As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not affect our ratings. Learn more.

Best Non-Toxic Eyeliners

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

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

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 Eyeliners

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.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Top Pick

Ere Perez

Natural Jojoba Eye Pencil

Free From: Cruelty Free, Non-GMO
Certified: CarbonNeutral, PETA Certified
Highlights: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Plastic-free packaging, Pencil

8.3

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price
Ere Perez
See price

Pros

Glides on smoothly without clumping, and the thin tip allows for precise, fine lines.
Works well for both a sharp line and a smudged, smoky look without wiping the product away.
Color options across variants are consistently described as rich and flattering, particularly on a range of eye colors.
Gentle enough that people with dry or sensitive eyes reported no burning or discomfort.
Easy to remove at the end of the day.

Cons

Wear time is mixed; several people noted it needs reapplication or a primer underneath to last a full day.
Delivers a softer, more subtle pigment rather than a bold, heavily pigmented line.

Oil-based pencil formula that glides on soft and is meant to be blended, smudged, or used as a precise line. It works as both an eyeliner and a blendable eyeshadow depending on how you apply it.
Built around jojoba oil, which is structurally similar to the skin's own sebum. The oil base is what makes it creamy enough to use on the waterline without tugging.
Specifically formulated for sensitive eyes. Among non-toxic eyeliners, oil-based pencils like this tend to be gentler than gel or liquid formulas because they skip the solvents needed to keep those formats fluid.
Comes in ten shades ranging from classic black to colors like bronze, copper, and forest. The pigment is buildable, so a single pass gives a softer look and layering deepens it.
The pencil itself is a biodegradable wooden barrel with an aluminum cap, no plastic components. You'll need a standard cosmetic sharpener to maintain the tip.
Ere Perez launched in 2002 out of Bondi Beach, Sydney, making it one of the earlier brands to focus exclusively on non-toxic makeup. The founder's background is in nutrition and naturopathy, which shaped the brand's ingredient-first approach.

Free email mini-course

Welpr Blueprint: Go Non-Toxic Mini-Course

The 80/20 guide to going non-toxic the easy way.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Budget Pick

Well People

Fresh Lines Liquid Eyeliner

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, Fragrance-free, No synthetic fragrance, Liquid

7.7

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price
Well People
See price

Pros

Goes on thin and allows for precise lines thanks to a fine brush tip.
Dries quickly and doesn't smudge easily under normal daily wear.
Compact size makes it easy to travel with.
Rich black color that people consistently like.

Cons

Not waterproof; tears, sweat, or moisture will cause it to smear.
The applicator gets coated in liquid beyond just the tip, which can leave marks on lashes and surrounding skin during application.
The brush tip feels rigid and inflexible, making smooth lines harder to achieve for some people.
The tube is noticeably small, and a few people found the amount of product inside underwhelming.

Liquid liner with a felt brush tip that can produce both thin and thick lines. The tip is on the stiffer side compared to flexible calligraphy-style pen liners, which gives more control but feels different if you're used to those.
Water-resistant rather than waterproof. The brand says it can handle rain or tears but may not hold up to swimming.
The formula includes plant-based hydrating ingredients meant to soothe the skin around the eye, so it's less drying than many liquid liners. That said, the trade-off is that it needs about 20 to 30 seconds to fully set before it stays put.
Available in black and brown. For those shopping non-toxic eyeliners with sensitive or reactive eyes, the formula is dermatologist-developed and labeled pregnancy-friendly.
Well People is a plant-focused brand with over 100 products verified by the Environmental Working Group, which sets stricter ingredient standards than the FDA's 11 restricted chemicals for cosmetics.

Water (Aqua)
Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
Acacia Senegal Gum
Glyceryl Oleate Citrate
Glycerin
Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
Bentonite
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Caprylyl Glycol
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Xanthan Gum
Phenethyl Alcohol
Ethylhexylglycerin
Tocopheryl Acetate
Tocopherol
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Maltodextrin
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract/Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Sodium Benzoate
Potassium Sorbate
Iron Oxide (Ci 77499)

Meets the Welpr Standard

Inika

Organic Eye Pencil

Free From: Cruelty Free
Certified: Certified Plastic Neutral, PETA Certified
Highlights: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Hypoallergenic, Recyclable packaging, Recycled materials, Pencil

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Traditional wooden pencil format that needs sharpening, so you can control the tip width: fine point for precise lines, blunted for smudging out a smoky eye.
The texture is notably creamy and soft, which means it glides on without tugging at the delicate skin around the eye. That softness is a trade-off, though; very creamy pencils can smudge more easily than firmer, waxier formulas.
Formulated with hypoallergenic waxes and conditioning botanicals, so it's built with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers in mind.
Water-resistant finish rather than waterproof, meaning it holds up through a normal day but isn't designed for swimming or heavy sweating.
Among non-toxic eyeliners, this one leans toward a nourishing, skin-care-adjacent formula rather than a purely cosmetic one, using plant oils and antioxidants around the eye area.
Housed in wood and aluminum rather than plastic. INIKA claims plastic-neutral status for its full makeup line, offsetting unavoidable plastic through collection partnerships.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Toups & Co

