This review shares the 18 best non toxic mascaras including brands that are vegan, and free from harmful chemicals such as mercury, carbon black, PFAS, artificial fragrances and silicones. Many of these mascaras are also cruelty free, gluten free and EWG certified.
Of all the makeup products out there, mascara is one product that many people like to wear everyday. Wearing mascara can make you look more awake, make your eyes look wider and brighter and make you look more rested. However, not all mascaras are created equally.
Other personal care products like deodorant, moisturizers, sunscreens, shampoos and conditioners often get more attention when it comes to the clean beauty space, and the importance of choosing safe ingredients, but it's important to talk about mascara too. Unfortunately, many potentially harmful ingredients can be used to make mascara, such as carbon pigments, mercury, parabens, silicones, PFAS, synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, and more, so it's important that the mascara you choose be made with safe and non-toxic ingredients.
Navigating the clean mascara space can be tricky. There are no industry wide or regulated definitions for the terms "clean", "safe", "organic" or "non-toxic" when it comes to personal care products so it can be confusing to know what mascaras are truly clean or safe or not. That is why I created this post. I want to make shopping for non toxic mascaras easier for you.
In this review you will find a list of the best non toxic mascara brands that are free from potentially harmful chemicals, that work well, and are eco-friendly and safe for the planet. Clean mascaras also tend to be better for those with sensitive skin and sensitive eyes. There are mascaras here at every price point including more affordable and luxury options. Many of these mascaras are also now sold in drug stores making shopping even easier!
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The Best Non Toxic Mascaras
Note that some of these links are affiliate links whereby I make a small commission if you order through the link. Doing so does not cost you anything extra but allows me to continue providing all the free content that I do. I truly appreciate your support in keeping this site up and running.
If you appreciate non toxic product reviews be sure to check out some of my other articles including the best non toxic vitamin C serums, the best non toxic mattresses and the best non toxic period underwear.
Dime Beauty
Benefits: Volumizing
Ingredients: Water, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Magnesium Stearate, Squalane, Microcrystalline Wax, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide).
Size: 8 G or 0.28 oz
Price: $22 USD - if you shop through this link and use the code DRCARTER you will get 20% off!
The Dime Beauty Volume Mascara is my personal favourite non toxic mascara. I just discovered this beauty brand recently and they make a lot of great safe beauty products, and their mascara is no exception. This mascara is great for adding volume to lashes and doesn't clump or smudge. The Dime Beauty mascara is vegan and cruelty free and I love that they provide the EWG rating on all of their ingredients so you know that it's safe.
The Dime Beauty mascara is also one of the more affordable clean mascaras on the market, so another reason why it's my top choice.
Beautycounter
Benefits: Provides volume, lifts and lengthens.
Ingredients: Water, iron oxides (Cl 77499), synthetic beeswax, palmitic acid, stearic acid, rice bran wax, acacia Senegal gum, euphorbia cerifera, candelilla wax, polyurethane-35, polyglyceryl-2 isostearate/dimer dilinoleate copolymer, amino methyl propendiol, carnauba wax, VP/Eicosene copolymer, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, panthenol, pentylene glycol, microcrystalline cellulose, polylactic acid, cellulose, methylpropanediol, cellulose gum, caprylyl glycol, silica, phenylpropanol, phenoxyethanol.
Size:
Price: $30 USD - if you are a new customer, shop using this link and enter the code CLEANFORALL20 at checkout to get 20% off your purchase.
The Beautycounter Think Big All in One Mascara is another great non toxic mascara option. It volumizes, lifts, and lengthens lashes and also helps strengthen them with tripeptide technology allowing your lashes to look even fuller. The ingredients in this mascara also nourish and condition lashes, while biotinyl-tripeptide helps support stronger, healthier-looking lashes.
The Beautycounter mascara is also vegan and EWG certified. It was also found to be non detect for PFAS chemicals in a recent independent investigation.
Ilia
Benefits: Helps lift, curl, and lengthen lashes.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire D'Abeille*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glycerin, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba*, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Phenethyl Alcohol, Biotin, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxide). *Organic Ingredients. Ingrédients Organiques.
Size: 0.27 oz | 8 g (full size) or 0.1 oz | 3g (mini)
Price: $28 USD for the full size and $13 USD for the mini size.
The Ilia mascara is an award-winning clean mascara that is buildable and flake-resistant. It is made with 99% naturally derived ingredients and is meant to help lift, curl, lengthen, and adds just the right amount of volume.
