Best Non-Toxic Mascara Shopping Guide (2026)

Maia James
By Maia James
Bath & Body Guides
Five mascaras, wands, and tubes on a marble bathroom counter.
92 comments

In This Guide

Mascara is kind of magical, especially if you’re like me and are blessed with stubby, pale, stick-straight eyelashes. I don’t often wear makeup, but with just a couple of swoops of a mascara wand, I look and feel refreshed and more put together. I guess I’m not alone, because you guys asked us for years to write about the best non-toxic mascara. 

We reviewed a whopping 56 brands of mascara for this guide, and found a bunch of  brands that we can confidently call Best Stuff, Good Stuff, and Okay Stuff.

And, because we’re talking mascara—and not some product that you smear all over your skin or put in your mouth—I think that using Okay Stuff truly is finnnnne in this case. You’ll even find a Best Stuff pick that you can buy at the drugstore!

And, as always, I have lists of Sneaky Stuff and Bad Stuff, including some of your beloved favorites (sorry!).

Note: Products like mascara are constantly being re-formulated. The information in this post is based on the most current ingredient lists we could find as of July 2026.

Best Non-Toxic Mascaras

Maia's Pick
Mascara with white casing and black wand on a light gray background
Counter
My favorite non-toxic mascara, and performs exceptionally well
Buy from Counter
Cleanest Ingredients
Black mascara tube with 'CRUNCH!' branding on a white background
Crunchi
Packaged in a glass tube instead of plastic.
Buy from Crunchi
Best Tubing
Dime Volume Mascara with black brush and white tube on a white background
Dime
One of the shortest, simplest mascara ingredient lists we found. 
Buy from Amazon
Best Lengthening
ILIA mascara with open cap on a white background
Ilia Limitless
Ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Buy from Ilia Limitless
Most Affordable
ECCO BELLA Flower Color liquid lipstick in a sleek black tube with a metallic gold cap, shown on a clean white background.
Ecco Bella
One of the simplest mascara formulas we've reviewed, with just six ingredients.
Buy from Amazon

The Bottom Line on Clean Mascara

    Best Stuff: Clean mascaras formulated with plant-based waxes (beeswax, candelilla wax), natural iron oxide pigments, and minimal preservatives. These products are transparent about their ingredient sourcing, free from parabens, PFAS, carbon black, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Many are ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. These are your safest choice for daily wear.
      Good Stuff: Solid non-toxic mascaras that meet most clean beauty standards with simple, recognizable ingredient lists. They avoid major red flags like parabens and PFAS, though they may contain some synthetic preservatives or minor questionable ingredients. These options deliver reliable performance while keeping your chemical exposure low. A great middle ground for those seeking clean beauty without premium pricing.
        Okay Stuff: Mascaras that are mostly clean but have minor concerns worth noting. May contain one or two ingredients that aren't ideal—such as certain synthetic preservatives, mica, or talc—but don't include the most harmful chemicals. Acceptable if they're your only option, but upgrading to "Best" or "Good" options is recommended for regular use.
          Bad and Sneaky Stuff: Conventional mascaras containing parabens (hormone disruptors), PFAS or silicones marketed as "waterproof" (persistent chemicals that don't break down), carbon black pigments (potential carcinogen), or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (known irritants). Many mainstream brands fall into this category, relying on synthetic chemicals for performance. Best avoided if you're committed to reducing your daily chemical exposure and protecting your eye health.

Why You Can Trust Gimme's Guides

Our team, which includes PhD scientists, has been obsessively researching and writing about safer, non-toxic products since 2010. Our vetting process draws on the latest peer-reviewed research and third-party testing, and we only recommend products that meet our strict standards. When we use affiliate links, it never influences which products we approve. How we vet products.

What is Mascara Made of?

Mascara ingredients range from familiar and harmless things, like water, to head-scratching ones like fragrance/parfum, which I was surprised to find in most mascara formulas.

Frankly, makeup prodcut are my least favorite items to investigate. They often have super long lists of ingredients, many of which are synthetic, unfamiliar even to me, and potentially problematic. And makeup can contain ingredients–-including natural ones–-that have little or no safety data to back them up. Some ingredients that are known to be toxic are permitted for use under certain “restrictions.”

I’m no cosmetic chemist, but my basic understanding of mascara formulas is that they usually include the following:

  • Solvents or diluents are the unifying base for the formula (water, isododecane, alcohols, glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.).
  • Pigments provide color (iron oxides, ultramarines, titanium dioxide, mica, etc.).
  • Waxes, gums, polymers, fibers and starches stabilize and thicken the formula; some form a film on the lashes and provide “volumizing” benefits; fibers “lengthen” lashes.
  • Fats like oils and butters provide moisturizing benefits; other ingredients with humectant/emollient/“skin-conditioning” properties include glycerin, silicone and some plant extracts.
  • Some waxes, fatty acids, and surfactants act as emulsifiers to mix water and water-soluble ingredients with non-water soluble ingredients.
  • Preservatives and pH adjusters prevent (or at least limit) the growth of microbes.
  • Fragrance ingredients mask the unsavory smell that many mascara formulas would otherwise have, and in some cases, give mascara a signature scent.

Why You Shouldn’t Freak Out About Mascara

Relatively speaking, mascara is a lower-concern product: You use small amounts of it, it’s not applied directly to your skin, and it tends to stay in place. (And if you’re like me, you don’t even use it every day anymore!).

Unless you eat your mascara, have a habit of rubbing it into your eyes, and/or sleep with it on, don’t worry if you’ve been using the Bad Stuff all this time.

If you want to upgrade to a safer mascara, there is plenty of Best Stuff, Good Stuff, and Okay Stuff you that will give your lashes a boost without exposing you to a bunch of toxic ingredients.

