Mascara

Description

November 1, 2022

By Lisa Petrison

Prior to starting work on this project, I never had found any mascara that did not irritate my eyes to at least some extent and therefore had rarely worn it at any point in my life.

It therefore has been surprising for me to have now found quite a few mascaras that seem to be okay for me – with some of them also performing quite well in other ways. 

Because these cleaner mascaras are restrained in their use of preservatives, I have been especially focused on the fact that they have the potential of becoming contaminated with bacteria or fungi after only a short period of use.

Replacing mascaras frequently – such as at least every several months – may be advisable, therefore. 

Fortunately, there are a number of companies that sell what I consider to be very good mascaras in small tubes, meaning that they have the potential of being replaced frequently at a relatively reasonable cost. 

In terms of my own personal preferences, my goal when using mascara is just to darken my lashes and thus slightly emphasize my eyes, rather than to make my lashes look a lot thicker or longer. 

I actually am trying to avoid any sort of spidery lash look, because I feel that it does not look natural or attractive on me.

However, because I know that some people prefer a much more dramatic mascara look than I favor, I will try to provide enough detail about each product so that others may be able to more easily make choices that are specifically appropriate for them. 

 

TOP PICKS

♣ Living Clean Superstars
Caliray Come Hell or High Water Mascara ($13+)
+HAN Mascara ($20)
+Honest Honestly Healthy Lash Tint ($20)
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara ($13+)
Merit Clean Lash ($26)
Milk Makeup Kush Mascara ($14+)
+RMS Straight Up Mascara ($13+)
Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara ($20)

♦ Additional Possibilities:
Beautycounter Think Big Mascara ($27)
+Boom Bright Pro-Age Mascara ($27)
Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara ($13+)
Jones Road The Mascara ($26)
Kosas The Big Clean Mascara ($13+)
Mineral Fusion Voluminizing Mascara ($20)
Saie Mascara 101 ($16+)
W3LL People Expressionist Mascara ($19)
+Westman Atelier Eye Love You Mascara ($58)

♦ Not Yet Rated:
Aveda Mosscara ($24)
Honest Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer ($18)
Tarte Sea Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara ($15+)
Tarte Sugar Rush Lash Smoothie Mascara ($15+)
Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions ($25)

♠ Trash Can:
+100% Pure Marcuja Mascara ($26)
Bare Minerals Strength & Length Mascara ($22)
Benefit They’re Real! Tinted Eyelash Primer ($25)
+Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara ($13)
Clinique High-Impact Mascara ($21)
Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara ($35)
Peter Lamas Lash Masque ($28)
Victoria Beckham Future Lash Mascara ($28)

♥ Lisa’s Choice:
√ Caliray Come Hell or High Water Mascara ($13+)
HAN Mascara ($20)
Merit Clean Lash ($26)
RMS Straight Up Mascara ($13+)

Notes:
1)  Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5).   ^ Product contains at least one ingredient of possible concern (Ingredients Rating = 4).
2)  Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use.  √ Lisa’s Favorite

The next section contains affiliate links. Living Clean in a Dirty World may receive a commission if readers click on these links and then purchase products. Living Clean in a Dirty World also may accept product review samples but receives no other compensation from companies mentioned on this website.

 

Aveda Mosscara – $24

Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Tubing Mascara: No

The description of this product reads, “Our thickening mascara conditions lashes from roots to tips with a blend of Iceland moss and other plant extracts. Our Mosscara brush smoothly and evenly blankets lashes in rich, lasting color.”

I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.

Size: 0.28 oz.

Aveda Rating: 4.4 Stars (420 reviews)

Credo Clean: Unclear

Clean at Sephora: Unclear

Drunk Elephant Clean: No

EU Compliant: Unclear

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Phenoxyethanol, Problematic Colors)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3), Chromium oxide greens (5), Chromium hydroxide greens (5), Ultramarines (3). (Also contains Acrylates Copolymer.)