Natural Eyeliner

Free From: Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Paraben Free, PFAS Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Highlights: Breastfeeding safe, Recyclable packaging, Money-back guarantee, Gel

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Toups & Co
See price

Cream gel formula in pencil form, so it glides on more like a balm than a traditional wooden eyeliner. You can smudge it out with a brush or sponge for a smokey effect.
The base is built around plant oils and waxes that give it a creamy, emollient feel rather than a dry or waxy pull. Herb extracts in the formula lend a faint, subtle scent.
Comes off with just water or an oil cleanser, which is worth knowing if you prefer a low-effort removal routine over makeup remover pads or micellar water.
Formulated with sensitive eyes in mind. Toups & Co also lists it as safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, which narrows the field among non-toxic eyeliners.
Handmade in small batches in coastal Alabama by a family-run operation that started as a husband-and-wife farm. Shelf life on makeup is about one year once opened, since there are no synthetic preservatives extending it.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Omiana

Sensitive Skin Jet-Black Liquid Eyeliner

Free From: Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Fragrance Free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified: Leaping Bunny, PETA Certified
Highlights: Smudge-proof, Long-lasting wear, Mica free, Vegan, Sensitive eye approved, Super-fine tip

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Omiana
See price

Made for sensitive skin and eyes, including people who need to avoid mica. The formula is mica-free.
The liquid liner has a silky glide, then dries to a no-smudge finish for long-lasting wear.
Its strong, superfine applicator tip is built for controlled lines, from a barely-there tight line to a bolder winged eye.
The formula is made without added synthetic fragrance, which may matter for shoppers avoiding fragranced eye makeup.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Fitglow Beauty

Natural Vegan Eyeliner Pencil

Free From: Cruelty Free
Certified: Leaping Bunny
Highlights: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Pencil

8.0

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Dual-purpose pencil: use it as a precise liner or blend it out with the built-in buffing brush on the opposite end to create a soft, smokey eyeshadow effect.
The buffing brush has two working ends. The angled side is for tighter, more precise lines; the flat side is for diffusing color across the lid.
Creamy, oil-based formula that glides without tugging, which matters around the delicate eye area. It doesn't set instantly, so there's a window to blend before it stays put.
Formulated with plant-based seed oils and butters rather than synthetic waxes or silicones, so it conditions the skin while you wear it. A reasonable option for people shopping non-toxic eyeliners who also have sensitive eyes or wear contacts.
Fitglow Beauty formulates around what they call "skin recognition," choosing plant-based ingredients in forms the skin can absorb rather than just sit on. That philosophy carries into their makeup line, not just their skincare.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Lily Lolo

Natural Eye Pencil

Free From: Cruelty Free
Highlights: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Pencil

7.9

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price

Pencil-format eyeliner with a soft, creamy texture that glides on without dragging or tugging. Can be used on the lash line or in the waterline, and smudges out easily if you want a smokier look.
The formula is built around plant-based oils and butters that condition as you wear, so it doesn't dry out the delicate skin around your eyes. Worth knowing if you've had issues with non-toxic eyeliners feeling stiff or chalky.
Comes in two shades: black and chocolate brown. Both are described as having strong color payoff, meaning you shouldn't need to layer multiple passes to get visible definition.
Lily Lolo started in 2005 when the founder began hand-blending mineral cosmetics in her bedroom in the UK. The brand still formulates and operates out of Britain.
Marketed specifically toward people with sensitive eyes, which tracks with the short, plant-heavy ingredient list.

Meets the Welpr Standard

RMS Beauty

Straight Line Eye Pencil

Free From: Cruelty Free
Highlights: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Fragrance-free, Recycled materials, Kohl

7.8

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price
Credo Beauty
See price

Pros

Stays on well throughout the day without fading.
Sharpens cleanly and comes with a built-in sharpener and a blending sponge on the opposite end.
Glides on smoothly and feels lightweight on the skin.
The metallic and plum shades are vivid and complement a range of eye colors.

Cons

Application requires a bit of pressure; a few people found it not as effortless to apply as they expected.
Color range is limited compared to larger brands.

Dual-sided wooden pencil with a kohl tip on one end and a sponge smudger on the other, so you can line precisely or blend out for a smokier look without needing a separate brush.
The formula is oil-based rather than wax-heavy, which gives it a creamy, glide-on feel. It deposits rich color in a single pass but stays soft enough to smudge before it sets.
Comes with a custom sharpener in the box. Since it's a traditional wood pencil (not a twist-up), you'll need to sharpen regularly to keep a fine point.
Ophthalmologist tested, which matters if you're shopping non-toxic eyeliners specifically because conventional formulas irritate your eyes.
RMS Beauty was started in 2009 by Rose-Marie Swift, a makeup artist who built the line around raw and food-grade ingredients. The brand's approach is rooted in professional use: formulas had to hold up on photo shoots and runways, not just pass an ingredient screen.