Mascara Ingredients to Avoid

Although mascara is of relatively low concern, I don’t consider it to be zero-concern. Some of us do use mascara daily, and it can flake off and migrate into your eyes and onto the skin under your eyes, where ingredients can potentially be absorbed into the body. And a lot of conventional mascara has concerning ingredients, such as:

  • Retinyl acetate (aka vitamin A acetate) is a synthetic form of vitamin A that is used as a moisturizing ingredient (or “skin conditioner”) in some mascaras. EWG gives it a whopping 9 on their hazard scale. The FDA classifies retinyl acetate as a “known reproductive toxicant”; it’s also a possible carcinogen.
  • Parabens are a family of preservatives that are found everywhere, although many companies are now making paraben-free products. Parabens mimic estrogen and are implicated in breast cancer. No causal relationship has been proven, but because we’re exposed to parabens from many products, I recommend avoiding them wherever you can—including in mascara.
  • Diazolidinyl urea is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative with an EWG score of 6. In addition to the fact that formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, exposure to formadehyde-releasers can cause people to develop allergies to those ingredients and formaldehyde in general. Another formaldehyde releaser to watch out for in mascara is imidazolidinyl urea.
  • Propylene glycol is a skin conditioner known to be allergenic and potentially toxic to non-reproductive organs. As a penetration-enhancer, it can make the skin vulnerable to other harmful ingredients.
  • Triethanolamine is used in some mascaras as a pH adjuster and emulsifier. It’s considered a skin toxicant or allergen, may be harmful to non-reproductive organs, and can be contaminated with nitrosamines.
  • Be suspicious when you see fragrance or “parfum” listed on a any label, including mascara. Many nasty chemicals can hide under that umbrella, including phthalates, which are hormone disrupters and possible carcinogens.
  • Geraniol, limonene, linalool, citrol and citronellol are potentially irritating and allergenic components that have synthetic as well as natural versions (the latter being a naturally-occurring component of some essential oils). Honest companies disclose them on their ingredient labels. In mascara, they are scent ingredients, and some, like d-limonene, also have preservative qualities. If you’re particularly sensitive, try to avoid mascaras that contain them, and note that carcinogenic properties seem to happen only when these compounds go rancid, so adhere to the expiration dates on your mascara.
  • Pigments (colorants) can be contaminated with toxic substances, including heavy metals. Look for companies that disclose the specific “color index number” (CI number) of the colorants they use (such as “CI 77499,” an iron oxide), and skip aluminum powder, a neurotoxin.

Preservatives in Mascara

You’ll notice that many of the ingredients I’m concerned about in mascara are preservatives. Preservatives are necessary to keep mascara from becoming a host for bacteria and other microbes, but they’re also problematic.

Both natural and synthetic preservatives can be irritating to various degrees. Given that we use mascara around our eyes, which are sensitive organs, I worry about preservatives in mascaras. Even natural preservative ingredients that are considered to be safe can be contaminated with toxic parabens.

The Best Non-Toxic Mascara Ingredients

There are a lot of brands using safe (or safer) ingredients to make mascaras, including many that get high marks for performance.

Mascaras don't have to be “natural” in order to make our list of Best Stuff or Good Stuff. In fact, many of those products contain lots of synthetic ingredients. You may have heard that not all natural ingredients are safe. It’s also true that synthetic ingredients aren’t necessarily unsafe (although in general, I am biased against too many synthetics, especially in products for babies and kids).

Here are some of the ingredients you’ll find in the best non-toxic mascara brands:

  • When it comes to mascara, I think that “food-grade preservatives” like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are an okay choice. They’re definitely lesser evils than parabens and might be better than some naturally derived preservatives that are newer and haven’t been extensively studied for safety. Note:
  • You’ll also see phenoxyethanol in some of the Best, Good, and Okay Stuff. I’m not nuts about it—it’s potentially irritating preservative, with an EWG score of 4—but it’s better than spoiled or contaminated mascara. Skip phenoxyethanol-containing mascaras if you’re sensitive.
  • Best and Good mascaras include natural and organic waxes, such as beeswax, candelilla wax, and carnauba wax.
  • The best non-toxic mascaras also contain natural and organic oils and butters, such as jojoba oil, sunflower oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter.
  • I like to see starch, oil, wax and gum derived from organic rice, which doesn’t carry the same pesticide-contamination concerns as conventionally farmed rice.

My Top Pick: The Best Non-Toxic Mascara

Counter Think Big All-in-One Mascara

Counter Think Big All-in-One Mascara is the mascara I use on most days, not only because of how it performs, but also because I love that Counter tests it for purity after production to ensure it’s not contaminated with anything sketchy.

BUY from Counter

Best Stuff

Crunchi Shattered Mascara

  • Contains certified organic shea butter along with castor oil, sunflower wax, and olive oil.
  • Uses iron oxides for pigment.
  • Preserved without phenoxyethanol, parabens, sodium benzoate, or potassium sorbate.
  • EWG Verified and Leaping Bunny Certified.
  • Third-party tested for PFAS and heavy metals.
  • Packaged in a glass tube instead of plastic.
  • Vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Acrylates Copolymer, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Glycerin, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Stearic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Cellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Caprylyl Glycol, Shorea Robusta Resin, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Carbonate, Alcohol, May Contain (+/-): Iron Oxides CI 77499

*Certified Organic Ingredients

Cost per ounce: $88

Buy from Crunchi
Crunchi Shattered Mascara

Dime Beauty Mascara

  • One of the shortest, simplest mascara ingredient lists we found.
  • Free of fragrance, phenoxyethanol, PEGs, ethylhexylglycerin, and denatured alcohol.
  • Uses nourishing squalane to help condition lashes.
  • Relies primarily on plant and mineral-based waxes and pigments with no major ingredients of concern.

Ingredients: Water, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Carbomer,Glyceryl Stearate, Magnesium Stearate, Squalane,Microcrystalline Wax, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide)

Cost per ounce: $78.57

Buy from Amazon
Dime Beauty Mascara

Fitglow Beauty Mascara

  • Made with a short, clean ingredient list.
  • Free of phenoxyethanol, PEGs, synthetic fragrance, silicones, denatured alcohol, aminomethyl propanediol, and ethylhexylglycerin.
  • Contains conditioning and lash-supporting ingredients including hydrolyzed lupine protein, quinoa ferment, cloudberry seed oil, jojoba oil, and horsetail extract.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Cera, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Myrica Pubescens (Bayberry) Fruit Cera, Pullulan, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydrolyzed
Lupine Protein, Lactobacillus/Quinoa Ferment Extract Filtrate, *Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Xanthan Gum, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide,Galactoarabinan. *CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

Cost per ounce: $80

Buy from Amazon Buy from Beauty Heroes
Fitglow Beauty Mascara

Ecco Bella FlowerColor Mascara

  • One of the simplest mascara formulas we've reviewed, with just six ingredients.
  • Uses carnauba wax to provide structure and help coat lashes.
  • Colored with iron oxides rather than carbon black.
  • Contains clay to help provide volume and texture.
  • Preserved with phenoxyethanol, which we prefer to avoid when cleaner alternatives are available but consider acceptable in mascara.
  • Free of parabens, synthetic fragrance, silicones, and petroleum-derived ingredients.
  • Earns an excellent EWG rating thanks to its simple ingredient list.