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients:  Water, Carnauba Wax, Silica, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Oleic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Acrylates Copolymer, Cetraria Islandica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Panthenol, Lauroyl Lysine, Caprylyl Glycol, Simethicone, Sodium Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Chromium Oxide Greens, Mica, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Bismuth Oxychloride, Ultramarines

Buy From Aveda

 

Beautycounter Think Big All-In-One Mascara – $30

Overall Rating: (4 / 5)

Performance Rating: (4 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Tubing Mascara: No

The website description for this product reads, “This obsessively clean mascara achieves ultimate lift, length, and volume—without potentially harmful ingredients—and supports stronger lashes, thanks to intensely nourishing tripeptide technology. Its soft, molded brush makes application effortless, so you can easily define lashes from roots to ends with rich, smudge-proof color.”

Most importantly, I have been able to wear this product without it ever irritating my eyes.

However, I have experienced a fair amount of clumping, to the point where even using a spoolie hasn’t helped to make the lashes look natural.

This problem seems to have gotten worse with the tube that I own over the course of a couple of months, even though I don’t think I used the mascara more than a dozen times.

I also have experienced some flaking with this mascara, where eventually there will be little bits of black stuff under my eyes that I need to brush off.

There also is a lot less product on my lashes at the end of the day, though in my opinion that part actually is good since they look less fake at that point.

I don’t think I ever would buy this product again for my own personal use, but it’s not so bad that I wouldn’t try to use it up if I had already purchased it.

Size: 0.17 oz.

Beautycounter Rating: 4.7 Stars (2044 reviews)

Credo Clean: Meets Criteria

Clean at Sephora: Unclear

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Phenoxyethanol)

EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Acacia senegal gum (3), Phenoxyethanol (4).

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients: Water, Iron Oxides, Synthetic Beeswax, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Rice Bran Wax, Acacia Senegal Gum, Candelilla Wax, Polyurethane-35, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Aminomethyl Propanediol, 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.

Buy From Beautycounter

Buy From Goop

 

Boom Bright Pro Age Mascara – $27

Overall Rating: (4 / 5)

Performance Rating: (4 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Tubing Mascara: No

This mascara is stated as being designed for women who are in their 50’s and beyond, with the goal of having the product be as non-irritating and non-toxic as possible.

I have not found that this product irritates my eyes at all, even if I sleep in it.

In addition, the product goes on pretty easily without much clumping, and it can be removed easily with just a regular cleanser.

However, even compared to most of the cleaner mascaras discussed on this page, the Boom mascara has a pretty strong tendency to disintegrate significantly over the course of the day.

Generally if I go for several hours without checking on it, there will be little bits of black stuff under my eyes and very little of the product left on my lashes.

Although the price is fairly high, the amount of the product provided (in a flexible plastic tube) is more than twice that in most of the other full-size mascaras discussed on this page.

I don’t think I would buy this product for my personal use, but I also don’t mind using it too much since at least it does not cause any irritation to my eyes or give my eyelashes a fake clumpy look.

Size: 0.47 oz.

Amazon Rating: 3.8 Stars (158 reviews)

Credo Clean: Meets Criteria

Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria

Drunk Elephant Clean: No

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Yes

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Rose damascena flower oil (3), Aloe vera (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Acacia senegal gum (3). (Also contains Carrageenan.)

Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa damascena flower oil

All Ingredients: Water, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil, Carnauba Wax, Glycerin, Candelilla Wax, Jojoba Esters, Stearic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tapioca Starch, Glyceryl Stearate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Carrageenan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol Tocopheryl Acetate, Castor Seed Oil, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Acacia Senegal Gum, Carboxymethyl Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Xanthan Gum, Iron Oxide, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Glyceryl Undecylenate

Buy From Amazon

Buy From Boom

 

Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara – $13+

♥ Lisa’s Choice

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Tubing Mascara: Yes

The description of this product reads, “The first clean & super volumizing mascara with longwear potency. Lash conditioning argan oil. Easy roll off removal & zero smudges. New performance height for clean mascara. Water resistant with next gen tubing tech. Beautiful from first stroke. Creamy, flexible yet buildable texture. Teddy bear brush with multi-dimensional fibers gives precise application on your f/n lashes….not undereyes. No 5 o’clock undereye shadows, smudges or flakes. Super easy removal with warm water and a little lash massage.”