Ilia mascara is also great for sensitive eyes and skin and is easily removed with water.
Juice Beauty
Benefits: Volumizes.
Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis juice*, organic glycerin*, acacia senegal gum extract†, organic tapioca starch*, glyceryl stearate SE†, jojoba esters†, microcrystalline cellulose†, stearic acid†, potassium cetyl phosphate, gluconolactone†, copernicia cerifera (organic carnauba wax)*, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla wax)†, tocopherol (Vitamin E)†, cellulose gum†, sodium benzoate, calcium gluconate, sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid)†, maltodextrin†, methyl dihydroabietate†, argania spinosa (argan shell powder)†, rosa gallica (rose flower powder)†, daucus carota (purple carrot extract)†, iron oxide (CI 77499).
* = Certified organic ingredient
† = Plant derived
Size: 0.3 oz / 8.5 g
Price: $25 USD
The Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Ultra Natural Mascara is designed to help build length and definition for lashes. This natural mascara is formulated with organic ingredients, is vegan and cruelty free and leaping bunny certified.
The Juice Beauty mascara is designed to be a non-drying formula that leaves lashes clump-free to help minimize smudging and flaking. This mascara is made without parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycols, silicones, talc, carbon black, phthalates, sulfates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, GMO, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances. This mascara was independently tested for PFAS and found to be PFAS free.
Kosas
Benefits: Volume and lash separation.
Ingredients: Aqua, Beeswax, CI 77499, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Pullulan, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Sorbitol, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Acacia Senegal Gum, Trehalose, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.
Size: 9.5 g / 0.34 oz
Price: $26 USD
Kosas The Big Clean Mascara is another popular clean mascara that is designed to help create big, fluffy lashes. It is formulated to last for 12 hours of wear. Biodegradable plant-based sugars replace traditionally used microplastics for a long-wearing formula.
The Kosas mascara is designed for those with sensitive eyes and is hypoallergenic and non-irritating. It is gluten free and cruelty-free and made without carbon black, acrylates, mineral oil, talc, silicones, fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It was also independently tested and found to be PFAS free.
Well People
Benefits: Comes in black and brown shades. Volumizing.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), C10-18 Triglycerides, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera,Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax/Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Glycerin, Olea Europaea(Olive)Oil Unsaponifiables/Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables, Shorea Robusta Resin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Octyldodecanol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax/Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Size:
Price: $20 USD
The Well People Volumizing Mascara is specifically designed to help volumize and plump your lashes. It is an award winning product that is vegan and cruelty free. It comes in both black and brown shades and is made with nourishing plant-based ingredients.
This long-wear mascara helps conditions, hydrate, and supports healthy lashes. It's also easy to remove and was independently tested to be PFAS free. It's EWG verified, cruelty free and leaping bunny certified.
Elate Beauty
Benefits: Buildable, sweat resistant.
Ingredients: Aqua, CI 77499, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Myrica Pubescens (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Pullulan, Glyceryl Caprylate, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Galactoarabinan
Size:
Price: $30 USD
The Elate Beauty Essential Mascara is specifically formulated for those with sensitive eyes and it comes in a recyclable glass tube to help cut down on waste. The formula is buildable and sweat resistant and it's made with organic white tea. This mascara is full of antioxidants to help create healthier, stronger lashes.
The Elate mascara is vegan, gluten free, cruelty free and the company is a certified B corporation. It has also been third party tested for PFAS and found to be negative. The mascara also comes in both black and brown shades.
Root Pretty
Benefits: Good for sensitive eyes.
Ingredients: Water, Corn Starch, Organic Matricaria Flower Extract, Coffee Seed Oil, Organic Lecithin (from sunflower), Mica, Organic Carnauba Wax, Organic Rice Powder, Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Vitamin E (from sunflower), Organic Grape Seed Oil, Organic Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Organic Oregano Leaf Extract, Thyme Extract, Organic Cinnamon Bark Extract, Organic Rosemary Flower Extract, Goldenseal Extract, Lemon Peel Extract • May Contain: Titanium Dioxide & Iron Oxides
Size: Black in Plastic Tube: .33 oz (temporary February 2023 packaging)
Brown in Plastic Tube: .25 oz
Price: $18
The Root Pretty 100% Lash Natural and Organic Mascara helps thicken lashes and is smudge proof and water resistant. It is made with a no clumping and no flaking formula that contains no artificial colors, preservatives or fragrances making it ideal for sensitive eyes.
