Mascara is a must-have in a daily makeup routine.
Unfortunately, most of the mascaras found today contain an unnervingly long list of potentially harmful ingredients that can seriously affect your health.
In this article, we’ll be discussing what you need to look for when searching for the best natural mascara that doesn’t contain harmful ingredients. We’ll also list 10 of our favorite products you must try at least once.
*Some links contained in this article are affiliate links. After you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. However, rest assured that this does not affect the price of any product you buy.*
At a Glance (our top picks)
| Title | Image | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara |   | - Volumizing - Hypoallergenic - Doesn't smudge, flake, or clump | Buy Now |
| W3LL PEOPLE Natural Expressionist Mascara |   | - Best for a dramatic look - Precise brush works well even for short, thin lashes | Buy Now |
| Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara |   | - Long lasting - Doesn't easily smudge or clump | Buy Now |
What to Look for When Buying Natural Mascara
Mascaras intensify our natural eyelashes, which in turn draws more attention to our eyes. Finding the right mascara can be tricky, so here’s our guide to help you find the best one for your eyes.
Formula
You need to search for a hypoallergenic mascara that has an all-natural, organic formula that doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients.
Longevity
A mascara with high-quality ingredients easily holds the color and curve of our eyelashes without having to apply other layers throughout the day.
Generally speaking, natural mascaras aren’t waterproof like conventional ones since they lack artificial fixatives. Still, you can find some natural mascaras that last longer than others.
Application
We all want something that is easy to use, right? You don’t want to hold a wand that’s too big or a brush that doesn’t coat every lash on your eyes.
Instead, search for a wand that’s easy to maneuver so you don’t have to worry about poking your eyes or getting a clumpy and smudged final look.
Other Things to Consider
Other than the considerations listed above, here are some other things to consider when buying a natural mascara:
- It should volumize thin lashes
- It must be hypoallergenic to avoid hurting sensitive eyes
- It should be smudge-proof
- Natural mascaras are generally not waterproof but may still resist water well depending on the brand.
1. Inika Long Lash Vegan Mascara
We love the Inika Long Lash Vegan Mascara not only because of its volumizing, velvety application, but also because it’s natural, organic, and 100% non-toxic.
Most mascaras use preservatives such as Parabens to sustain its longevity and shelf-life, but what they don’t tell you is that parabens are actually harmful to us. Inika is paraben-free and focused on making mascara as safe and natural as possible.
This mascaras hypoallergenic formula contains ingredients such as Vitamin E, Carnauba Wax, Magnolia Bark Extract, and Sunflower Seed Oil, which are all known to encourage eyelash growth.
This one is a great mascara for your everyday wear. Want thick, beautiful lashes without the clumpy look? Yes, please! The Inika Long Lash Vegan Mascara is definitely a keeper.
What We Liked:
- Vegan
- Made with cruelty-free ingredients
- Noticeably lengthens and defines lashes
- Clump-free, smooth formula
What We Didn’t Like:
- It isn’t entirely smudge-free
- May flake off throughout the day
2. 100% PURE Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara
100% PURE’S commitment to making the purest, healthiest, organic products isn’t short of admirable. They have a huge lineup of vegan makeup, skincare, and body products, all at reasonable prices.
What makes the Ultra Lengthening Mascara so special is the fact that it coats the lashes with a mixture of berry, black tea, and cocoa pigments. These substances are among the most healthy conditioners for our lashes.
This is vital to note because at the end of the day, our lashes are hair, and protecting them is as important as protecting the hair on our heads.
It’s long-lasting, smudge-proof, and non-toxic, everything a mascara needs to be.
What We Liked:
- Smells great
- Short bristles easily separate your lashes
- It washes off easily
- Cruelty-free mascara
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not as volumizing as other options
3. W3LL PEOPLE Natural Expressionist Mascara
Looking for a more bold, dramatic look? Well, this is the mascara for you!
This mascara lifts, separates, and volumizes. The end result? Big, fluffy lashes that last all night long.
The people at W3LL understand that short, thin lashes don’t push back on a cushiony wand the same way thicker lashes do. That’s why they made sure that their brush is made of rubbery silicone material to give you the best result.