This is a tubing mascara and I have had a really good experience with it. 

I have found that it goes on very easily without clumping, automatically giving me a lash look that is less exaggerated and more natural than what I have achieved with many other brands.

I have not needed to use a spoolie to separate my lashes with this mascara and have experienced minimal smearing with it.

It seems to last quite well throughout the day, looking pretty much the same after quite a few hours of wear as it did soon after I put it on.

I have not noticed experiencing any irritation at all from this mascara.

It seems to come off really easily with warm water and regular cleanser.

In general, this mascara seems extremely similar to the Merit one, which I also have liked.

However, I am very happy that this mascara is available in a mini version, since that will allow me to replace the product more often without breaking the bank.

Size: 0.18 oz. (Mini)

Sephora Rating: 4.3 Stars (423 reviews)

Credo Clean: No

Clean at Sephora: Yes

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Unclear

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol)

EWG Ingredients Rating: 4 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Ceteth-10 phosphate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer.)

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients: Water, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Carnauba Wax), Microcrystalline Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Propanediol, Synthetic Wax, Tocopherol, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin. May Contain: Iron Oxides.

Buy From Caliray

Buy From Sephora

 

HAN Mascara – $20

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Tubing Mascara: No

The description of this product on the HAN website reads: “Our Clean Mascara is lightweight yet buildable to create up-lifted, eye-opening lashes without clumping or flaking. With a few sweeps it separates, lifts, and volumizes for a natural but lusher look. The hourglass-shaped brush helps to separate and de-clump lashes, as well as build volume at the root and distribute product to the tip. The result is defined eyelashes every time. It’s made with all-natural organic ingredients and infused with Chamomile, Vitamin E, and Sunflower Seed Oil to nourish and condition your lashes. It lasts all day, yet it’s easy to remove at night. This formula is free from all the nasty chemicals (like Carbon Black or Petroleum) and friendly for sensitive eyes.”

This all-natural mascara from one of my favorite makeup companies contains a number of organic ingredients.

I do not feel that this mascara has irritated my eyes at all. 

I really like the way that it has gone on my eyes since it looks quite natural without clumping very much.

It does have a little bit of a tendency to smear when it goes on, and so I need to keep an eye out for that.

It holds up reasonably well throughout the day, especially compared to other mascaras with especially gentle ingredients.

Although I have only tried the Black version so far, this mascara is now also available in Deep Brown. I am kind of excited about that (since so few mascaras are available in brown) and am thinking I would like to try out the brown version sometime soon.

Especially considering the reasonable price, I think this is a very good product and can see myself buying it again.

Size: 0.25 oz.

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Yes

EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium hydroxide (4), Titanium dioxide (3).

Fragrance Ingredients: Chamomile hydrosol, Oregano leaf extract, Thyme extract, Olive leaf extract, Rosemary leaf extract, Lavender flower extract, Goldenseal root extract

All Ingredients: Water, Chamomile Hydrosol, Synthetic Beeswax, Carnauba Wax*, Zein, Stearic Acid, Rice Powder, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin (Vegetable), Lecithin, Tocopherol, Oregano Leaf Extract*, Thyme Extract*, Olive Leaf Extract*, Rosemary Leaf Extract*, Lavender Flower Extract*, Goldenseal Root Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol. May Contain Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides. *Certified Organic

Buy From Credo

Buy From HAN

 

Honest Extreme Length Mascara+ Lash Primer – $18

Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Tubing Mascara: No

The description of this product reads, “This award-winning, bestselling double-ended primer + mascara is a cult classic for a reason. Infused with Jojoba Esters, our smooth black mascara delivers extreme length and sky high lift. The secret to the magic – the primer. It creates an even base that enhances the mascara’s performance, while boosting length and staying power. That’s why it’s the #1 clean mascara on Amazon. Made with jojoba esters.”