The Root mascara comes with a short wand which allows you precise control when applying so you don't miss a lash. It comes in two colours brown and black and the mascara also smells like vanilla! It has also been third party tested for PFAS and found to be negative.
Fitglow Beauty
Benefits: Volumizing and conditioning.
Ingredients: Aqua, Iron Oxide (CI 77499), *Euphorbia Cerifera (Candellila) Wax, *Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba Wax), *Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Vegetable Collagen, *Myrica Pubescens Fruit Wax, Stearic Acid (Cocoa Source), *Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail Plant) Extract, *Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Propanediol / Pentylene Glycol / Phenethyl Alcohol (Non GMO Sugar Source), Hydrolyzed (Lupine) Plant Protein. *certified organic ingredient
Size: 8 g
Price: $38 USD
The Fitglow Beauty Vegan Good Lash+ Mascara is a multitasking 3-in-1 conditioning mascara that naturally amplifies lash volume and length. It contains botanical extracts and phyto superfoods that promote healthy lashes and lash growth.
The Fitglow mascara is gluten free, vegan, cruelty free and made with organic ingredients. It also comes in black, rich navy, and brown shades. This mascara has also been third party tested for PFAS and found to be negative.
100% Pure
Benefits: Lengthens and separates.
Ingredients: Camellia Sinensis (Organic Green Tea)* Leaf Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Cera Alba (Honey Beeswax), Camellia Sinensis (Black Tea) Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Powder) Extract, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein (Oat Protein), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Wheat Protein), Antothenic Acid (Pro-Vitamin B5), Fucus Vesiculosus (Seaweed Powder) Extract, Coconut Acid (Coconut Stearic Acid), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Pearl Powder (Pearl Powder), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Powder, Coffea Arabica (Powdered Coffee Beans) Seed Extract, Mel (Lavender Honey), Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Extract.
Size: 0.35 oz / 10g
Price: $28 USD
The 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented® Ultra Lengthening Mascara lengthens and separates lashes without clumping, smudging, or flaking. It is coloured with natural pigments from black tea, berries and cocoa and also coats each lash with conditioners to maintain their health.
The 100% Pure mascara comes in a variety of colours including black tea, blueberry, blackberry and dark chocolate. This mascara is cruelty free, and made in the USA and was independently tested for PFAS and found to be negative.
Crunchi
Benefits: Lift, length and volume.
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
Size: Not specified
Price: $30 USD
The Crunchi Shattered Mascara is designed to help lift, lengthen and help volumize your eye lashes. This mascara is water resistant, long lasting, leaping bunny certified, vegan, gluten free, made in the USA, non-GMO, and packaged in a glass tube, eliminating the need for wasteful plastic packaging. The Crunchi mascara was also independently tested for the presence of PFAS and found to be negative.
Lily Lolo
Benefits: volumize and lengthen.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Myrica Pubescens Fruit Cera (Myrica Pubescens Fruit Wax), Propanediol, Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax), Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Sucrose Stearate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera (Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax), Lactobacillus Ferment, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Oryza Sativa Bran Cera (Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax), Glyceryl Caprylate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, May Contain Iron Oxides.
Size: 7 ml or 1.5 oz
Price: $20 USD
The Lily Lolo Creamy Natural Vegan Mascara will help volumise and lengthen lashes to produce a dramatic effect. This mascara is designed to help enhance all eye colours. This quick drying mascara has no artificial ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals, talc, additives, parabens, gluten, bismuth oxychloride, fillers, petroleum based chemicals, and nano particles.
The Lily Lolo mascara is also ophthalmologist tested and is meant for sensitive eyes. It is also vegan, gluten free, cruelty free and Leaping Bunny certified. It has also been third party tested for evidence of PFAS and found to be negative.
Aisling Organics
Benefits: Volumizes, lifts and curls.
Ingredients: Water, Non-Nano Iron Oxide, Carnauba Wax, Plant derived Glycerin, Glycerin Rosinate, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Cellulose, Dilinoleic Acid/Propanediol Copolymer, Non-GMO Zea Mays Corn Starch, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Pullulan, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Cetearyl Olivate, Plant derived Sorbitol, Trehalose, Sorbitan Olivate, Acacia Senegal Gum (Sap of the Acacia Tree), Glyceryl Caprylate, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Sodium Hydroxide, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi (Rapeseed Oil), Copolymer, Non-Nano Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (Plant derived), Tocopherol (Derived from Non-GMO Soy), Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac Leaf Cell) Culture Extract, Maltodextrin, Sodium Shale Oil Sulfonate, Salix Alba (Willow Bark Extract), Melia Azadirachta Leaf (Neem Extract), Curcuma Longa Turmeric Root Extract, Oligopeptide-10 (Peptides), Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright Extract), Pimpinella Anisum Seed (Anise Extract), Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin Seed Extract)
Size: Not specified.
