11 Best Hypoallergenic Eyeliners, As Per A Certified Cosmetologist – 2024
Get those stunning, smudge-free cat eyes without irritating your eyes!
Georgia Smith is a cosmetologist-turned-cosmetic chemist and has been in the industry for over 13 years as a beauty therapist. She is the founder of Skin Sister and owns a hugely successful, skin focused beauty salon in Sydney, Australia. Georgia is also a qualified Cosmetic Chemist, and she learned about the chemistry behind the skin and the complex science behind skin care ingredients to transform her clients’ skin and fix their skin concerns.
Read full bio of Georgia Smith
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.
Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya
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Peeps with sensitive skin are naturally worried about the beauty and makeup products they buy, and with good reason too. Eyeliners, for example, need to be safe and hypoallergenic for your eyelids and not cause reactions. By hypoallergenic, we mean products free of potential toxins that can cause harm to your skin. And so, it is a good idea to opt for the best hypoallergenic eyeliners to avoid any potential reactions. After all, the face is the first thing most people notice in us. Unlike traditional eyeliners that may contain irritating components, hypoallergenic eyeliners are designed to be a safer alternative for sensitive eyes.
Natural ingredients can be a good alternative to your regular cosmetics that are grandly advertised. Having these in cosmetic products can have a positive effect on your skin. Not only will the winged liner look bomb on your statement-making outfit, but it will also feel good. Choose your favorite out of the 11 non-irritating eyeliner options and try out the best one that suits your skin most favorably. Give this article a read, and give your eyes the love and care they deserve.
In This Article
11 Best Hypoallergenic Eyeliners Of 2024 (Buying Guide)
1. Best For 24-Hour Wear: Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner & Serum
Are you on the hunt for hypoallergenic cosmetics that are not just comfortable to use but also highly pigmented? If yes, you must try this one! This expertly crafted pigmented eyeliner pen helps you create different dramatic eye looks with ease, minus the messy experience! Just a couple of strokes, and you’re good to go. This waterproof hypoallergenic eyeliner is smudge-resistant, dermatologist-tested, and long-wearing, making it a must-have in every beauty kit. The eye-safe pen tip makes the application effortless, and the rich formula with intense pigmentation enhances your lash length, volume, and thickness when applied to the base. Check out this short YouTube video for an honest review of the product and a tester’s experience of using it.
Pros
- 24-hour wear
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist approved
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- It may be a little difficult to remove for some.
Pro Tip2. Best Water-Resistant Formula: Almay Pen Eyeliner
Almay eyeliner pencil is your ideal match for long hours. Enriched with vitamin E, this hypoallergenic pen eyeliner is doctor tested for sensitive eyes. It is incredibly smooth and rich black pigment. The formula is water-resistant and effortlessly smooth glides over your eyelids. Along with its premium quality ingredients, this affordable eyeliner has a ball-like point tip with consistent thickness, regardless of how much pressure you put on it. It dries quickly and fades to a deep, riveting hue, helping you get the perfect dramatic wing liner of your dreams. It also has a built-in sharpener to keep your pencil liner sharp and ready at all times.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Ophthalmologist tested
Cons
- May be a bit hard to create sharp wings on the eyelids with its ball tip
Pro Tip3. Best Crack-Free Eyeliner: Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Neutrogena’s hypoallergenic liquid eyeliner is formulated with honey and coconut, making it an ideal cosmetic product for those with sensitivity issues. It has a rich black pigment and doesn’t fade away with water. You can expect a crack-free and mess-free experience with every application and every stroke. The dermatologist-tested formula is gentle on the skin and dries up quickly to offer clean, sharp lines that instantly enhance the shape of your natural eyelid.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Easy to use
- Stays all day
- Glides smoothly
- Pointed tip for precision
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May not be completely smudge-proof
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,524 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
| Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner & Serum Best For 24-Hour Wear | Almay Pen Eyeliner Best Water-Resistant Formula | Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner Best Crack-Free Eyeliner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Deep Brown | black | 11 Jet Black |
| Dimensions | 0.94 x 1.88 x 5.63 inches | 5.75 x 1.63 x 0.5 inches | 0.74 x 5.41 x 0.92 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 0.01 Ounces | 0.48 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 443 | 1,276 | 2,524 |
| Price | $11.49 | $5.33 | $7.29 |
4. Best Cruelty-Free Formula: Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner
Nothing works better on your eyes than this hypoallergenic kohl eyeliner from Marcelle. The formula is rich, creamy, and lasts long. Induced with an ultraprecise tip, it allows you to create inspired eye looks, from soft, dramatic wings to dreamy smokey eyes. Synonyms with safe and clean, this eyeliner is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and tested by dermatologists to lend a quick makeup boost to your otherwise plain eyes. As per reviews, this allergy-friendly eyeliner is also suitable for contact lens wearers.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Waterproof eyeliner
Cons
- Some may find the need to reapply it frequently.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 1,198 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
5. Best Natural Ingredients: Fifth & Skin Better’n Ur Eyes Eye Pencil
