Non-toxic Eyeliners That Won’t Irritate Your Eyes

Eyeliner enhances eye shape and look, with non-toxic options gaining popularity due to natural ingredients, safety, and performance across various formulas like pencils, liquids, and gels.

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Eyeliner is a makeup staple that can dramatically transform your look. From subtle daytime styles to bold evening statements, this versatile product enhances eyes and defines their shape. More people are seeking safer alternatives to traditional cosmetics, and non-toxic eyeliners have gained popularity as a result.

These eyeliners are made with natural ingredients, free from harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. They offer peace of mind for those concerned about the long-term effects of applying conventional makeup near their eyes. Non-toxic options come in various formulas, including pencils, liquids, and gels, catering to different preferences and skill levels.

When choosing a non-toxic eyeliner, it’s crucial to consider factors like staying power, ease of application, and color payoff. Some natural formulas may require more frequent touch-ups or have a slightly different texture compared to their conventional counterparts.

We tested numerous non-toxic eyeliners to find the ones that combine safety with performance, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on your makeup routine.

Best Non-Toxic Eyeliners

We’ve rounded up our top picks for non-toxic eyeliners that deliver stunning results without compromising your health. These clean beauty options are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients, allowing you to feel good about what you’re putting on your skin while still achieving that perfect eye-defining look.

ILIA Clean Line Gel Liner

We think this non-toxic eyeliner is a great choice for those seeking a clean beauty option that doesn’t compromise on performance. With its smooth application and long-lasting wear, it provides the perfect finish for any look. Additionally, for those who want to complete their eye makeup routine, there are numerous nontoxic eyeshadow palette options available that pair beautifully with this eyeliner. These palettes not only offer a variety of stunning colors but also ensure that you can achieve vibrant, eye-catching looks while maintaining your commitment to clean beauty.

✔️ Pros
  • Smooth application
  • Long-lasting wear
  • Blendable before setting
Cons
  • Pricier than conventional options
  • Limited shade range
  • May require frequent sharpening

We’ve been on the hunt for a clean eyeliner that actually stays put, and ILIA’s Clean Line Gel Liner has impressed us. The soft-tip pencil glides on like a dream, making it easy to create precise lines or smudge out for a smoky effect.

Once set, this liner doesn’t budge. We’ve worn it through long workdays and even a bit of rain without any smudging or fading. The Twilight shade is a rich black that adds definition to our eyes without looking harsh.

We love that ILIA has formulated this liner without potentially harmful ingredients like carbon black and cyclomethicone. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, which aligns with our values. The built-in sharpener is a nice touch, though we find ourselves using it fairly often to maintain a precise tip.

Honest Beauty Natural Liquid Liner

We think this eyeliner is a game-changer for those seeking a clean, long-lasting option for everyday wear.

✔️ Pros
  • Plant-derived ingredients
  • Precise application
  • Smudge-resistant formula
Cons
  • May not suit extremely oily lids
  • Limited color options
  • Slightly higher price point

We’ve been using this Honest Beauty liquid eyeliner for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The flexible felt tip makes it a breeze to create both thin lines and bold wings. We found it glides on smoothly without tugging at our delicate eye area.

One thing we really appreciate is the formula’s staying power. It held up well throughout our busy days, even during some light exercise. The satin finish looks natural and doesn’t flake or smudge like some other liners we’ve tried.

As fans of clean beauty, we’re thrilled that this product is made without parabens, silicones, and carbon black pigment. It’s gentle on sensitive eyes and skin, which is a huge plus. While it may cost a bit more than some drugstore options, we think the quality and peace of mind are worth it.

Mineral Fusion Eye Enhancer

We highly recommend this eye pencil for those seeking a natural, long-lasting option that’s gentle on sensitive skin.