Price: $25 USD
The Aisling Organics All Inclusive Mascara is made with volumizing ingredients to not only life and curl your lashes, but help strengthen and lengthen them over time. This mascara doesn't clump, flake or smudge and is easy to remove.
The Aisling Organics mascara is made with carnauba wax to make it water repellent, neem extract promotes hair growth and willow bark extract also nourishes the hair follicle to encourage new lash growth. This mascara is also cruelty free and has really great online reviews.
Saie
Benefits: Volumizes, buildable, lash conditioning.
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 FiltrateZea Mays (Corn) Starch Glyceryl Caprylate Xanthan GumCetyl Alcohol Phenethyl Alcohol Potassium Sorbate Sodium Benzoate
Size: 0.31 oz or 10 g
Price: $26 USD
The Saie Mascara 101 is a thick and buildable formula that is formulated to strengthen, moisturize and condition lashes. It comes in both brown and black shades and has won many beauty awards for being the best clean mascara. The Saie mascara is gluten free and cruelty free.
Saie Mascara 101 helps lift and volumize eye lashes and contains no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, talc, mineral oil, GMOs, synthetic fragrance, or BHA. It has also been third party tested for the presence of PFAS and found to be negative.
Sappho New Paradigm Cosmetics
Benefits: Lengthening and refillable.
Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Myrica Pubescens Fruit Wax*, CI 77499, Diheptyl succinate, Copernicia Cerifera Wax*, Stearic acid, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera*, Pullulan, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Acacia Senegal Gum, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Phenethyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium carbonate.
* Certified organic (pesticide free) ingredient
Size: 8 ml or 3 oz
Price: $32 USD for full mascara and $25 for refills.
The Sappho New Paradigm Cosmetics Maximum Intensity Refillable Mascara is unique in the clean beauty space because the mascara is refillable meaning it cuts down on waste. You buy the full mascara initially and then purchase the refills after that.
The Sappho New Paradigm Mascara is a lengthening vegan mascara made with organic fruit and plant waxes that is designed to be long-lasting and smear-proof, buildable, and gentle enough to come off with water. This mascara is low in heavy metal minerals, is ethically sourced, verified child labor free, and PFAS free to the detectable limit (<10 ppm of organic fluorine). Sappho mascara is also cruelty free and EU certified.
TOK Beauty
Benefits: Lengthening, lash conditioning.
Ingredients: Aqua, CI 77499, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Myrica Pubescens (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Pullulan, Glyceryl Caprylate, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Galactoarabinan.
Size: 8 ml
Price: $28 USD
The TOK Beauty Lash Enhancing Mascara is a vegan, water resistant clean mascara that is made in Canada. The formula is designed to lengthen and condition lashes and helps promote lash growth and prevent breakage.
TOK Beauty mascara is also gluten free, cruelty free, made with plant based ingredients, and is packaged consciously using recyclable plastic and an aluminum shell, and sent in eco-friendly and compostable shipping materials.
Westman Atelier
Benefits: Volumizes, defines, and curls.
Ingredients: aqua/water, cera alba/beeswax, copernicia cerifera cera/copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, sucrose distearate, cichorium intybus root extract/cichorium intybus (chicory) root extract, propanediol, helianthus annuus seed cera/helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, sucrose stearate, galactoarabinan, caprylyl glycol, caprylhydroxamic acid, glycerin, sodium hydroxide, ci 77499/iron oxides
Size: 0.29 oz / 8.5mL
Price: $58 USD
The Westman Atelier mascara is a luxury clean mascara that is made with 95% natural ingredients. This mascara combines plant-powered technology with conditioning ingredients and a densely packed nylon brush that helps volumize, define, and curl lashes.
The Westman Atelier mascara is cruelty free, and made with no silicones, no parabens, no PEGs, or phthalates. It has also been third party tested for the presence of PFAS and found to be negative.
Zerra & Co
Benefits: Refillable.
Ingredients: Water, Stearic Acid, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Vegetable Glycerin, Gum Arabic, Polysorbate 80, Cetearyl Alcohol, DL-Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Iron Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Capryl Glycol, Sorbic Acid.