Ingredients: Purified water, carnauba wax, palmitic acid (from palm oil), clay, phenoxyethanol and iron oxides.

Cost per ounce: $34.84

Buy from Amazon
Ecco Bella FlowerColor Mascara

Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara

  • Plant-based formula featuring natural waxes including myrica fruit wax, rice wax, and carnauba wax.
  • Contains nourishing jojoba oil and vitamin E to help condition lashes.
  • Colored with iron oxides rather than carbon black.
  • Preserved with phenethyl alcohol and ethylhexylglycerin instead of phenoxyethanol.
  • Free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrance, silicones, petroleum-derived ingredients, and synthetic film-forming polymers.
  • Contains a small amount of Polysorbate 60 as an emulsifier.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Iron Oxide CI 77499, Propanediol, Myrica Pubescens Fruit Cera, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Oryza Sativa Cera, Pullulan, Acacia Senegal Gum, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Cera, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Cellulose, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Undecyl Alcohol, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Tocopherol, Sodium Phosphate

Cost per ounce: $138.38

Buy from Amazon Buy from Target
Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara

Juice Beauty Ultra-Natural Mascara

  • The most affordable of the Best non-toxic mascara brands.
  • Contains certified organic aloe juice, vegetable glycerin, and carnauba wax, along with plant-based ingredients like jojoba esters, candelilla wax, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin E.
  • Uses argan shell powder, rose flower powder, purple carrot extract, and iron oxides for natural color and conditioning benefits.
  • Preserved with sodium benzoate and gluconolactone, an acceptable preservative system for mascara.
  • Free of phenoxyethanol, parabens, synthetic fragrance, silicones, petroleum-derived ingredients, and synthetic film-forming polymers.
  • We like that Juice Beauty is transparent about identifying which ingredients are certified organic and which are plant-derived.

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis juice*, vegetable glycerin*, acacia senegal gum extract†, tapioca starch*, glyceryl stearate†, jojoba esters†, microcrystalline cellulose†, stearic acid†, potassium cetyl phosphate, gluconolactone, copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax*, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax†, tocopherol (Vitamin E)†, cellulose gum†, sodium benzoate, calcium gluconate, sodium hyaluronate†, maltodextrin†, methyl dihydroabietate†, argania spinosa (argan shell) powder†, rosa gallica (rose fl-ower) powder†, daucus carota (purple carrot) extract†, iron oxide (CI 77499)* Certified organic ingredient
† Plant derived

Cost per ounce: $83.38

Buy from Amazon Buy from Juice Beauty
Juice Beauty Ultra-Natural Mascara

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara

  • Made with approximately 70% organic ingredients, including organic orange fruit water and botanical extracts.
  • Uses iron oxides for pigment.
  • Preserved with a fermented preservative system rather than phenoxyethanol or parabens.
  • Free of phenoxyethanol, parabens, synthetic fragrance, silicones, petroleum-derived ingredients, and synthetic film-forming polymers.
  • Other mascaras in the Organic Wear line may also fall into the Good or Okay Stuff categories, but the brand's conventional mascaras contain ingredients we recommend avoiding.

Ingredients: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water, Glycerin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Beeswax/Cire d'Abeille, Jojoba Esters, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de Carnauba, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Tapioca Starch, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Water/Eau, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Cellulose Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

Ingredients from organic farming.

Cost per ounce: $44.19

Buy from Amazon Buy from CVS
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara

Pure Haven Essentials Mascara

  • Contains nourishing ingredients including sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, panthenol (vitamin B5), vitamin E, vegetable glycerin, and mango butter.
  • Uses iron oxides (non-nanoparticle) for pigment.
  • Preserved with a fermented preservative system and gentle food-grade preservatives instead of phenoxyethanol or parabens.
  • Free of synthetic fragrance, silicones, petroleum-derived ingredients, and synthetic film-forming polymers.
  • Thickened with pullulan and plant-derived ingredients rather than acrylate-based polymers.
  • The current formula is significantly improved from earlier versions and aligns well with our Best Stuff standards.

Ingredients: aloe barbadensis (organic aloe vera) leaf juice, iron oxide (CI 77499)*, butyrospermum parkii (organic shea) butter, beeswax (organic), polyglyceryl-6 distearate, glycerin (vegetable, non-gmo), mango butter dimer dilinoleyl esters/dimer dilinoleate copolymer, pullulan, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, copernica cerifera (organic carnauba) wax, hydroxyethylcellulose, cetyl alcohol, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, panthenol, tocopherol (non-gmo), xanthan gum, glyceryl caprylate, sodium levulinate, sodium anisate, levulinic acid

*non-nanoparticle

Cost per ounce: $85.57

Buy from Pure Haven
Pure Haven Essentials Mascara

Rejuva Minerals Pur’ Lash Volumizing Mascara

  • EWG Verified.
  • Uses acacia gum and plant-derived cellulose to help build volume and definition.
  • Preserved with sodium benzoate and gluconolactone, an acceptable preservative system for mascara.
  • Free of phenoxyethanol, parabens, synthetic fragrance, silicones, petroleum-derived ingredients, and synthetic film-forming polymers.
  • Made without animal byproducts, soy, gluten, titanium dioxide, or mica.
  • Packaged in recyclable, BPA- and phthalate-free tubes.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), *Glycerin (Vegetable), Acacia Senegal Gum Extract, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba), Stearic Acid, *Tapioca Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, *Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Euphorbia (Candelilla) Wax, Cellulose Gum, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Iron Oxides.

