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Best Non-Toxic Mascaras

We vetted mascaras against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.

Camille May

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Here's what we look for:

  • Simple formulas made with ingredients that meet our standard
  • Free from parabens, PEGs, phthalates, sulfates, BHA/BHT, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, and undisclosed fragrance
  • Mineral pigments or alternatives tested for heavy metals
  • EU-compliant brands and third-party certifications when available
  • Transparent sourcing, ingredients, and manufacturing practices

Best Non-Toxic Mascaras

On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

Meets the Welpr Standard

Top Pick

Ilia

Limitless Lash Mascara

Free From
Cruelty Free
Certified
1% For The Planet, Leaping Bunny
Highlights
Cruelty-free, Fragrance-free, Recyclable packaging, Lengthening, Comb brush

8.4

Performance score

Where to buy

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RMS Beauty Straight Up™ Volumizing Peptide Mascara

Meets the Welpr Standard

Budget Pick

RMS Beauty

Straight Up™ Volumizing Peptide Mascara

Free From
Cruelty Free
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Fragrance-free, Recycled materials, Volumizing

7.7

Performance score

Where to buy

Omiana Strong-Hold Mascara

Meets the Welpr Standard

Omiana

Strong-Hold Mascara

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
Leaping Bunny, PETA Certified
Highlights
Holds curl, Elongates lashes, Smudge-resistant, Resists flaking, For sensitive eyes, Titanium dioxide-free, Mica-free, Botanical leaf extracts

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Westman Atelier Eye Want You Mascara

Meets the Welpr Standard

Westman Atelier

Eye Want You Mascara

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Fragrance-free, Volumizing, Curved brush

8.0

Performance score

Where to buy

Well People Expressionist Pro Mascara

Meets the Welpr Standard

Well People

Expressionist Pro Mascara

Free From
Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Fragrance Free, Heavy Metal Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified
EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, PETA Certified
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Pregnancy safe, No synthetic fragrance, Lengthening, Waterproof, Rubber/Silicone brush

7.8

Performance score

Where to buy

Toups & Co Long Lash Mascara

Meets the Welpr Standard

Toups & Co

Long Lash Mascara

Free From
Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Paraben Free, PFAS Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Highlights
Made in USA, Breastfeeding safe, Recyclable packaging, Money-back guarantee, Lengthening

7.8

Performance score

Where to buy

Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara

Meets the Welpr Standard

Ere Perez

Avocado Waterproof Mascara

Free From
Cruelty Free, Fragrance Free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Paraben Free, PFAS Free, PFOA Free, Phthalate Free, Teflon (PTFE) Free
Certified
FSC Certified, PETA Certified
Highlights
Waterproof, Smudge-proof, For sensitive eyes, Buildable coverage, Full coverage, Vegan, Waterless formula, Avocado and mamey oils

7.5

Performance score

Where to buy

Typology Serum Mascara T50 1% Pea Peptides + Castor Oil

Meets the Welpr Standard

Typology

Serum Mascara T50 1% Pea Peptides + Castor Oil

Free From
Cruelty Free
Certified
Certified B Corp, PETA Certified, PETA Vegan
Highlights
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Made in EU, Recycled materials, Defining

7.0

Performance score

Where to buy

How to Swap to Non-Toxic mascaras:

Here's how to swap to non-toxic mascaras:

What to know about mascara

Mascara is applied directly next to your eyes, often every day. That combination of sensitive proximity and daily use makes the formula worth paying attention to.

  • Welpr looks at pigments, preservatives, fragrance, and overall formulation to make sure nothing unnecessary is sitting near your eyes all day.
  • Products with synthetic fragrance, harsh preservatives, or untested pigments are common in this category, even in brands that market themselves as clean.

Check the mascara you use now

Use the Welpr Personal Care and Cosmetic Scanner to see if your current mascara meets Welpr's standards. Start with the mascara you reach for most often.

  • Scan the ingredient label on the tube or outer packaging — look for "fragrance," "parfum," or long lists of synthetic preservatives.
  • If you rotate between mascaras, check your daily one first since frequency of use near the eyes matters most.

Get more from your current mascara safely

If you're not ready to replace your mascara yet, a few small habits can help reduce unnecessary exposure around your eyes.

  • Replace open mascara tubes every three months — older tubes can harbor bacteria growth, which is especially risky near the eyes.
  • Apply fewer coats when possible, since less product near the eye area means less overall contact with the formula.

Choose a cleaner mascara

Look for mascaras with simple formulas, mineral-based pigments, and no synthetic fragrance. Certifications like EWG VERIFIED™ or MADE SAFE® are a good signal, but Welpr reviews every formula beyond the label.

  • Prefer mascaras that are fragrance-free, free from parabens and formaldehyde-releasers, and use pigments tested for heavy metals.
  • Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved mascara.
Camille May

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...