Sensitive Eyes?
The first thing that I was curious about was whether I should be wearing mascara knowing that I have sensitive eyes. "You really want to get to the bottom of your runny eyes or itchiness," says Nicola Alexandra Cross, optometrist and co-founder of Peep Club. "Is it an allergy, dry eyes, or something more serious? Once you've had a check-up with your regular optometrist and ruled out anything very serious and you're taking steps to address the root cause of the problem, then you can certainly still wear eye make-up."
Consultant dermatologist Dr Volha Shpadaruk recommends carrying out a patch test if you're unsure about using a new mascara. "Apply a small amount to the skin behind your ear or on your inner wrist and wait 24 hours to check for any irritation." Of course, it's also important that you're replacing your mascara once it has expired in order to minimise the risk of infection.
What to Look for in a Mascara for Sensitive Eyes?
So, what should we be looking for in a mascara for sensitive eyes? As it turns out, it's actually about what we should be avoiding. "Mascara is often water-based, which means it requires preservatives. Sometimes, fragrances are added, and certain dyes can also cause irritation or sensitivity. These reactions can manifest as redness, itching, and dryness, and in some cases, swelling or blisters may occur," explains Dr Shpadaruk.
If you experience these kind of reactions, you want to choose a formula that is free from these harsh ingredients. "When looking for a mascara for sensitive eyes, it is very important to look for products that have no harsh chemicals, as those are likely to cause irritation," says Ana Klein, co-founder of immersive makeup experience, Beam.
Dr Shpadaruk also recommends looking for hypoallergenic formulas, as they have been designed to minimise the risk of irritation. You can also look for mascaras with natural waxes or oils to help nourish the lashes and provide gentle application.
How I Tested
As a beauty editor with sensitive eyes, I've tested multiple mascaras to see what formulas work best. I tested each mascara in this list for several weeks to ensure they didn't upset my eyes whilst evaluating their effectiveness at lengthening, volumising and curling my lashes.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
