People with sensitive eyes or those who wear contact lenses often deal with the struggle of finding the right mascara that won't irritate their eyes. To the rescue, I have rounded off the best mascaras for sensitive eyes as your eyelashes need the special formulation when in order to deal with irritation, dryness, puffiness, redness, burning, etc. Harmful ingredients like artificial retinyl acetates, coal tar dyes, alcohols, mineral oil, phthalates, and parabens contained in the mascaras can compromise your eye health! However, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up the desire to get the long voluminous lashes that everyone craves!

Well, let me tell you the ophthalmologist-tested mascaras that I am presenting to you today are equipped with some of the best organic ingredients out there coupled with gentle formulas that not only deliver voluminous-looking lashes but also ensure that the lash strands are thoroughly nourished and replenished. Hypoallergenic mascaras are surely here to add a new dimension to the eye makeup game! As someone with sensitive eyes myself, I have tried and tested the products personally before concluding! So, without further ado, let’s get started with the product recommendations.

• 1
  Best to Maximize Volume

  Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara - Pack of 2

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The Lash Blast Volume Mascara from Covergirl has been my absolute favorite for sensitive eyes because of its formulation. It has a hypoallergenic formula that is made of zero toxic ingredients, which could potentially harm the lashes and eyes. A major USP of this product is that it boosts volume and fullness in the lashes, almost like a tubing mascara. Another plus point — it is available in three different colors, so you can customize your look for different moods and occasions.

Shades: 3

Waterproof: Both available 

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 1.28 Ounces

2

Best to Lengthen Lashes

Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer

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The 2-in-1 Extreme Length mascara cum primer from Honest Beauty takes the upper hand at bestowing you with doll-like lashes! Apart from giving your lashes a dramatic volume, the buildable mascara also lengthens the lashes while priming them at the same time for a long-lasting vibrant effect. Made of jojoba esters, it also thoroughly moisturizes individual lashes for a healthy appearance (study by Polymers). A feature that makes this product stand out is that its applicator comprises molded, flexible bristles, which beautifully coat each strand!

Shades: 1

Waterproof: Yes

Hypoallergenic: No

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 0.25 Ounces

3

Best Long-lasting Mascara

Gaya Cosmetics Mascara for Sensitive Eyes

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This hypoallergenic mascara from Gaya Cosmetics is specially formulated for sensitive eyes. The buildable formula lengthens the lashes while volumizing ‘em at the same time. Made of non-toxic ingredients, its formula is impressively long-lasting and doesn’t clump at all! And oh, the silicone-head brush of the product is ideal for defining and separating the strands from the roots for the natural beautiful lashes that you always craved!

Shades: 2

Waterproof: Yes

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 1.45 Ounces

4

Best to Get Defined Lashes

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Lash Magnifying Mascara

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The Magnifying Mascara from L’Oréal Paris stands true to its name and literally bestows you with the perfect voluminous lashes that you have always wanted! Packed with non-irritating ingredients like jojoba oil and conditioning serums, it thoroughly moisturizes individual lashes while going gentle to your eyes. The ergonomically designed brush ensures instant voluminous lashes without making ‘em look clumpy! Plus, the product promises a safe formula for sensitive eyes.

Shades: 2

Waterproof: No

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 0.64 ounces

5

Best to Strengthen the Lashes

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

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Enriched with the goodness of olive oil, vitamin E, and rice protein, the mascara from Neutrogena thoroughly coats your lashes, thereby making them healthier and longer — something that you see only on Pinterest! The product comes with a gentle brush that combs through individual strands to bestow them with enhanced definition. Furthermore, the product ensures no flaking or clumping after the application. This sensitive-eyes mascara is not only ophthalmologically tested but also dermatologically tested for overall protection!

Shades: 3

Waterproof: Yes

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 0.83 Ounces

6

Best to Fortify Lashes from Within

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

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The ILIA limitless lash mascara offers you a safe formula packed with non-toxic ingredients that won't harm your eyes or lashes in any way! It also boasts of not smudging, flaking, or clumping while giving you the most natural look out of your eye makeup. Loaded with 99% naturally-derived ingredients like organic shea butter and beeswax, the mascara nourishes the lashes while fortifying ‘em from within! It is also safe for sensitive eyes and even for contact lens wearers. 

Shades: 1

Waterproof: No

Hypoallergenic: No

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 0.64 Ounces

7

Best Buildable Formula

Grande Cosmetics GrandeMascara Conditioning Mascara

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Loaded with the goodness of peptides, this conditioning mascara from Grande Cosmetics that gives you longer and healthier-looking lashes without making them look clumpy! The formula has a buttery texture, infused with vitamin B5 and a natural wax blend, which works fantastically in boosting volume while locking the moisture in to protect the lashes from breakage! Furthermore, the natural formula is suitable for even lash extensions along with natural lashes. The panthenol present in the product further hydrates the lashes (study by Current Issues in Molecular Biology).

