Best Hypoallergenic Eye Makeup for Sensitive Eyes

Keep red, irritated eyes at bay with these tips for choosing hypoallergenic eye makeup.

Updated November 21, 2023
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Eye allergy

Makeup for eye allergy sufferers should be gentle and natural. Many products are designed for those with sensitive eyes and will not cause irritation when worn.

About Eye Allergies

Allergies can be caused by numerous things, from environmental to cosmetic. There are endless triggers that can cause your eyes to swell and become puffy and irritated. Does this mean that you need to stop wearing makeup and let your eyes be bare? Not necessarily. There are several options that can be used to help stave off further irritation to your sensitive eyes.

Best Brands of Makeup for Eye Allergy Sufferers

Those suffering from eye allergies need to be careful when choosing to wear makeup around their eyes. There are certain ingredients in makeup that can cause irritation and discomfort for those already suffering from allergies.

When shopping for eye makeup, be sure to choose brands that are made for sensitive eyes, and always read the labels to make sure that there are not any harsh chemicals that may bother your eyes in them. Look for makeup that is free of fragrance as well since it can be irritating to your eyes. Many brands will clearly state that they have been dermatologist-tested and approved by ophthalmologists. They may also state that they are hypoallergenic as well.

Almay

Almay is frequently mentioned as a good option for sensitive, allergy-prone eyes. Beyond that, part of the beauty of Almay products is that you can get them at drugstores and Ulta, so you won't need to go out of your way to place an order online or make a special trip to a department store. Some of their products are specially formulated for sensitive eyes and contact lenses, and since they are available at drugstores, they can be found at affordable price points.

Almay Thickening Mascara with Aloe and Vitamin B5, Hypoallergenic, Cruelty, Fragrance Free, Blackest Black
  • Health magazine recommends Almay's Length & Lift Mascara. This is a clump-free formula designed to get every lash with one sweep. It's also designed to be extra gentle on sensitive eyes. In the Health article, ophthalmologist Jessica Lattman, M.D. suggests that the simpler the formula, the better for those with sensitive, allergy-prone eyes. Designed with a pro-vitamin formula that lengthens the look of lashes in one sweep without extra ingredients that could irritate, the Almay Length & Lift mascara fits the bill.
  • Allure and Everyday Health recommend Almay's Thickening Mascara. It's hypoallergenic and makes your lashes look long and thick, not clumpy. It's also designed to be extra gentle. Formulated with natural ingredients like aloe and vitamin B-5, it glides on smoothly and without irritation.
  • Total Beauty says the Almay Smart Shade CC Concealer + Brightener is a safe bet for concealing dark circles around sensitive eyes. Almay's makeup is designed to go easy on those with sensitive skin and eyes, and the concealer is no different. Remember, it's not just eye makeup that can affect eye allergies; concealer and foundation go around the eyes as well and could cause itching, watering, and redness.

Clinique

Clinique is well-known for being gentle and great for sensitive skin, sensitive eyes, and contact lenses (which can make your eyes feel more sensitive). These products, from eyeliner to foundation, don't have any known allergens, so it's a good brand to try if all others seem to bother your eyes.

Health magazine points out that you should wear black mascara instead of any other color, as black dyes tend to be more eye-friendly than the more colorful ones. That same article warns against using waterproof formulas because they're harder to remove, however, so you may have to experiment to see which kind works best for your eyes.

Physicians Formula

Jezebel recommends another drugstore line for sensitive eyes: Physician's Formula. Favorites include eyeshadow that also works as a bronzer, fine-tipped liquid liner, and wet-to-dry shadow. Allure also mentions them in their allergy-friendly mascara roundup, and Total Beauty recommends their concealer. Try the:

Physicians Formula Eye Booster Waterproof Ultra-Fine Liquid Eyeliner, Blackest Black

100% Pure

100% Pure is a makeup and skincare brand that is dedicated to providing natural products that are free from toxins and harmful ingredients. They do not use artificial colors or fragrances, nor do they use synthetic chemical preservatives in any of their products. The brand was covered on The Derm Review website, which cites the "generally positive" user reviews online. This brand was also recommended by ELUX magazine as one of the best natural makeup brands.

Products that get high ratings and reviews from the brand include:

  • Fruit-Pigmented Eye Shadow: This product blends easily, doesn't irritate, and lasts all day, according to reviewers. Available in 12 different shades, this eye shadow is available for around $20.00. It is vegan and formulated with fruit pigments instead of synthetic dyes.
  • Creamy Long Last Eyeliner: This eyeliner is designed with soothing jojoba oil and shea butter that make it glide on smoothly. Users report that it doesn't cause stinging or itching, and it lasts all day. It is available for around $26.00 and comes in Dark Cacao, Royal, Gleaming Pewter, and Blackest.

Kiss Freely

Recommended on independent blogs such as Busy Bee Kate, Kiss Freely is a brand that strives to offer products that are free from common allergens, including the top eight known food allergens (some women that have allergic reactions to makeup find it may be because of gluten or soy). Products to consider include:

Kiss Freely Allergen Free Mineral Foundation Cream
  • Kiss Freely Eyeliner has only five ingredients, and it is vegan and gluten-free.
  • Kiss Freely Eye Shadow comes in four shades (Taupe, Tickled Pink, Pumpking, and Pixie Dust) for around $13.00 each. Again, the ingredient list is kept simple to prevent reactions and irritations, containing only micas, oxides, and clay.

Rejuva Minerals Multi-Purpose Pressed Powder

Rejuva Minerals Multi-Purpose Pressed Powders for Eye and Face have some of the best ratings overall in the EWG database, including in the "Allergies and Immunotoxicity" section. You can get Rejuva Minerals shadows for under $18.00 per color.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Waterproof Mascara

Vogue and Bellatory recommend La Roche-Posay Toleriane Waterproof Mascara because it can stand up to the occasional tear without smudging, makes lashes look thick, doesn't have parabens or fragrances, and doesn't flake. This product has been allergy-tested.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Volume Mascara Allergy Tested 6.9ml Color Brown

Consider Cream Eyeshadow

No matter which brand you like, Total Beauty points out the need to use cream shadows instead of powders but still steer clear of high-shimmer, glittery, and metallic shades as they can still irritate your eyes. The pigments in powder and cream formulas are different enough that the powders can cause more eye irritation than the creams. The article from Total Beauty does say that if you can't let go of your powders, at least use a shadow primer first. It'll give the powder something to adhere to, so it's less likely to end up in your eyes. Try:

2 PACK Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eye Shadow, TOO COOL

Trial and Error

Unfortunately, no brand or product will work for everyone with eye allergies, so there will still be some trial and error involved in your search for products that won't irritate your eyes. Dr. Noëlle Sherber, in an Elle article on cosmetic allergies, suggests that a patch test is a good way to narrow down if you are having a reaction to a specific cosmetic product. Unless you already love a particular brand, try starting with the drugstore recommendations to save money. Check the store's return policy before making a purchase so you won't be out of luck (and money) if something doesn't work for you.

Best Hypoallergenic Eye Makeup for Sensitive Eyes