I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.

Size: 0.2 oz.

Ulta Rating: 4.4 Stars (89 reviews)

Credo Clean: Meets Criteria

Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Glyceryl Behenate)

Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)

EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Acacia senegal gum (3), Glyceryl behenate (3), Sodium benzoate (3).

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients (Mascara): Water, Beeswax, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Carnauba Wax, Castor Isostearate Beeswax Succinate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cellulose, Glyceryl Behenate, Jojoba Esters, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sodium Benzoate, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Phosphoric Acid, Iron Oxides

All Ingredients (Lash Primer): Water, Beeswax, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Corn Starch, Carnauba Wax, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cellulose, Castor Isostearate Beeswax Succinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol, Phosphoric Acid

Buy From Honest

Buy From Ulta

 

Honest Honestly Healthy Serum-Infused Lash Tint – $20

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Tubing Mascara: No

The description of this product reads, “This everyday, serum-infused lash tint defines and enhances the look of lashes in three shades of your choice, Black, Brown, and Natural. The nourishing treatment is designed to deliver lash enhancing benefits. Infused with Castor Oil + Jojoba Esters + a proprietaty blend of Mung Bean + Red Clover Extract, this conditioning treatment is designed to strengthen and support lash health. The clinically tested lightweight formula effortlessly enhances from root to tip for naturally fuller looking lashes.”

The brown and the black versions of this lash tint add color to the eyelashes without attempting to make them thicker or longer. There also is a clear version.

Although the product mostly seems designed to serve as a primer and conditioner to be used prior to applying regular mascara, I have very light lashes and have found that using the brown version of the product works well for me on its own.

This gives me a much more natural look than other mascaras do, and also doesn’t clump or flake or in general make a mess.

I have not found this product to be irritating to my eyes at all.

The fact that in theory it is good for my lashes in terms of conditioning them makes me feel better about using it.

I might buy this product again.

Size: 0.27 oz.

Amazon Rating: 4.1 Stars (91 ratings)

Credo Clean: Meets Criteria

Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Yes

EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium hydroxide (4)

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients (Brown, Black): Water, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Clover Sprout Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Castor Seed Oil, Castor Isostearate Beeswax Succinate, Cellulose Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Pullulan, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cellulose, Sodium Phytate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Carbonate, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Sodium Hydroxide, May Contain: Iron Oxides

Buy From Amazon

Buy From Honest

Buy From Ulta

 

Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara – $13+

Overall Rating: (3 / 5)

Performance Rating: (2 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild

Tubing Mascara: No

Ilia makes two different mascaras, with this newer one (at least so far) being less popular and receiving less-good reviews.

It is available in a travel size as well as a full size. I tried out the travel size version.

As perhaps might be expected since this is a volumizing mascara, this product has caused my lashes to clump together in a major way. Even with a spoolie, it has been hard to get them to separate and look natural.

In addition, this mascara contains several ingredients that EWG considers to be problematic.

I found the product to be very mildly irritating to my eyes after a full day of wear.

On the positive side, the mascara does seem to have held up pretty well without turning into any kind of mess.

I would not buy it again, though.

Size: 0.13 oz. (Mini)

Sephora Rating: 4.0 Stars (544 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Yes

Credo Clean: Yes

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Benzyl Alcohol)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Acacia senegal gum (3), Benzyl alcohol (6), Sodium hydroxide (4)

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients: Water, Beeswax, Synthetic Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Carnauba Wax, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Jojoba Esters, Acacia Senegal Gum, Panthenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Arginine, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Oleic Acid, Tocopherol, Iron Oxide.