Shades: 1

Waterproof: Yes

Hypoallergenic: No

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 0.20 Ounce

8

Best Vegan-friendly Formula

Fifth & Skin Naturlash Natural Mascara

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The Naturlash Natural mascara is specially formulated for sensitive eyes to strengthen, nourish, and thicken the lashes! It ensures Barbie-like lengthy lashes with minimal clumping and smudging! Packed with natural ingredients, it also protects your lashes as it beautifies them. Furthermore, it glides on your lashes smoothly causing no irritation to ensure you unwavering protection. Plus, the formula might not be waterproof but it is water-resistant for better longevity! What's more? Well, they are cruelty-free!

Shades: 2

Waterproof: No

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 0.8 ounces

9

Best Intense Black Formula

Almay Lengthening Mascara

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It is time for you to dump those so-called blackest of the black mascaras for Almay’s lengthening mascara which not only lengthens your lashes but also gives them a lift and a curl for a doll-like aesthetic! Made of 100% plant-derived materials, the brush bristles gently coat your lashes with plant-based waxes and conditioners that thoroughly nourish the lash strands. I also have good news for the mindful users as the packaging is made of 100% recycled materials! Furthermore, the formula is free of nasty chemicals like formaldehyde, tricolon, and mineral oil!

Shades: 2

Waterproof: No

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 0.64 Ounces

10

Best Allergy-tested Formula

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Mascara

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La Roshe-Posay is a one-stop solution for people with sensitive eyes and those who are tired of trying out different mascaras only to end up with irritation! It also has an allergy-tested formula that is specially crafted for people who wear lenses. The waterproof mascara beautifully coats the lashes and bestows a lengthy and voluminous appearance that you have always wanted! Addedly, it provides 3D lashes and the credit goes to its ergonomically curved wand.

Shades: 1

Waterproof: Yes

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 0.16 ounces

11

e.l.f. Lash Extending Mascara

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The best thing that I like about e.l.f. mascaras is that they are cruelty-free! Speaking of this very product, the formula is enriched with vitamins B, E, and algae which are excellent components to soothe and condition the lashes (a study by the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology and a chapter from Algae). The hypoallergenic formula is exactly what you need if you are someone with sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses. Furthermore, the packaging of the buildable mascara comes with a precise brush that curls and lengthens the eyelashes for a defined look. What’s more? It is vegan-friendly!

Shades: 1

Waterproof: No

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Ophthalmologically-tested: Yes

Size: 0.35 Ounces

12

DIME Beauty Volume Mascara

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Dime beauty presents a clean mascara specially curated to give you that coveted fuller and thicker lashes without clumping or flaking! Packed with vitamin B5, cacao extracts, and squalane, the formula gets a rich, buttery consistency and is able to replenish your lashes with moisture to give ‘em a healthy look! It has a tapered brush that needs special mention for its ability to go smooth on your lashes without smearing the mascara. Furthermore, it also strengthens the lashes while giving the lashes and intense volume and length.

Shades: 1

Waterproof: No

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Ophthalmologically-tested: No

Size: 2.08 Ounces

13

Sandstone Scandinavia Grand Danois Mascara

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Sandstone’s Scandinavia Grand Danois mascara has been my absolute favorite because of its allergy-tested formula which never adversely affected my eyes! The lengthening formula provides the maximum volume without harming the eyes! Addedly, the smudgeproof, sweatproof formula and tearproof formula ensures that the mascara stays longer in your lashes without harming the strands or skin around it. The best part? The hypoallergenic formulation is never tested on animals in the name of beauty!

Shades: 1

Waterproof: No

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Ophthalmologically-tested: No

Size: 1.06 Ounces

Now that you have checked out the products, take a look at how you can pick the best one among them.

Below are the parameters to consider—

a) Ingredients: Taking a closer look at the ingredient list is very important when you are choosing the mascara for sensitive eyes! Check if it contains preservatives and harsh chemicals like phthalates, parabens, dyes, artificial fragrances, and colors, which may irritate the eyes. Often wax present in the mascara formulation may create added problems because it can go inside the eyes and cause burns for people who wear contact lenses.

In that case, going for a natural formulation containing organic ingredients would be wise. Ingredients like beeswax, vitamins, squalane, jojoba oil, etc. can be your ultimate answer!

b) Formulas: Formula is another important parameter which ensures longevity and outcome! There are several formulations of the same range of mascaras including waterproof, smearproof, smudge proof, non-clumping etc. Pick yours based on your desire and need!

c) Concerns: While there are possibilities of addressing all of the concerns with a single product, often, we are unable to find that holy grail! In that case, if you have thin lashes, going for a volumizing mascara is a wise choice, on the other hand, people with shorter lashes, a lengthening mascara can be the answer!

d) Mascara Wand: While many may not acknowledge the fact, the outcome depends on a lot on the mascara wand! The curvier the wand, the curlier lashes you will get. Similarly, the denser the wand bristles, the more volumizing lashes you will get. On the other hand, the shorter the bristles, the more lengthening and natural effect you will get!

e) Ophthalmologically-tested: Picking an ophthalmologist-tested formula is a must if you have sensitive eyes! However, even if the label doesn't provide the information, going for a hypoallergenic one will also do the work!