If you are allergic to eyeliners, it is time to replace the regular ones with a safe and good hypoallergenic liquid eyeliner, like this one. Made with natural ingredients like jojoba and castor oil, this one stands tall and proud as one of the best allergy-friendly eyeliners on our list. The smooth texture makes it easy to glide over the eyes, allowing you to create a precise line without causing any irritation. You can also sharpen the tip of this eyeliner pencil for defined and trendy eyelids. Reviewers online noted that the product stays perfectly fine for long hours and prevents tears. With zero toxins, this irritation-free eyeliner is safe for all, especially people with sensitive skin. What’s more, its formula is enriched with botanical and healing oils like castor oil to help you achieve fuller and thicker lashes.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Petroleum-free
- Paraben-free
- Lead-free
- Free of animal testing
- Unscented
- Water-resistant
- Comes with a sharpener
Cons
- May not be best-suited for oily skin
Pro Tip6. Best Water-Based Formula: Kiko Milano Definition Waterproof Eyeliner
Isn’t it the ultimate dream to find a waterproof liquid eyeliner that is easy to apply and hypoallergenic? Well, we’re here to make that a reality! Kiko Milano’s definition eyeliner is gentle, safe, and comes with a thin brush applicator that lends a precise application and a mess-free experience. The water-based formula has a creamy consistency that helps you create any shape you want. The intense black pigment provides beautiful extra black lines with a touch of sheer. Whether you’re someone who prefers a well-defined yet simple eyeliner look or want to go all out with a cat eye look, this allergy-free eyeliner will help you get it all! Here’s a short video with an honest review of the eyeliner and the reviewer’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Non-comedogenic
- Water-based formula
- Ophthalmologically tested
Cons
- Might take a little time for the formula to dry
7. Best Sweat-Resistant Eyeliner: Baeblu Eyeliner
This eyeliner pencil from BaeBlu is a perfect combination of natural ingredients and deep-seated pigments. This hypoallergenic eyeliner pencil is available in three beautiful shades of smoke, black and brown, and is a suitable alternative for anyone with an allergic reaction to eyeliner. Bonus points go to the smudge-free, long-lasting, and sweat-resisting formula enriched with jojoba and castor oil. Together they ensure the product glides on effortlessly while also nourishing the lashes. With 1 or 2 strokes of this, you are ready to bring all eyes on you. The eyeliner offers a smooth glide, allowing you to achieve a sharp line without smudging.
Pros
- Toxin-free
- Fragrance-free
- Natural pigments
- Not tested on animals
- All-day wear
- Sweat-resistant
Cons
- Might smudge a little
8. Best Creamy Formula: Shimarz AbsoluteBlack Eyeliner
Shimarz eyeliner pencil is known for its vegan formula that is all-natural and super gentle on the eyes. Made with skin nourishing ingredients, this hypoallergenic eyeliner does a great job giving you dramatic eyes without skin irritations. The non-irritating formula is quite creamy and is very smooth when it comes to gliding on your eyelid. In fact, with a few strokes, you can go from drab to fab in seconds. Reviewers mentioned that the long-lasting formula is sure to last without feeling too heavy on the lids. If this wasn’t all, you could also blend in the rich, creamy consistency to achieve a dreamy, smokey eye look.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Blends well
- No harsh ingredients
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to apply owing to its design
9. Best Hyperpigmented Eyeliner: W3LL People Expressionist Liquid Eyeliner
When looking for a plant-based liquid liner formulated with premium quality organic ingredients, you need to try this one. It comes with a fine tip applicator that gives a precise application without causing eye irritation. It is so satisfying to see that it doesn’t fade easily and regardless of the tedious activities, the sweat-resistant formula stays on. The hyperpigmented color also resists water. Loaded with organic rosemary, this hypoallergenic liquid eyeliner nourishes and takes care of the sensitive eye area. Find out more about the fade-resistant eyeliner in this video review that also features a tester’s experience with it.
Pros
- No adhesives
- No sulfates
- No Phthalates
- Chemical-free
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May not glide easily on the lids
Pro Tip10. Best For Creating Smokey-Eye Look: Youngblood Legit Pencil Eyeliner
Youngblood Legit eyeliner pencil is true to its name. Infused with natural ingredients, this eyeliner pencil is ideal for sensitive skin. This pencil eyeliner is quite versatile and can even be used as a kohl. With the help of a blending brush, you can easily get a smokey eye. The color is rich and intense and contains vitamin E and marula oil, which is highly nourishing and provides ample nourishment. It comes in two natural shades—brown and black, that are ideal for both soft and intense eye looks.
Pros
- Lasts long
- Travel-friendly
- Hydrating formula
- Contains zero non-natural ingredients
- Free of animal testing
Cons
- May not stay as long as expected
11. Best Oil-Free Formula: Revitalash Defining Liner
If you are someone who likes to invest in expertly crafted eyeliners that are silky, nourishing, and super gentle on the skin, your search ends here. This highly pigmented and comfortable-to-wear eyeliner is loaded with silicone emollients that lock in hydration. It also contains vitamin E to keep your skin supple and soft. The creamy formula prevents skin irritations. The built-in sharpener comes handy, and 2 shades of this high-end eyeliner are available in slate and black.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Creamy liner
- Built-in sharpener
- Has a smudging tool
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- No parabens, phthalates, or added fragrances
Cons
- May not be too pigmented for some
So, these were some of the top hypoallergenic eyeliners of 2024. Each of these has some unique features that are worth trying. But before making your purchase, take a look at the points given below for some more information about hypoallergenic eyeliner brands.