*Certified Organic

Cost per ounce: $58.33

Buy from Rejuva Minerals
Rejuva Minerals Pur’ Lash Volumizing Mascara

Be Kind to Your Lashes

One of the best things you can do to enhance your lashes is to be gentle with them.

Here’s how:

  • Choose water-based, non-toxic mascara for everyday use; they are gentler on your lashes because they’re easier to wash off than waterproof formulas.
  • Don’t sleep in your mascara! Remove mascara gently at the end of the day—minimize rubbing, and don’t tug. My favorite way to do this is with this incredible makeup remover that doubles as a treatment oil.
  • Condition your lashes overnight with a tiny bit of oil (like olive or coconut) brushed gently onto the outer part of your lashes. Wash off in the morning to avoid build-up and irritation. (I’m too tired at the end of the day to implement this, but it’s a goal for the future!).

Good Stuff

100% Pure Maracuja Oil Mascara

  • Contains nourishing ingredients including maracuja oil, castor oil, black tea extract, cocoa extract, vitamin E, vitamin C, and nettle extract.
  • Uses bamboo charcoal and iron oxides for pigment instead of carbon black.
  • Thickened with natural plant gums and polysaccharides rather than synthetic film formers.
  • Preserved with benzyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate, which are acceptable preservative choices for mascara.
  • Free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, silicones, PEGs, synthetic fragrance, petroleum-derived ingredients, and acrylate film formers.
  • Contains wheat protein, which may not be suitable for those with a wheat allergy or sensitivity.

Ingredients: Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Stem Water, Aqua (Water), Glyceryl Stearate (From Coconuts), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (From Coconuts), Cetearyl Alcohol (From Coconuts), Glyceryl Rosinate (From Pine Tree Resin), Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides (From Sunflowers), Pullulan (Polysaccharide), Sucrose Palmitate (Sugar Esters), Potassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Acacia Senegal Gum (From Acacia Plant), Cellulose Gum (From Wood Pulp), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Active Carbon (Bamboo Charcoal), Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Black Tea) Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Passiflora Edulis Seed (Maracuja) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide), Lecithin (From Sunflowers), Citric Acid (From Citrus To Balance Ph), Benzyl Alcohol (Naturally Occurring In Essential Oils), Dehydroacetic Acid (Naturally Occuring In Solandra Flowers), Sodium Benzoate (Food Preservative), Potassium Sorbate (Food Preservative). May Contain: Iron Oxides

Cost per ounce: $80

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100% Pure Maracuja Oil Mascara

Attitude Oceanly Serum-Infused Mascara

  • Made with a clean formula free of phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrance, silicones, PEGs, denatured alcohol, and ethylhexylglycerin.
  • Contains nourishing plant ingredients including sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil, safflower flower extract, hibiscus flower extract, and jojoba esters.
  • Uses plant waxes and cellulose to provide volume and definition without relying on more concerning film-forming ingredients.
  • Preserved with a relatively gentle system that includes sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, honokiol, and magnolol.
  • EWG Verified.

Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Behenyl Behenate, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Brassica Napus Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, C20-22 Alcohols, Acacia Senegal Gum, Pullulan, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Cathamus Tinctorius (Sa lower) Flower Extract, Hibiscus Sabdari a Flower Extract, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Gluconate, Pentylene Glycol, Triethyl Citrate, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Trihydroxystearin, Potassium Sorbate, Honokiol, Magnolol, Isochrysis Galbana Extract, Tocopherol.

Cost per ounce: $99.80

Buy from Amazon
Attitude Oceanly Serum-Infused Mascara

Counter Think Big All-in-One Mascara

  • My favorite non-toxic mascara, and performs exceptionally well
  • Contains organic plant oils along with conditioning plant waxes including candelilla and carnauba wax.
  • Uses iron oxides for pigment.
  • Free of parabens and synthetic fragrance.
  • Contains phenoxyethanol as a preservative.
  • Uses synthetic film-forming ingredients to improve wear, reduce smudging, and minimize clumping.
  • Developed over several years and tested for purity after production to help ensure the formula is free from contamination.
  • Not marketed as waterproof, but removes most easily with an oil-based cleanser.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Synthetic Beeswax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de candelilla, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Acrylates Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba, Glycerin, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene Glycol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol.

Cost per ounce: $111

Buy from Counter
Counter Think Big All-in-One Mascara

INIKA Organic Mascara

  • Made with a short list of mostly organic, plant-derived ingredients.
  • Free of phenoxyethanol, PEGs, synthetic fragrance, silicones, denatured alcohol, aminomethyl propanediol, and ethylhexylglycerin.
  • Contains nourishing ingredients like organic castor oil, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, and magnolia bark extract.
  • Uses gentle, low-concern humectants (propanediol and sugar cane-derived pentylene glycol) to help keep lashes conditioned.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Stearic Acid, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol (Sugar Cane), Glyceryl Stearate SE, C10-18 Triglycerides, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Honokiol (Magnolia Bark Extract), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Kaolin, Sodium Hydroxide, Galactoarabinan, May Contain (+/-) Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891). *From Organic Agriculture, 100% Natural Origin of Total

Cost per ounce: $123.33

Buy from Amazon Buy from INIKA Organic
INIKA Organic Mascara

Ilia Mascaras

  • Ilia makes a Lengthening and a Volumizing formula; both are Good stuff.
  • Contains conditioning ingredients including glycerin, jojoba esters, panthenol (provitamin B5), and vitamin E.
  • Uses iron oxides for pigment.
  • Preserved with benzyl alcohol, caprylyl glycol, and caprylhydroxamic acid instead of phenoxyethanol.
  • Free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, and synthetic fragrance.
  • Contains synthetic beeswax and several synthetic emollients to improve texture and performance.
  • Ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
  • Removes easily with a regular facial cleanser without heavy rubbing.
  • I prefer the Limitless, but both are safe.

Sample Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d'abeille, Synthetic Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de Carnauba, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Jojoba Esters, Acacia Senegal Gum, Panthenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Arginine, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Oleic Acid, Tocopherol. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77499 (Iron Oxide).

