The best mascaras for sensitive eyes (2024)

Mascara is a beauty staple in every makeup bag (along with a tinted moisturiser and cream blusher of course): it helps to lengthen, define and lift your lashes giving your eyes a glamorous boost.

For many of us, purchasing a mascara is a grab-and-go task, but if you suffer from bloodshot, sensitive or watery eyes finding the right one takes more consideration. Luckily, not all formulas are troublemakers for sensitivity. Many gentle mascaras will still deliver long, luscious flutters without any irritation.

So what should we be looking for when buying a mascara for sensitive eyes? Firstly you need to check out the ingredients and secondly, you want to make sure you're not jeopardising any of the qualities you look for in a mascara.

Sensitive eyes can be caused by several factors, from allergies (hello, hay fever season) to hormonal fluctuations. If you sit in front of screens for hours, that can be a culprit, too (we’re guilty as charged). Dealing with itchy or sore eyes can make you forgo mascara altogether, so it’s important to know the best formulas to prevent any reactions.

What mascara ingredients should you avoid if you have sensitive eyes?

You’ll want to pick a fragrance-free formula with non-toxic ingredients (like shea butter and natural oils). If a mascara is labelled as ophthalmologist tested you’re in safe hands, as these are fragrance-free, allergy tested and vetted by an eye doctor.

There are also a few nasties to be aware of. Alcohol, parabens, fragrances and thickening agents are common no-gos. What’s more, it's important to consider how easy your mascara is to remove, as lots of tugging and rubbing will only irritate your eyes further. For some, all it takes is water to break down the mascara, but for the majority, you’ll need a gentle micellar water (like this one) to remove makeup and cleanse the skin around your eye. As practical as they are, don’t go for a wipe: they’re harsh on your skin and are bad for the environment.

Buying a mascara isn’t like buying a trendy blouse: you can’t return or swap it out for a new one. So, it’s important to be set on your decision. To spare you the trial-and-error, we’ve rounded up the best mascaras for sensitive eyes – from our favourite budget buy to a luxury hero.

The best mascaras for sensitive eyes

MAC’s mascaras are a long-time go-to for achieving a dramatic look, but this one is particularly great for a gentler effect. It’s ophthalmologist tested, so it's a surefire hit for those with watery eyes or contact lens wearers. The petite wand grabs onto each lash to define and lengthen (so there’s no clumping involved) and it feels incredibly lightweight to wear.

L'Oréal Paris proves you don’t need to spend a pretty penny to get a hard-working, hypoallergenic mascara. This formula is gentle across the board; the cornflower water helps calm irritated eyes while the oil-enriched formula helps the mascara slick onto lashes with minimal tugging.

Following Clinique’s clean and gentle makeup philosophy, this mascara is ophthalmologist approved and allergy-tested. The fragrance-free formula is kind to the eyes yet boasts impressive staying power. It has a cleverly tapered brush, allowing you to coat every lash for a voluminous look. And the best part? It comes off with water alone, so no need for vigorous scrubbing.

This dual-ended wand makes applying mascara a breeze – the slim brush separates each lash so even the most unstable hand can use it. One coat is enough to add a delicate tint to your eyelashes but still effectively lengthens and adds subtle volume. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested, too, making it safe for sensitive eyes. Keep this one for the days when you’d like a subtle lash-lift effect, while still looking completely natural.

Affordable yet high-quality formulas remain at the forefront of No7, making it a failsafe choice for mascara. There are many options in its line-up, but this lengthening formula is one of our favourites for a striking, fluttery effect. The soft-bristle brush clings onto each lash to add an impressive amount of thickness and a pigmented, jet-black finish.

If you’re after a delicate slick of mascara without looking too ‘done up’, Glossier’s formula is one of the best for the job. The fine-bristled brush lifts from the root to lengthen, but the overall result is a fluttery, natural look – like your lashes, but better. Fragrance-free and ophthalmologist tested, the lightweight formula feels weightless and withstands a watery eye without smudging.

This vegan formula is full of skin-kind ingredients – including shea butter and glycerin – to equally lengthen and nourish your lashes. It offers a delicate slick of pigment that looks effortlessly natural – ideal for everyday makeup and when you're not wanting to spend to much on a mascara.

​​Another brand known for its skin-first formulas, Bare Minerals’ mascara is a great option for those prone to sensitivity. It’s formulated without any parabens, sulphates, phthalates – basically any ingredients that may be allergens. The mascara itself is great at separating and defining – thanks to the clever ‘hairbrush’ wand that makes sure no lash is left out.

Lancome's Defenicils mascara is designed to aid lash separation with added shape. A great choice for defined but natural-looking lashes, plus this product has been ophthalmologist tested and is suitable for contact lens wearers.

ByTerry is a luxury brand known for its skin-loving formulas. The brand’s mascara has been ophthalmologist-tested and contains some familiar nourishing ingredients – like collagen and hyaluronic acid – that you may find in your favourite serums. But, trust us, they are just as moisturising on the lashes.

If you're intrigued by polymer tubing mascaras then this budget-friendly one by Beauty Pie is a great option. Labelled as great for sensitive eyes and skin, this mascara basically coats your lashes in a 'tube' of product, helping to avoid that super annoying smudging that can tend to happen, particularly with oilier complexions.

If you're prone to lash loss then let us introduce you to IT Cosmetics' Hello Lashes mascara. Tested under ophthalmologist control it also gives plenty of volume to sparse-looking lashes. What's more, the impressive formula includes a lash serum with biotin and argan oil to offer a little TLC.