How To Choose Hypoallergenic Eyeliner?
- Harmful chemicals
always check the ingredients before choosing a hypoallergenic eyeliner. Try opting for organic hypoallergenic eyeliners that do not contain common allergens and artificial ingredients like parabens, formaldehyde, carbon, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oil. Ensure to patch test the product before using it if you have very sensitive skin.
- Formula
You can never go wrong with a lightweight formulation when it comes to hypoallergenic eyeliner. Heavily pigmented natural eyeliners are also considered a suitable option as they help in keeping your eyes from being dried up.
- Ingredients
You can say a lot about a product based on its ingredients. Natural, plant-based, and formulas free from artificial substances are the products you should keep your eyes out for. Ingredients such as Vitamin E, jojoba, and castor oils, can also nourish your sensitive skin while increasing the length and volume of your lashes.
How To Check If You Are Allergic To Eyeliner?
Some common symptoms of allergic reactions to eyeliner are eye irritation, redness, itching, skin irritation, tears, swelling and dry patches. In case, you face any of these conditions after applying the eyeliner every time, you might be allergic to eyeliner and need to find a suitable alternative.
Infographic: How To Use A Hypoallergenic Eyeliner
Applying eyeliners can be a task, particularly for people who have sensitive eyes. Such people may experience itchiness and irritation. Therefore, to avoid any possible allergic reactions, it is a good idea to use safe eyeliners for allergy-prone skin. Check out the infographic below to learn how to apply a hypoallergenic eyeliner.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Those with sensitive skin and contact lens wearers need to be extra cautious about their eye makeup products. Therefore, one of the safe options is to invest in the best hypoallergenic and gentle eyeliners for sensitive eyes. These hypoallergenic eyeliners come in a variety of natural shades to complement your eye shape and create the perfect eye look you want. The Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner & Serum is a great option for those who want to get enhanced lashes, while the Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner is the perfect formula to get a hassle-free application and razor-sharp precision. But if you are looking for a long-lasting, hypoallergenic formula, try the Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner. These eyeliners are free from potential toxins that might harm your skin. They are enriched with natural ingredients that positively affect your skin while giving you a natural finish. Georgia Smith, a cosmetologist-turned-cosmetic chemist, suggests, “My tip for anyone with sensitive skin or eyes is to look for a fragrance-free formula to ensure the fragrance doesn’t irritate the sensitive eye area.”
The reviewed options mentioned above in the article are free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances to help you avoid any adverse reactions. They are easy to use and stay all day long. Go through the ingredients list, consider the formula, and ensure the product is free from harsh ingredients before choosing the best hypoallergenic retractable eyeliners for sensitive eyes and to avoid any eye irritation.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Srijani Roy Chowdhury is a passionate beauty and makeup writer who enjoys analyzing trends and experimenting with new products. Her interest also lies in research, and she spends most of her time looking for products that can enhance her readers’ lives. In this article, she talks about the best hypoallergenic eyeliners. These options are safe for those who might be allergic to certain ingredients and need something gentle. She has an extensive research process for each product as she lists them based on features, benefits, flaws, and consumer feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I keep my eyeliner on for?
Every product comes with an expiration date. Make sure you read it before purchasing the product and keep your eyeliner as per the date mentioned.
What are the most common factors that cause an allergic reaction?
The most common factors that cause an allergic reaction include certain foods, complex substances, preservatives, fragrances, pollens, etc.
What are the early signs of cosmetic allergic reactions?
Early signs of cosmetic allergic reactions are itchy skin, flaking or peeling skin, rashes, irritation of the eyes, nose and mouth, wheezing, facial swelling, etc.
Can we consider natural eyeliners hypoallergenic?
No. Natural eyeliners contain essential oils and botanical extracts that might trigger sensitivity in your eyes. On the other hand, hypoallergenic products contain less or no allergens. So, not all natural eyeliners can be considered hypoallergenic.
How to remove hypoallergenic eyeliner?
Follow these steps to remove your hypoallergenic eyeliner:
• Select a makeup remover that suits your skin type, preferably a hypoallergenic formula.
• Soak the cotton pad with the remover.
• Press the pad on the lids, hold for a few seconds for the remover to break the makeup particles, and wipe it off.
• Use a cotton swab to remove the leftover liner from the outer and inner corners of the eyes.
• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it to dry.
What are the perks of using hypoallergenic eyeliner?
Hypoallergenic eyeliners help you create crisp lines and effortlessly achieve smokey eye looks without irritating the skin on and around your eyes. These irritation-free eyeliners can be worn throughout the day without redness on your lids.
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