Cost per ounce: $103.57

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Ilia Mascaras

Jane Iredale Mascaras

  • The Beyond Lash Volumizing Mascara is my top pick thanks to its exceptionally plant-forward formula and fermented preservative system.
  • Uses iron oxides for pigment and conditioning plant-based ingredients including jojoba oil, baobab seed oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and coconut oil.
  • Free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrance, silicones, and synthetic film-forming polymers.

Sample Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Iron Cxides (CI 77499), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Oleic/Linoleic/Linoleic Polyglyceride, Shorea Robusta Resin, Octyldodecanol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Lactobacillus, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Phytosterols, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Sorbitan Oleate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ocimum Basilicum Hairy Root Culture Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate

Cost per ounce: $100

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Jane Iredale Mascaras

Lily Lolo Volume Naturale Mascara

  • Made with a relatively simple formula centered around plant waxes, olive oil, sunflower wax, and mango seed butter.
  • Contains conditioning ingredients like arginine, olive fruit oil, and olive unsaponifiables to help nourish lashes.
  • Uses hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-hexanediol, and caprylyl glycol as lower-concern preservative/booster ingredients instead of more problematic preservatives.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Tribehenin, Glyceryl Behenate, Propanediol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera (Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax), Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax), Oryza Sativa Bran Wax (Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax), Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Triheptanoin, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Arginine, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil), Mica, Hydroxyacetophenone, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter (Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter), Octyldodecanol, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables (Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables), Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol +/- (May Contain) CI 77499 (Iron Oxides)

Cost per ounce: $195.83

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Lily Lolo Volume Naturale Mascara

OGEE Beyond Clean Mascara

  • Made primarily with organic, plant-based ingredients.
  • Free of phenoxyethanol, PEGs, synthetic fragrance, silicones, and other major ingredients of concern.
  • Contains nourishing ingredients like aloe, jojoba oil, oat protein, and banana extract.
  • Kept out of the Best Stuff category because alcohol is high on the ingredient list, which may be irritating for some people, especially around the eyes.
  • Also contains shellac, a natural resin that isn't vegan and can be problematic for sensitive users.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxide †mineral Sources), Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Water/Aqua/Eau, Stearic Acid (†flaxseed)*, Ethyl Alcohol (†sugar Cane)*, Sorbitan Sesquioleate (†cassava And Coconut), Shellac (†sheedlac), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Propanediol (†corn), Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract, Silica (†mineral Sources), Potassium Hydroxide (†mineral Sources), Raspberry Ketones, Palmitic Acid (†vegetable Sources), Benzyl Alcohol (†cassia Oil), Glyceryl Caprylate (†vegetable Sources), Galactoarabinan (†larch Trees), Sodium Phytate (†rice), Acacia Senegal Gum (†acacia Tree), Xanthan Gum (†fermentation), Glyceryl Undecylenate (†vegetable Sources), Hydrolyzed Oat Protein (†oat Flour), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Alcohol (†sugarcane).

Cost per ounce: $96.67

Code: GIMME15 for 15% off

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OGEE Beyond Clean Mascara

Pacifica’s Dream Big and Stellar Gaze Mascara

  • Uses carnauba wax, candelilla wax, acacia gum, and plant-derived cellulose to help build volume and definition.
  • Uses iron oxides for pigment.
  • Contains Acrylates Crosspolymer to improve wear and performance.
  • Preserved with sodium benzoate and gluconolactone, an acceptable preservative system for mascara.
  • The only mildly concerning ingredient is non-organic hydrolyzed rice protein, which may be contaminated with pesticide residues.
  • Free of phenoxyethanol, parabens, synthetic fragrance, silicones, and petroleum-derived ingredients.
  • Note: Pacifica’s Aquarian Gaze Mascaras (water resistant) are Okay Stuff (see below).

Ingredients: aqua, glycerin (vegetable), glyceryl stearate se, jojoba esters, tapioca starch, stearic acid ( vegetable), copernicia cerfera (carnauba) wax, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, arabic/acacia gum, acrylates, crosspolymer, potassium cetyl phosphate, microcrystalline cellulse (plant), cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, panthenol (vitamin b), cellulose gum, gluconolactone, macrocystis pyifera (brown kelp) extract, hydrolyzed oryza sativa (rice) protein, sodium benzoate, iron oxides c1 77499.

Cost per ounce: $52.40

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Pacifica’s Dream Big and Stellar Gaze Mascara

River Organics Mascara

  • Made with an exceptionally simple formula featuring just ten ingredients.
  • Free of phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrance, silicones, PEGs, petroleum-derived ingredients, and conventional preservatives.
  • Contains nourishing organic coconut oil, castor oil, shea butter, and vitamin E to help condition lashes.
  • Uses mineral clays and arrowroot powder to naturally create volume and texture.
  • One of the cleanest ingredient lists in this guide, with a unique applicator.

Ingredients: Candelilla Wax, *Coconut Oil, *Castor Oil, *Shea Butter, Bentonite Clay, *Arrowroot Powder, Rhassoul Clay, Glycerin, Black Iron Oxide, Vitamin E
*Certified Organic

Cost per ounce: $93.30

River Organics Mascara

Saie Mascara 101

  • Free of phenoxyethanol, PEGs, synthetic fragrance, silicones, denatured alcohol, and ethylhexylglycerin.
  • Contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and radish root ferment filtrate.
  • Uses gentle preservatives (potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate) instead of harsher alternatives.

