Us Weekly has affiliate relationships so that we may be compensated for links to products or services.
Are you looking for the best hypoallergenic eyeliners? We get it. Sensitive eyes can make makeup a pain — sometimes even literally. If your eyes itch, tingle, tear, or turn red from applying eyeliner, you might need to look for hypoallergenic alternatives. You may be experiencing contact dermatitis (reaction to an ingredient) The same applies if you have contacts!
We’re talking liners with clean ingredients from trustworthy brands that design their cosmetics specifically to have fewer potential allergens. We’ll get more into what that means below.
How did we choose the best hypoallergenic eyeliners?
It’s important to note that there are no specific guidelines or standards brands must follow to call their products “hypoallergenic.” That’s why we made sure to closely examine the ingredients for what was included — and what wasn’t. For example, it’s best to avoid common allergens like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, artificial synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, talc, formaldehyde and carbon black, as explained by Dr. Jaimie Glick.
If you specifically think you may have an allergy, it’s also great to find the phrase “allergy-tested” on the label. “Allergy-tested [means] the brand must pass a 50-person Human Repeated Insult Patch Test,” according to cosmetic chemist Ginger King!
We also looked for different types of eyeliners. Liquid, gel, pencil, black, colorful, metallic, etc. Check out these finds!
11 of the Best Hypoallergenic Eyeliners
1. Honest Beauty Eyeliner
A Tear-Free Cat eye
Jessica Alba‘s incredible clean beauty brand did it again with this liquid liner. It’s thin-tip design allows you to achieve a winged eye. It claims it can last up to 8 hours without smudging. It’s specifically labeled hypoallergenic, leaving parabens, carbon black pigment, silicones and PEGs out of the formula!
Pros:
- Dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, EGW-certified
- 100% tree-free paper carton
Cons:
- Eight-hour wear time isn’t as long as some other liners
It’s there!
Available at: Target, Ulta
2. Almay Eyeliner Pencil
Ultra-Affordable Options
This smooth mechanical pencil’s got it all: a super low price, a built-in sharpener and a hypoallergenic, clean bill of health. It’s free of fragrance and it’s even made with vitamin E, making it super skin-friendly!
Pros:
- Dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- It is difficult to find all color options
It’s there!
Available at: Amazon, Walmart
3. W3ll People Fresh Lines Liquid Eyeliner
Soothing Formula
This felt-tip liquid eyeliner is infused specifically with plant-based ingredients, such as aloe and rosemary, to soothe sensitive and sensitive eyes. We love this eyeliner because it was actually dermatologist-developed!
Pros:
- Parabens, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrance, Gluten, and Animal Products are exempt
- Water-resistant and smudge resistant
Cons:
- For liquid liner beginners, it may be more difficult to use
It’s there!
Available at: Target, Ulta, Credo Beauty
4. Mineral Fusion Eye Pencil
Velvety Smooth
Some eyeliner pencils are too heavy, and can cause irritation. This one, however, glides on “like velvet” and includes a calming mix of chamomile, meadowfoam and vitamin E. We love Mineral Fusion because we can shop confidently knowing all of the brand’s products are hypoallergenic!
Pros:
- Parabens, Phthalates, Gluten, Fragrance, Talcum, and Other Toxic Ingredients are all free
- Five shades
Cons:
- Sharpener required (not included).
It’s there!
Available at: Amazon, Target, Walmart
5. LA PURE Waterproof Eyeliner Stamp
Our Stamp of Approval
Do you have trouble flying your liner? It’s tough, even with years of experience! That’s why we’re obsessed with eyeliner pens that have built-in wing stamps. It’s so easy! These double-sided pens come with every purchase.
Pros:
- 100% waterproof
- Available in two sizes
Cons:
- Black is the only color available
It’s there!
Available at
6. ILIA Clean Line Gel Liner
The Best of Both Worlds
This clean liner was designed to have “the precision of a pencil with the ease of a gel.” We love how ILIA specifically explains why this liner opts for charcoal rather than carbon black, noting how carbon black “should be avoided whenever possible”!
Pros:
- No carbon black, gluten or cyclomethicone
- Blendable, but firm once set
Cons:
See it!
7. Wander Beauty Skyliner Automatic Eyeliner
Highly-Pigmented, Highly-Recommended
This gel pencil liner is made with jojoba seed oil and olive fruit oil to “hydrate and soothe the upper and lower lash line.” It’s creamy, cruelty-free and free of fragrance, gluten, parabens and phthalates. Shoppers say they’re “obsessed”!
Pros:
- Built-in sharpener
- Three colors, including a pretty purple
Cons:
It’s there!
Available at: Dermstore, Amazon, Walmart
8. Pixi By Petra Endless Silky Waterproof Pencil eyeliner
Going for the gold
This hypoallergenic, metallic liner pencil does not contain any mineral oils, preservatives, phthalates, or other chemicals. We love the Pure24K shade for some serious glam, but we also love that it’s not the only option!
Pros:
- Waterproof
- 10 color options
Cons:
- One customer noted that they were out of stock quickly
It’s there!
Available at Target
9. Charlotte Tilbury Eye Colour Magic Liner duo
Double the fun
Are you able to use two colors in one pencil? Yes, please! You can save space on your vanity, and make your eyes really pop! This two-sided liner is ophthalmologically-tested and has a very high “sensitive skin friendly” rating in the reviews. The best part about this liner is the matte and metallic colors.
Pros:
- Smudge-proof, waterproof, humidity-proof — claims to last up to 16 hours
- Shoppers say each side is “smooth as melted butter”
Cons:
Available at: Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora
10. Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel eyeliner
Designer Eyes
Nothing is better than Marc Jacobs on your makeup shelves! The cranberry color is stunning, but the ingredients are perhaps the most beautiful. The liner is completely free from sulfates and parabens, formaldehyde as well as coal tar, gluten, and mineral oil.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Currently on Sale
Cons:
- It might be a bit difficult to get rid of.
It’s there!
Available at: Sephora
11. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
Allergy-Tested
If you know or think you have an allergy to many eyeliners, then we’d have to recommend this oil-free one. It’s allergy-tested! It’s also ophthalmologist-tested and dermatologist-tested, approved for those with sensitive eyes and contacts. And yes, it’s free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates!
Pros:
- Includes precision brush
- Waterproof wear up to 24 hours
Cons:
- It can take practice to use an eyeliner pot or brush.
It’s there!
Available at: Target, Amazon, Walmart, Ulta
We also love other hypoallergenic eyeliners
You want to see more of our favorite picks? You can find more of our recommended picks below.
This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team is here to highlight products and services that our readers might find useful and interesting, such as face masks and self-tanners, Lululemon leggings, and Lululemon-style leggings, and all the best gifts you can get for everyone in your family. However, the selection of product and service is not intended to be an endorsement of Us Weekly or any celebrity mentioned.
Shop With Us may be offered products to try out by manufacturers. Us Weekly also receives compensation from the manufacturer for products featured in our articles. This does NOT influence our decision to recommend or not recommend a product or service. Shop With Us is independent from the advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at ShopWithUs@usmagazine.com. Happy shopping!