W3LL People’s Expressionist Mascara is 100% cruelty and clump-free. It also doesn’t make use of petroleum, parabens, gluten, coal tar, aluminum, or fibers. This makes it completely safe to use every day.
What We Liked:
- No harsh artificial chemicals or petroleum derivatives
- Precise brush that separates even the thinnest, shortest lashes
- Long-lasting effect
What We Didn’t Like:
- It may be prone to smudging
4. Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer
Another highly rated product is the Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara. This 2-in-1 primer and mascara work perfectly together to get you the most beautiful lashes possible. How’s that for convenience?
Application is smooth with Honest Beauty’s specially molded lash bristles. It should give you the dramatic, sky-high lift you desire.
Like a lot of the products on our list, this one is also 100% cruelty-free. It’s void of parabens, paraffin, silicone, and other common ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions.
Another important thing to note is this product’s water-solubility. Honest Beauty’s water-soluble formula makes it easy to remove, which saves you the hassle of harshly scrubbing your eyes to wipe it away.
If you’re looking for the thicker eyelash look, the Extreme Length Mascara should deliver. You’ll get full, thick, and longer-looking lashes in seconds!
What We Liked:
- It provides a beautiful, dramatic look
- Non-toxic
- It doesn’t easily smudge or flake
- It stays on well throughout the day
What We Didn’t Like:
- Doesn’t dry fast
- It isn’t entirely clump-free
- It isn’t the best if you’re looking for a ‘natural-look’ mascara
5. Gabriel Cosmetics Mascara
Gabriel Cosmetics prides itself on developing clean beauty products that are entirely natural with no synthetic chemicals.
They believe in utilizing healthy ingredients while committing to sustainable, earth-conscious practices with all their products.
This is why Gabriel Cosmetics’s gentle and non-irritating plant formula is a serious game-changer for natural mascaras. Its added vitamins offer great conditioning for full healthy lashes. These vitamins also protect from any damage other mascaras may cause.
It’s a vegan, gluten, and cruelty-free mascara, and is made with 100% natural ingredients. With a brush that’s specially designed to coat and define your lashes, it’s perfect for all types of lash lengths.
What We Liked:
- Water-resistant
- Mineral-based natural ingredients
- Doesn’t flake
- Gluten-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Affordable
- Great for a natural look
What We Didn’t Like:
- It isn’t clump-free
- Doesn’t add as much volume as other mascaras
- Doesn’t hold a curl throughout the day
6. ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
ILIA is known for its brilliant mascaras, and the classic formula of ILIA’s Limitless Lash Mascara is no exception. This product claims to “go above and beyond the expectations of any natural mascara.” With everything it offers, that doesn’t seem to be too far from the truth.
With a nourishing formula made with a blend of organic bee and carnauba waxes, it won’t only condition your lashes to keep them healthy, but also give them a lifted look throughout the day.
It lifts, curls, and lengthens, all without flaking.
Every stroke of ILIA’s mascara brush adds just the right amount of volume for fuller, healthier-looking lashes without clumping or sticking.
What We Liked:
- It doesn’t smudge even after a long day
- It volumizes and lengthens the appearance of your lashes
What We Didn’t Like:
- It isn’t flake-free
- It isn’t hypoallergenic
7. Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara
If you’re looking for a mascara to match your “no-makeup” makeup look, Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara is what we’d recommend.
I personally went through over 30 different kinds throughout my life trying to search for the ‘perfect’ mascara, and I wish I’d found Honeybee Gardens’s products much sooner!
Their all-new natural formula coats every strand with rich, attractive color for robust-looking lashes. With it being a certified vegan, cruelty-free mascara, it’s one of our all-time favorites.
This one is great for everyday use as it doesn’t smudge, flake, or clump. It’s safe and all-natural with ingredients such as Bayberry wax, jojoba, and Italian olive oils where this mascara originated from.