Size: 0.33 fl oz (10 mL)
Price: $23.99
The Zerra & Co mascara is a low-waste and natural mascara. The packaging on this mascara is unique. Featuring a glass vial and a bamboo lid means this mascara has 85% less plastic by weight than conventional mascaras. This mascara is refillable - you simply buy the initial mascara and then the glass vial refills. You keep the bamboo lid, clean it and replace it into your refill. Zerra & Co even has a recycling container return program where you send the empty mascara container back to them.
The Zerra & Co mascara comes in both black and brown colours. It has also been third party tested for the presence of PFAS and has been found to be negative.
Brands I can't recommend:
All of these mascaras have been found to contain evidence of PFAS chemicals, and so while these brands may show up on other non toxic mascara lists I couldn't include them in my list for this reason.
- Burt's Bees
- Gabriel
- Honest
- Mineral Fusion
- Poofy
- RMS
- Young Living
- Bare Minerals
- C’est Moi
- Josie Maran
- Pacifica
- Rejuva Minerals
- Tarte
Ingredients to avoid in mascara:
Now that we have reviewed the best clean mascaras, I wanted to give you more information about some of the potentially harmful chemicals that can be used in mascara, and why it's so important to avoid them and choose safe options instead. Now this is not an exhaustive list of all the potentially harmful ingredients that can be found in mascaras but these are some of the more frequently used ingredients to watch for.
If you would like more information on these ingredients and their risks, please see the reference section at the end of this post for further reading.
BHT and BHA
Butylated compounds such as BHA and BHT are known endocrine disruptors and are also toxic to other organs. The are also likely a human carcinogen. They are especially concerning for pregnant women and children. To avoid them look for BHA or BHT on ingredient lists.
Carbon black (Uncertified D&C Black No. 2)
Carbon black is a color made of finely divided particles of elemental carbon obtained by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It can also go by other names or terms such as acetylene black, animal bone charcoal, carbon black, char, lampblack, channel black, pigment black 6 and pigment black 7.
Carbon black is problematic because it is a respiratory toxin, animal studies show it to be a neurotoxin, and is an endocrine disruptor. It can also irritate the eyes, nose and throat and is a possible carcinogen. Other studies also show it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Fortunately its use in cosmetics has been restricted in certain countries including the USA and the EU.
Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA)
The European Commission prohibits DEA use in cosmetics and personal care products due to concerns regarding the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. However, these chemicals are still allowed to be used in other countries.
There is also concern that these chemicals can negatively impact male fertility as in vitro studies have shown they impair sperm motility and viability. Animals studies also shown concering neurological effects. TEA is also an immune and respiratory toxin.
To avoid ethanolamines, look for DEA, TEA and MEA when reading ingredient lists.
Mercury
While mercury has been banned from the majority of makeup products, an exception has been given to eye makeup, including mascara where it is still allowed to be used. This is concerning because mercury is dangerous to health. It can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation and neurotoxic effects. Mercury has also been linked to developmental toxicity, respiratory (lung) toxicity, vision loss, numbness and loss of sensation, headaches, fatigue, slurred speech, difficulty walking and skin rashes.
The other issue with mercury use in mascara is that it is used as a preservative, and brands don't have to list it in the ingredients if they are using it. This is concerning because you want to know what is going on your body. The only way to know if a company is using mercury in their mascara is to contact them and see if they will disclose that information to you.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
PFAS are a class of chemicals that provide stain and water resistant coatings. For instance they are often used on non-stick pans, rain coats, stain resistant furniture, food packaging etc. PFAS chemicals have been termed “forever chemicals” because they are persistent, meaning they build up and don’t go away. They resist degradation in the environment and they remain in our bodies for years, and sometimes even decades after exposure.
PFAS, even at low doses, can be harmful to health and are known to have a number of harmful effects on human health including but not limited to:
- They are endocrine disruptors or hormone disruptors.
- They increases the risks of certain cancers including thyroid and kidney cancer.
- Can cause metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes.
- Can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
- Can cause thyroid disease.
- May cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Increase cholesterol levels.
- Can decrease sperm counts.
- Can increase the chances of miscarriages in pregnancy.
- Affects the growth, learning, and behaviour of infants and older children.
- Increases risk of allergies and asthma in children.
- Decreases chances of getting pregnant.