Buy From Credo

Buy From Goop

Buy From Ilia

Buy From Sephora

 

Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara – $13+

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Tubing Mascara: No

The description of this product reads, “Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara is an award-winning clean mascara that goes above and beyond the expectations of any natural mascara. Buildable and flake-free, this 99% naturally derived mascara lifts, curls, lengthens and adds just the right amount of volume. Ilia’s lightweight and nourishing mascara is made with a blend of organic Bee and Carnauba Waxes to weightlessly condition each lash, while still keeping them lifted throughout the day. Gentle enough for sensitive eyes, the 99% naturally derived formula also contains organic Shea Butter and fortifying Arginine (keratin) to help boost and enhance your lashes. After testing over 100 mascara wands, we landed on our patented dual-sided brush for a perfectly natural application. Use the shorter side to curl and create volume, then the longer bristles to lift, lengthen and separate. Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara can be effortlessly removed with water at the end of the day – no scrubbing or tugging required.”

I feel that this mascara performed well for me without irritating my eyes. 

There was a little bit of clumping, but I was able to address that pretty easily through the use of a spoolie. 

The product wore pretty well throughout the day. 

I am glad that there is a mini version available since I can replace it more often. 

I might buy this product again. 

Size: 0.1 oz. (Mini)

Sephora Rating: 4.2 Stars (2106 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Yes

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid)

Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)

EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium benzoate (3), Benzoic acid (3). 

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients: Water, Beeswax*, Shea Butter*, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glycerin, Carnauba Wax *, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Corn Starch*, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Phenethyl Alcohol, Biotin, Nettle Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Iron Oxide. *Organic ingredient.

Buy From Goop

Buy From Ilia

Buy From Sephora

 

Jones Road The Mascara – $26

Overall Rating: (4 / 5)

Performance Rating: (4 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild

Tubing Mascara: No

The description of this mascara on the Jones Road website reads, “An inky, ultra-pigmented black mascara that is clean, cruelty-free, and conditioning. Separates, lifts, and volumizes lashes in one fell swoop. Use a little to keep it natural. Layer to go bold. A curved wand captures inner corner baby lashes and lengthens outer lashes. Formulated for flexibility and softness.”

Although the huge brush for this product felt intimidating to me at first, this mascara has gone on fairly easily for me.

The product also manages to make my lashes look a little thicker and a little longer, while still looking more natural than most mascaras I have tried.

Although I do usually run a spoolie through my lashes to separate them after putting the mascara on, this product does not have nearly the clumping problem of many brands.

The mascara seems to hold up well throughout the day without much running or flaking.

Even though this is not a waterproof mascara, it seems to take some extra effort to remove.

This mascara includes phenoxyethanol, a preservative that I feel is okay for me in skin products but that I suspect is a little more annoying when used in mascara.

Although I haven’t experienced any real problems in terms of this mascara irritating my eyes, it also does not seem as gentle to me as some of the mascaras from some of the other companies discussed here.

I still might keep using this mascara if I were especially interested in creating a more dramatic eyelash look, though.

Size: 0.3 oz.

Jones Road Rating: 4.1 (1690 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Unclear

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Phenoxyethanol)

Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)

EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4)

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients: Water, Carnauba Wax, Tribehenin, Glyceryl Stearate, Rice Bran Wax, PVP, Stearic Acid, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Cellulose, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Aminomethyl Propanediol, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, May Contain: Iron Oxide

Buy From Jones Road

 

Kosas The Big Clean Mascara – $13+

Overall Rating: (4 / 5)

Performance Rating: (4 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Tubing Mascara: No

The description of this product on the Kosas website reads: “A clean mascara for instantly big, fluffy lashes powered by hair care serum that helps support stronger, healthier lashes. Newly reformulated to wear for 12 hours. Clinically tested. Ophthalmology tested. Safe for sensitive eyes. Non-irritating. Hypoallergenic.”