What We Liked:
- Gluten-free
- Hypoallergenic
- It adds volume to your lashes
- It washes off easily
What We Didn’t Like:
- It dries slowly
- It might smear easily
- The poorly-designed wand makes it slightly difficult to apply for some people
8. Ere Perez Natural Avocado Waterproof Mascara
For those who are susceptible to skin reactions, this hypoallergenic, scent-free mascara delivers great lashes with absolutely no discomfort.
Compatible with even the most sensitive skin types, this mascara is free from harsh chemicals commonly found on makeup like parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, and paraffin to name a few.
With its organic avocado and mamey oils, you should enjoy beautiful, healthy lashes. If you’re searching for a volumizing, full coverage mascara, this one’s it. And because it’s waterproof, you can wear it for hours without worrying about your mascara running down your face.
What We Liked:
- It doesn’t weigh your lashes down
- Highly waterproof
- Vegan
- No clumping
What We Didn’t Like
- A bit difficult to apply
- The brush isn’t ideal for thin, straight lashes
9. Hynt Beauty Nocturne Mascara
The Hynt Beauty Nocturne Mascara would literally amaze you after application. While regular mascaras typically just coat your lashes with pigment, this mascara aims to volumize and nourish every individual lash you have with its all-natural and organic ingredients.
This results in longer, healthier, and thicker-looking lashes with a natural finish. Color doesn’t disappoint, as well; it’s deep and rich without any harsh chemicals or synthetic pigment. If you’re looking for a glamorous, feathery finish, Nocturne certainly provides.
Some of the ingredients found in the bottle are chamomile extracts, organic rosemary, and sunflower seed oil. This means longer, thicker lashes all day without the fear of damaging them.
Things We Liked:
- Gives you a beautiful look with a natural finish
- It lengths, thickens, and volumizes
- The slim brush thoroughly coats every lash
Things We Didn’t Like:
- It isn’t a hypoallergenic mascara
- It dries slowly
10. Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara Supernova
Pacifica is another brand known for its impressive mascaras. Just one coat should give long, separated, and feather-like lashes without any dryness or clumping.
Infused with coconut oil and Vitamin B, it doesn’t only nourish but also lengthens and strengthens your lashes.
Its vegan brush is extremely plush, which works perfectly with those who have naturally thick and long lashes.
Formulated without harsh chemicals, this mascara is as natural as mascaras can get. It’s also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, which is a plus for us.
If you’re searching for a long-lasting mascara to get you through your early morning work hours and after-work yoga, this one should be on your shopping list.
Things We Liked:
- Great quality for the price
- It doesn’t easily smudge or clump
- A luxurious, cruelty-free vegan mascara
Things We Didn’t Like:
- It doesn’t volumize as much as some other products
- It flakes after some time
FAQ
Want to know more about natural mascaras? We got you covered. Here are some commonly asked questions about this amazing beauty product.
The typical shelf-life of mascaras ranges from 3 – 6 months.
It’s important to note, however, that conventional mascaras use a lot of artificial preservatives that’ll allow them to last longer than natural mascaras. A lot of these preservatives are either damaging to one’s lashes or aren’t good for your health in general.
Do be aware that with fewer additives, bacterial development can turn into an issue much faster. You’ll need to be careful in storing your mascaras. Throw them away if they dry out or get clumpy.
Here are 3 of our top tips:
1. Set your under-eye area with eyeshadow or foundation powder.
2. Prime your eyelids with eye-makeup to help absorb any oil that could cause mascara to smudge.
3. Eyelash primers also help prevent smudging.
Unlike conventional mascaras that contain potentially harmful ingredients, natural mascaras generally contain simpler substances. These can be oils, extracts, butters, waxes, and other natural pigments that are not as harsh on your eyes.
The natural ingredients found in natural mascara are meant to strengthen your lashes. They also contain certain oils that are said to make lashes grow thicker and longer.
The Verdict
After doing the research, we think that the Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara is the best natural mascara. The main reason for this choice? It’s a mascara that doesn’t smudge or flake.
The natural look it provides is what every girl needs for her everyday 5-minute “no-makeup” makeup look before leaving the house. While it doesn’t give you extremely volumized lashes, it does the trick in getting your lashes to their fullest and longest in one go to complete your look.
Its natural ingredients are an added bonus since they help with nourishing and lengthening your lashes.