Ingredients: Beeswax (Cera Alba), Water (aqua), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Shea Butter, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl and Dimer Dilinoleate, Glycerin, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Agropyron Repens Root Extract, Arginine Leuconostoc (Radish Root) Ferment Filtrate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate

Cost per ounce: $83.87

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Saie Mascara 101

withSimplicity Botanical Mascara

  • Made with a simple, plant-based formula free of phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrance, silicones, PEGs, and petroleum-derived ingredients.
  • Contains nourishing botanical ingredients including coffee seed oil, sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil, chamomile extract, and vitamin E.
  • Uses natural waxes and rice powder to provide definition and volume without relying on synthetic film formers.
  • Preserved without conventional preservatives, instead relying on a blend of botanical extracts.
  • Contains several aromatic plant extracts, including oregano, thyme, cinnamon, rosemary, vanilla, and lemon peel, which may not be ideal for those with very sensitive eyes but are not a concern for most users.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, *Lecithin, Mica, *Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, *Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), *Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, *Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, *Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf Extract,*Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Cinnamonum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Bark Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extract, *Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract. May Contain/Peut Contenir: [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492) *Certified Organic

Cost per ounce: $88

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withSimplicity Botanical Mascara

Zuzu Luxe Non-Toxic Mascara

  • Contains panthenol, neem leaf extract, and eyebright extract to help condition the lashes.
  • Uses cellulose gum, stearic acid, cetearyl alcohol, and hectorite to provide texture and help coat the lashes.
  • Colored with iron oxides and titanium dioxide.
  • Preserved with potassium sorbate, which is less concerning than many conventional mascara preservatives.
  • Contains tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant rather than as the primary preservative.
  • Free of phenoxyethanol, parabens, synthetic fragrance, silicones, and acrylate-based film formers.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cellulose Gum, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol Acetate, Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) Extract, Iron Oxides, Hectorite, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Cost per ounce $155.96

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Zuzu Luxe Non-Toxic Mascara

Okay Stuff

Arbonne Elevate Mascara

  • Arbonne currently offers two mascaras with different levels of ingredient transparency.
  • Speak Volumes Mascara does not disclose a complete ingredient list, instead highlighting a proprietary blend of polypeptides and botanicals. We cannot rate this version.
  • Elevate Mascara does provide a complete ingredient list, and that lands in Okay Stuff.
  • Elevate contains beneficial conditioning ingredients including castor oil, niacinamide, panthenol, biotin, and tocopherol (vitamin E).
  • The formula uses sunflower wax and carnauba wax instead of petroleum-based waxes.
  • It is preserved with sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and benzyl alcohol, which are generally considered lower-concern preservatives than parabens or phenoxyethanol.
  • Elevate also contains VP/Eicosene Copolymer and Acrylates Copolymer, synthetic film-formers that improve wear and smudge resistance but keep it from ranking among my cleaner mascara picks.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Glyceryl Behenate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Acrylates Copolymer, Acacia Senegal Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Biotin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pantolactone, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol, Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

Cost per ounce: $44.21

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Arbonne Elevate Mascara

bareMinerals Mascara

  • All three current bareMinerals mascaras fall into the Okay Stuff category.
  • They avoid some of the most concerning ingredients found in conventional mascaras, but none are clean enough to earn a Good Stuff rating.
  • All three formulas rely on synthetic film-forming ingredients and contain one or more preservatives or processing aids that raise mild concerns.
  • The Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara has the cleanest overall ingredient list of the three, followed by Lashtopia Mega Volume, with Maximist Phyto-Fiber Volumizing Mascara ranking third.
  • If you prefer bareMinerals, the Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara would be my top pick.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Synthetic Beeswax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (Candelilla Cera/Cire Candelilla), Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax (Cera Carnauba/Cire De Carnauba), Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Panthenol, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Capric Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Dextran, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium Phosphate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Phosphate. May Contain/Peut Contenir (+/-): Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499).

Cost per ounce: $81.48

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bareMinerals Mascara

Dr. Hauschka’s Mascaras

  • All Dr. Hauschka mascaras use mostly plant-derived ingredients and botanical extracts.
  • The basic formula contains natural fragrance derived from essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance, along with naturally occurring fragrance allergens such as citronellol, geraniol, linalool, and eugenol.
  • Alcohol is the second ingredient, which may be irritating for some people, especially around the delicate eye area.
  • Overall, these mascaras contain mostly clean ingredients, but the combination of high alcohol content and essential oil fragrance components places them in the Okay Stuff category.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Alcohol, Sorbitol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Hectorite, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Rosa Damascena Flower Wax, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Linalool*, Eugenol*, Xanthan Gum, Lysolecithin, Potassium Hydroxide, Silica, Magnesium Oxide, Alumina, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarines (CI 77007). *from natural essential oils

Cost per ounce: $130.00

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Dr. Hauschka’s Mascaras

Jones Road Mascara

  • Contains conditioning ingredients like panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and vitamin E.
  • Free of fragrance, denatured alcohol, PEGs, and ethylhexylglycerin.
  • Uses phenoxyethanol as a preservative, which keeps it out of the Good Stuff category.
  • Also contains aminomethyl propanediol and synthetic film-formers (PVP and VP copolymers), making it a little less clean than the top picks.
  • Overall, a reasonable lower-toxicity option, but there are cleaner mascaras available.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba, Tribehenin, Glyceryl Stearate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, PVP, Stearic Acid, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cellulose, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Aminomethyl Propanediol, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77499)

Cost per ounce: $58.82

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Jones Road Mascara

Kjaer Weis Mascara

  • Made with a high percentage of organic ingredients and nourishing oils, including raspberry fruit water, marula seed oil, and sunflower seed oil.
  • Free of synthetic fragrance, silicones, and parabens, and certified COSMOS Organic.
  • Contains denatured alcohol fairly high on the ingredient list, along with benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and dehydroacetic acid as preservatives.
  • While these ingredients are generally considered acceptable in cosmetics, their combination keeps this mascara from earning a Good Stuff rating.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cera Alba (Beeswax)✽∆, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Behenate, Isostearic Acid, Alcohol Denat.†, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax✽, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Water✽, Acacia Seyal Gum✽, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

✽ From organic agriculture 
† Made using organic ingredients 
∆ Non-vegan

Cost per ounce: $162.50

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Kjaer Weis Mascara

Kosas Mascara

  • Made with a relatively short ingredient list and no major red flags.
  • Free of phenoxyethanol, fragrance, PEGs, silicones, denatured alcohol, and ethylhexylglycerin.
  • Contains conditioning ingredients like jojoba oil and a lash-supporting peptide (myristoyl pentapeptide-17).
  • Uses aminomethyl propanediol, which is the main reason I wouldn't place it in the Good Stuff category.
  • Overall, a cleaner formula than many conventional mascaras and a reasonable choice if you're looking for a lower-toxicity option.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/ Cire de Carnauba, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Myrica Pubescens Fruit Wax, Pullulan, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Galactoarabinan, Xanthan Gum, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone

Cost per ounce: $70

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Kosas Mascara

Olive Rose HT Mascara

  • Contains beneficial ingredients including olive leaf cell extract, olive fruit oil, argan oil, and hydroxytyrosol to help condition lashes.
  • Free of synthetic fragrance, phenoxyethanol, parabens, and silicones.
  • Uses synthetic beeswax and film-forming polymers to improve wear and volume.
  • Contains butylene glycol, aminomethyl propanediol, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, polybutene, and ethylhexylglycerin, which prevent it from earning a higher rating.

Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Cell Extract, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Synthetic Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Polybutene, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Aminomethyl Propanediol, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydroxytyrosol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Sorbate.

Cost per ounce: $88.08

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Olive Rose HT Mascara

Bad Stuff

Bad Stuff

Almay One Coat Mascaras get EWG scores of 7-9, thanks to ingredients like parabens and retinyl palmitate.

Cover Girl uses yucky stuff like parabens, aluminum powder, and triethanolamine.

Dior doesn’t disclose or show ingredients on their website, but from what I can tell, they re-formulated to eliminate some of the worst ingredients, like parabens, diazolidinyl urea, and triethanolamine. That’s the good news. Unfortunately, Dior mascaras still include a lot of concerning ingredients, such as parfum/fragrance, surfactants like sodium laureth 12-sulfate and glyceryl hydrogenated rosinate, and geraniol, citronellol, linalool, cinnamyl alcohol, ammonium hydroxide, and BHT!

Elizabeth Arden doesn’t disclose its mascara ingredients on their website, and there are no current listings on EWG/Skin Deep. Elsewhere I found ingredient lists that include bad stuff like triethanolamine and parabens.

I haven’t reviewed all of L’Oreal’s mascaras, but one of their most popular–L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara, has triethanolamine, imidazolidinyl urea (a formaldehyde releaser), parabens, BHT, and several concerning colorants, including D&C Black No. 2/CI 77266.

Max Factor mascaras include a lot of common bad ingredients, such as propylene glycol, triethanolamine, polyethylene, benzyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, parabens, SLS, and phenoxyethanol.

Maybelline Great Lash mascara, the beloved classic in the green and pink tube, contains yucky stuff like triethanolamine, propylene glycol, and parabens.

Physicians Formula’s non-organic mascaras have yucky ingredients like propylene glycol, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol, parabens, and diazolidinyl urea. However, I give the company props for making the only drug-store formulas that I recommend (see Good Stuff).

Rimmel makes a million different mascaras; just looking at one of them—Lash Accelerator in Extreme Black—I see worrisome ingredients like propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol, retinyl palmitate, parabens, PEG- 40 hydrogenated castor oil, BHA (a toxic preservative), and D&C Black No. 2/CI 77266 (a toxic colorant).

Wet-n-Wild mascaras appear to be paraben free, but contain other worrisome preservatives that I don’t want near my eyes, like methylisothiazolinone. They also contain yucky ingredients like triethanolamine, polyethylene, butylene glycol, and PEG-26- PPG-30 phosphate, which can be contaminated with toxic ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

Sneaky Stuff

Sneaky Stuff

Antonym Cosmetics Lola Lash Mascara formula includes PFAS.

Beauty Without Cruelty formulates their products in favor of the wellbeing of animals, but their mascaras have a number of ingredients that are concerning for humans and their eyes: triethanolamine, benzyl alcohol, non-organic rice bran wax and rice bran oil, dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, denatured alcohol, polyethylene, talc, and ethylhexylglycerin.

Benecos Natural mascaras are made with some organic plant oils and waxes, but this German company loses points for citral, limonene, and linalool, which come with the essential oils they use; having a relatively high concentration of potentially irritating alcohol; using sodium hydroxide (also potentially irritating); and “fragrance” (though they claim it’s not synthetic). Their Vegan Natural Volume Mascara is borderline okay except for glyceryl rosinate (EWG score of 6, and a potential irritant/allergen) and silver (a likely problematic colorant, especially around the eyes).

Burts Bees All Aflutter Mascara and Burts Bees Nourishing Mascara formulas includes PFAS.

Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara formula includes PFAS.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara formula includes PFAS.

Gabriel Mascara Black formula includes PFAS.

Honest Extreme Length Mascara formula includes PFAS.

Hynt Beauty Mascara formula includes PFAS.

MAC in Extreme Dimension 3D Lash Mascara and MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara formulas includes PFAS.

Mineral Fusion Volumizing Mascara formula includes PFAS.

Neutrogena “Healthy” Mascaras have and EWG score of 6 and are anything but healthy, containing bad ingredients such as parabens and sketchy “fragrance.”

Pacifica’s Aquarian Gaze Mascaras (water proof) formula has PFAS. These were Okay Stuff, due to a handful of mildly concerning ingredients (butylene glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, phenoxyethanol, and hexylene glycol). Steareth-21, a PEG-related surfactant that can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Note: Pacifica’s Dream Big and Stellar Gaze mascaras are Good Stuff (see above).

Physicians Formula Killer Curves Curling Mascara has a EWG score of 8 and contains PTFE which falls under the PFAS category. It also contains some other not so great ingredients like phenoxyethanol, butylene glycol, and hexylene glycol to name a few. It also includes PFAS.

Poofy Glam HD Mascara formula has PFAS.

PUR’s mascaras are not so “pure.” In addition to using concerning ingredients like triethanolamine, ethyhexyglyerin, phenoxyethanol, polybutene, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and hexylene glycol, they rely on several ingredients with contamination concerns—steareth-20 and steareth-2 (derived from polyethylene glycol, aka PEG); styrene/acrylates copolymer; polyvinyl acetate; and PEG-8 dimethicone. They proudly state that several of their mascaras are paraben-free, but they do use methylparaben in their Impact+ formula. This is the sneakiest of the Sneaky Stuff! Plus, the PUR Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara formula includes PFAS.

Pyt Beauty Swipe Right 12 Hr Mascara formula has PFAS.