The original PFAS chemicals are known as “long-chain” because they have a long carbon and fluorine chain. Today, the production of the long carbon chain chemicals like PFOA and PFOS have been largely phased out in most consumer products. The manufacturing of the next generation of fluorinated chemicals has brought new PFAS chemicals to the market and are referred to as “small-chain” because they have a shorter carbon-fluorine chain. The problem with this new class of small chain chemicals is their small size, making them even more persistent in the environment and even more difficult to clean up.
Unfortunately, when it comes to makeup, many studies have shown that PFAS can be found in various makeup products. What's even more concerning is that PFAS are often not listed on labels or ingredient lists.
Recent independent investigations found that only 8% of the 231 products tested listed PFAS as an ingredient. The most common PFAS ingredient found in makeup is polytetrafluoroethylene (more commonly known as Teflon).
Now one very important thing I have to mention is that there is no such thing as a non-toxic waterproof mascara. In order to make something waterproof companies need to use PFAS chemicals, so waterproof mascara will contain PFAS, which are not safe. That is why you don't see any water proof mascaras in this review.
PEGS
PEG compounds are formed by condensing water and ethylene oxide. While PEG compounds themselves are usually safe for our health, they can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which is a known carcinogen and because they are penetration enhancers, depending on what other ingredients are in the product, they can potentially make other toxic chemicals more harmful as well.
Parabens
Parabens are used in the personal care and cosmetic industry as preservatives and as part of fragrance formulations. The issue with parabens is that some of them are known endocrine disruptors, or hormone disruptors. They can also cause developmental and reproductive toxicity.
You can identify these in ingredient lists as they end in "paraben". When reading labels watch for ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben etc.
Parabens can also be hidden in a products fragrance formula so also avoid any products with the terms fragrance, perfume or parfum in the ingredient lists.
Phthalates
Certain phthalates are known hormone disruptors or endocrine disruptors and have been shown to have many negative health effects including decreasing sperm counts, contributing to heart disease, contributing to early death, weight gain and diabetes.
When reading product labels watch for the ingredients Dibutylphthalate (DBP), Dimethylphthalate (DMP), Diethylphthalate (DEP), Di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP), Di 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), Diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP), Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP), Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Di-n-octylphthalate (DnOP).
Phthalates are also commonly included in a products fragrance formula so also be sure to avoid products with the terms fragrance, perfume or parfum in the ingredient lists.
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is teratogenic and there have been some studies showing that it could increase the risk of skin cancer.
Talc
Talc is used in the personal care industry for many different reasons including absorbency, as an anticaking agent, bulking agent, opacifying agent, and anti-slip agent. The problem with talc is that it can often be contaminated with asbestos which is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory toxicity.
Studies done by the National Toxicology Panel have also demonstrated that cosmetic-grade talc free of asbestos is a form of magnesium silicate that also can be toxic and carcinogenic.
Fragrances
If you have read any of my other health related posts you have probably heard me talk about the potential risks of fragrances before. Fragrances are considered to be trade secrets, meaning that companies don't have to disclose the ingredients they use to make their fragrances. This is problematic because fragrances can contain harmful ingredients like phthalates or parabens, and you have no way of verifying if those ingredients are in a fragrance or not. I recommend avoiding products with the terms "fragrance", "parfume" or "perfume" in the ingredient list for this reason.
Frequently asked questions:
There is no such thing as a non toxic waterproof mascara. In order to make a mascara waterproof, companies have to use PFAS chemicals which are known to be harmful to health. Your best option is to use a non toxic water resistant mascara instead.
All mascara is made with chemicals. A chemical is any substance that has a defined composition. Put another way, a chemical is always made up of the same "stuff." Some chemicals are natural such as water while other chemicals are manufactured. When it comes to mascara, what is important to know is what mascaras are made with non-harmful chemicals rather than harmful chemicals.
Unfortunately Burt's Bees mascara has been found to contain evidence of PFAS chemicals, so it would not be considered to be non-toxic.
Bare minerals mascara is made with some ingredients that have health concerns including BHT, benzyl alcohol, and sodium hydroxide so it is not the safest mascara option.
Other health information you will like:
- The best non-toxic face masks - for all skin types!
- Natural alternatives to botox
- The best non-toxic deodorants
- The best non-toxic body lotions
- The best non-toxic hair products
- The best non-toxic laundry detergents
- The best non-toxic body washes
References:
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- Talc, Asbestos, and Epidemiology: Corporate Influence and Scientific Incognizance
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- Consumer Reports Article
- FDA Warning
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