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Mica
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire De Candelilla
Silica
Glyceryl Caprylate
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire De Carnauba
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Tocopherol
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499)

Meets the Welpr Standard

Westman Atelier

Eye Love You Eye Pencil

Free From: Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Highlights: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Fragrance-free, Kohl

7.8

Performance score

Where to buy

Credo Beauty
See price
Sephora
See price

Sharpenable kohl pencil in a matte formula that delivers dense pigment in a single pass. You can keep it as a tight, defined line or smudge it out into a softer, smoky effect while it's still fresh.
Formulated specifically for use on the waterline and inner eye areas, where many non-toxic eyeliners tend to skip or tug. The texture is soft enough to glide over those sensitive spots without dragging.
Not a waterproof or smudge-proof formula. It's designed to stay blendable, so if you want it locked in place, you'll need to set it with a translucent powder.
Available in two shades: a matte black (Khôl Noir) and a matte brown (Khôl Brun). Both finish fully matte with no shimmer.
Westman Atelier is founded by Gucci Westman, a professional makeup artist whose editorial background shapes the line. The formulas lean toward buildable, skin-forward textures rather than heavy coverage.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Well People

Fresh Lines Eye Pencil

Free From: Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Non-GMO, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified: EWG Verified, Fair Trade International, Leaping Bunny, PETA Certified
Highlights: Water resistant, Smudge-resistant, Hyper-pigmented formula, Budge-proof color, Safe for waterline, Pregnancy friendly, Plant-based oils

7.6

Performance score

Where to buy

Well People
See price

The soft, creamy formula delivers rich, high-pigment color and glides on smoothly while remaining smudge-resistant.
It can create precise definition or be blended into a diffused smoky eye, making the same pencil useful for subtle and more dramatic looks.
Jojoba oil supports smooth application, while mango seed oil and castor seed oil nourish and condition the delicate skin around the eyes.
The formula is water-resistant and can hold up through a rainstorm or a good cry, though it may not withstand swimming in a pool.

Ricinus Communisseed Oil/Ricinus Communis(Castor) Seed Oil
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Mica
Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil
Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil/Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Mangifera Indicaseed Butter/Mangifera Indica(Mango) Seed Butter
Copernicia Ceriferacera/Copernicia Cerifera(Carnauba) Wax
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Glyceryl Caprylate
Tocopheryl Acetate
Ascorbyl Palmitate

Meets the Welpr Standard

Omiana

Mineral Pencil Eyeliners

Free From: Cruelty Free, Formaldehyde Free, Fragrance Free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
Certified: Leaping Bunny, PETA Certified
Highlights: For sensitive eyes, Glides on smoothly, All-day performance, Blends beautifully, No titanium dioxide, Mica-free matte shades, Talc-free

7.1

Performance score

Where to buy

Omiana
See price

How to Swap to Non-Toxic eyeliners:

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

What to know about eyeliner

Eyeliner is applied directly to one of the most sensitive and absorbent areas of your body — the skin around your eyes. Because most people use it daily and it sits on the skin for hours, the formulation and pigments matter more than in many other product categories.

Welpr focuses on what eyeliner is made of: the pigments, preservatives, fragrances, and base ingredients that make up the formula.
Products used near the eyes deserve extra attention because the skin there is thinner and more permeable than most other areas.

Check your current eyeliner

Take a look at the eyeliners you use most often and scan them with the Welpr Personal Care and Cosmetic Scanner. The scanner reads ingredient labels and flags anything that may not meet Welpr's standards.

Start with the eyeliner you reach for every day — that's the one with the most cumulative contact with your skin.
If you use multiple types (pencil, liquid, gel), prioritize liquid or gel formulas first since they tend to contain more preservatives and additives.

Use your current eyeliner more carefully

If you're not ready to replace your eyeliner right away, a few small habits can help reduce unnecessary exposure while you transition.

Apply eyeliner to the outer lash line rather than the inner waterline, which is closer to the eye's surface and more absorbent.
Remove eyeliner thoroughly at the end of the day so it doesn't sit on your skin overnight.

Choose a cleaner eyeliner

Look for eyeliners with simple formulas built around natural mineral pigments and without synthetic fragrance. Certifications like EWG VERIFIED™ or MADE SAFE® are good signals, but Welpr reviews every formula individually beyond just certifications.

Avoid eyeliners that list "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label, and look for brands that confirm their pigments are tested for heavy metals.
Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved eyeliner.

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....

View full profile

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,...

View full profile