RMS Beauty mascaras are really popular among my readers, so I hate to say that they are Sneaky. Unfortunately, these mascaras contain many ingredients of concern, including benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide (plus geraniol and linalool.)

Tarte’s motto, “High-performance naturals,” is a stretch. Their formulas include propylene glycol, triethanolamine, and ingredients that are potentially irritating to the eyes (aminomethyl propanol, butylene glycol, castor seed oil, and polybutene). If you’re a huge Tarte fan, the product with the least concerning ingredients is their “Lights, Camera, Splashes” waterproof mascara. Tarte Maneater Mascara formula includes PFAS.

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara contains several ingredients that keep it out of the Okay Stuff category, including denatured alcohol, dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, laureth-21, ethylhexylglycerin, and multiple synthetic film-forming polymers used to create its tubing formula. While it also contains beneficial ingredients like shea butter, castor seed oil, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate, the overall formula relies too heavily on ingredients I prefer to avoid, making this one Sneaky Stuff.

Toups & Co. Organics Mascara 099 Black formula includes PFAS.

W3ll People mascaras are another favorite among you guys, but after looking closely at their ingredients, I have to call them Sneaky. Their Expressionist Mascara is EWG certified, but the formula listed on Skin Deep misses a few key ingredients. Both the Expressionist and Expressionist Pro formulas include benzyl alcohol as the second ingredient. They also contain geraniol, limonene, and sodium hydroxide. And yes, this calls into question the EWG certification!

Savvy Minerals by Young Living Mascara formula includes PFAS.

Stay sane,
Author's Signature

Author's Signature

Maia, Founder & CEO

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92 comments

Maia James

I agree with you, Lorraine, and my favorite remover is Eyebright because it doubles as a treatment for fine lines and puffiness.
https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/farmaesthetics-eyebright-eye-makeup-remover-treatment-oil/

Lorraine

I bought Beauty Counter Mascara and it did not irritate my eyes, especially since I wear contacts. But I found it difficult to remove. What oil based mascara remover would you recommend that is a SAFE product to use?

Bluebillie

I second the curiosity about Ilia mascaras and Lily Lolo, and also the French line Couleur Caramel (nature of beauty website sells). Another one is Nu Evolution Cosmetics.
Thanks for all your hard work helping to demystify this large field of choices! I’ve bought two mattresses and a futon based on your recs so far!

Sam

What about a lot of the honest company beauty line. ?

Maia James

great to know! Thank you:).

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Safe Mascara FAQ's

Avoid mascaras containing coal tar dyes (FD&C or D&C colors), formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. These ingredients can irritate eyes, disrupt hormones, and may accumulate in the body over time. Look for mascaras with transparent ingredient lists and third-party testing to ensure they're free of these harmful additives.

Safe mascara is made with natural pigments (like iron oxides and plant-based dyes), clean waxes (beeswax, candelilla wax), and conditioning ingredients like vitamin E and plant oils. It should be free of synthetic fragrance, parabens, and endocrine disruptors. The best non-toxic mascaras have clean ingredient lists, transparent sourcing, and third-party testing to verify safety.

Waterproof mascara uses silicones and waxes to create a water-resistant barrier, making it longer-lasting but harder to remove. Non-waterproof mascara is easier to wash off with water or gentle cleansers, making it better for daily use and sensitive eyes. For most people, non-waterproof is the safer choice — save waterproof for special occasions and always remove it gently before bed.

If you have sensitive eyes, choose a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free mascara with minimal ingredients. Look for formulas that are ophthalmologist-tested and free of common irritants like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. Consider patch-testing on a small area first, and avoid mascaras with added fibers or heavy waxes that can irritate delicate eye tissue. Natural, plant-based formulas are often gentler.

Mascara typically lasts 3-6 months after opening before it dries out or bacteria accumulate. Once opened, replace it every 3 months to prevent eye infections. Check for changes in texture, smell, or appearance — if it's clumpy, smells off, or has separated, it's time to replace it. Never share mascara with others, and always wash your hands before applying to prevent contamination.

Use a gentle, oil-based makeup remover or micellar water to dissolve mascara without tugging on delicate lashes. Apply the remover to a soft cotton pad, hold it against your closed eye for a few seconds, then gently wipe downward. Never rub or pull at your lashes, as this can cause breakage and damage to the hair follicles. Follow with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to remove any residue.

Natural mascaras use plant-based waxes, oils, and mineral pigments instead of synthetic chemicals. They're generally gentler on eyes and skin, less likely to cause irritation, and better for the environment. However, "natural" doesn't always mean safer — check the full ingredient list. The best mascaras combine natural ingredients with rigorous safety testing and transparent sourcing, regardless of whether they're labeled "natural."

Low-quality mascaras with harmful chemicals can cause eye irritation, allergic reactions, and infections. Leaving mascara on overnight can clog pores and lead to styes or infections. Tugging during removal can damage lashes and cause traction alopecia. Using safe, clean mascaras and practicing proper removal techniques minimizes these risks. If you experience persistent redness, itching, or discharge, discontinue use and consult an eye doctor.

For kids and those with sensitive skin, choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free mascaras with minimal ingredients. Look for products specifically formulated for sensitive eyes and tested for safety. Avoid mascaras with synthetic dyes, parabens, and heavy waxes. For young children, consider waiting until they're older before regular mascara use. Always supervise application and removal, and teach proper hygiene to prevent eye infections.

Conventional mascaras often contain synthetic chemicals and microplastics that end up in waterways and harm aquatic life. Natural mascaras with biodegradable formulas and sustainable packaging are better for the environment. Look for brands using recyclable or compostable packaging, and avoid mascaras with plastic microbeads. Choosing eco-friendly mascara is a simple way to reduce your environmental footprint while protecting your eyes.

Always start with clean hands and eyelids to prevent bacteria transfer. Apply mascara in gentle, upward strokes from the base of your lashes, wiggling the wand slightly for even coverage. Avoid applying mascara to the waterline, as this can trap bacteria and cause infections. Never share mascara with others, and replace your mascara every 3 months. Always remove mascara before bed to prevent lash damage and eye irritation.

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