On the positive side, I have not found that this product has irritated my eyes at all.

In addition, the mascara has gone on pretty easily without an undue amount of clumping. It does seem that it is more coating my existing lashes down toward the base rather than lengthening them, but I don’t have a problem with that.

I agree with the many user reviews that complain that this product does not hold up very well over the course of the day.

I don’t really think that it has given me “raccoon eyes” though; it more seems like it just has flaked off like some of the other cleaner mascaras that I have tried.

While Kosas is claiming to have reformulated the product, it is unclear when this occurred and if I have tried the old version or the new one.

If they had introduced the new version with a totally new name, that would be much less confusing to me.

While I don’t think that I would buy this mascara again, I don’t hate it quite as much as many of the people who have written user reviews of it. Possibly that is because I have only used the mini version of the product, which seems to be better liked than the full-size version.

The fact that the mascara has not irritated my eyes also is a positive in my book no matter how poorly it performs otherwise, of course.

Size: 0.17 oz (Mini)

Sephora Rating: 3.6 Stars (360 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Yes

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Sodium Benzoate)

Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Acacia senegal gum (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Sodium benzoate (3).

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients: Aqua, Beeswax, Iron Oxides, 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

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Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara – $20

♣ Living Clean Superstar

Overall Rating: (5 / 5)

Performance Rating: (5 / 5)

Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)

Lisa Irritation Level: None

Tubing Mascara: No

The description of this product reads, “A safe for sensitive eyes, vegan mascara that lengthens, defines, and holds a curl with Aquaflex Technology for amped up, natural looking lashes. Use the inner wave of the dual-sided brush to build up volume and the longer bristles to lengthen and define lashes. The breakthrough Triple-Wave Wand has three flexible suspended bands that lengthen and define every single lash + build boldness. The clean formula is lightweight + endlessly buildable without getting crunchy or clumpy and is easy to wash off keeping irritation and breakage at bay.”

This mascara was released in Fall 2022 and immediately was the recipient of many accolades from beauty influencers (including winning an Allure Best of Beauty award). 

I have had a good experience with it, in that it easily coats my lashes without much smudging or flaking.

I have found that just one swipe has significantly voluminized as well as lengthened my lashes, and without my really needing to use my spoolie to make adjustments.

The mascara seems to hold up better than some cleaner mascaras that I have tried, but also has washed off pretty easily with just basic cleansers.

I’ve not noticed any irritation as a result of wearing this mascara.

All in all, I can see why people like this mascara so much, since (at least for me) it effortlessly gives the kind of bold and flawless look that often is considered to be the ideal.

Personally, I am a little less enthusiastic about it since the only look that I can create with this mascara is dramatic enough that I think it is obvious to others that I am wearing makeup.

For the more subtle look that I personally prefer most of the time, I have found that a few other mascaras – especially the Merit and the Caliray tubing mascaras – have worked better for me.

It also is the case that I have been using a freshly produced and freshly opened mascara, and that things might change with regard to this product as time goes on.

Still, I agree with everyone else that this is a very impressive product.

Size: 0.29 oz.

Awards: Allure Best of Clean Beauty 2022

Sephora Rating: 4.7 Stars (275 reviews)

Credo Clean: Yes

Clean at Sephora: Yes

Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria

EU Compliant: Meets Criteria

Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Aminomethyl Propanol, Ultramarines)

EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (green)

EWG Problem Ingredients: Aminomethyl Propanol (3), Ultramarines (3). (Also contains Citric Acid.)

Fragrance Ingredients: None

All Ingredients: Water, Carnauba Wax, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Synthetic Wax, VP/VA Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Sunflower Seed Wax, Palmitic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Aminomethyl Propanol, Castor Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyimide-1, Galactoarabinan, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax, Shorea Robusta Resin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides, Ultramarines.

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