✔️ Pros
  • Smooth, buildable application
  • Nourishing natural ingredients
  • Cruelty-free and gluten-free
Cons
  • Limited shade range
  • May smudge on oily lids
  • Sharpening required

We’ve been using this Mineral Fusion Eye Pencil for a while now, and we’re impressed with its velvety smooth application. The coal shade gives our eyes a subtle yet defined look that lasts throughout the day. We love how it glides on effortlessly, allowing us to create anything from a thin line to a bold, smoky effect.

The natural ingredients are a big plus in our book. Chamomile, Meadowfoam, and Vitamin E soothe the delicate skin around our eyes, making it perfect for those of us with sensitivities. We’ve noticed less irritation compared to other eyeliners we’ve tried in the past.

One thing to note is that it might require touch-ups if you have particularly oily lids. We found it helps to set it with a bit of eyeshadow for longer wear. While the shade range is limited, the coal color is versatile enough for most looks. Remember to keep a sharpener handy to maintain a precise point for application.

Burt’s Bees Natural Eyeliner

We believe this eyeliner is a great choice for those seeking a natural, nourishing option that doesn’t compromise on performance.

✔️ Pros
  • Smooth application
  • Long-lasting wear
  • Gentle on sensitive eyes
Cons
  • Limited shade range
  • May smudge on oily lids
  • Requires sharpening

We’ve been using this Burt’s Bees eyeliner for a while now, and we’re impressed with its smooth application. The soft black shade glides on effortlessly, defining our eyes without any tugging or pulling. It’s a refreshing change from harsher formulas we’ve tried in the past.

The staying power of this eyeliner is noteworthy. We found it resists fading and smudging throughout the day, which is a huge plus for busy bees like us. No more worrying about raccoon eyes halfway through our day!

We love that it’s formulated with 99.9% natural ingredients. The nourishing oils like jojoba and mango feel gentle on our delicate eye area. It’s reassuring to know we’re not applying harsh chemicals to such a sensitive part of our face.

Almay Long-Lasting Eye Pencil

We think this eyeliner is a great choice for those seeking a gentle, long-wearing option that won’t irritate sensitive eyes.

✔️ Pros
  • Glides on smoothly
  • Built-in sharpener
  • Hypoallergenic formula
Cons
  • Limited shade range
  • May smudge on oily lids
  • Pencil tip can break easily

We’ve been using this Almay eyeliner for a while now, and we’re impressed with its staying power. The pencil glides effortlessly along our lash line, creating a precise and defined look that lasts throughout the day. We love that it’s water-resistant and doesn’t smudge or run, even during our busiest days.

The built-in sharpener is a game-changer. We no longer need to fumble around for a separate tool, making touch-ups a breeze. Plus, the vitamin E in the formula helps nourish our delicate eye area, which is a nice bonus for those of us with sensitive skin.

We appreciate that Almay has made this eyeliner hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. It’s gentle on our eyes and doesn’t cause any irritation or redness. The pencil form is easy to control, allowing us to create both subtle and dramatic looks with ease. While the shade range is somewhat limited, we find the available colors rich and versatile enough for everyday wear.

Buying Guide

When shopping for non-toxic eyeliners, we’ve found a few key factors to consider:

Ingredients

Look for natural, organic components like:

  • Plant-based waxes and oils
  • Mineral pigments
  • Vitamin E

Avoid harsh chemicals, parabens, and synthetic dyes.

Formulation

Choose from:

  • Pencil
  • Liquid
  • Gel

Each offers different application and staying power.

Color Range

Pick shades that complement your skin tone and eye color. Natural eyeliners often come in earth tones and subtle hues.

Longevity

We recommend checking reviews for smudge-proof and long-lasting formulas.

Certifications

Look for trusted seals:

Certification Meaning
USDA Organic Made with organic ingredients
EWG Verified Meets strict health criteria
Cruelty-Free Not tested on animals

Skin Sensitivity

If you have sensitive eyes, opt for hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested options.

Packaging

Eco-friendly packaging is a plus. Look for recyclable materials or biodegradable options.

Price Point

Natural eyeliners can vary in cost. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right non-toxic eyeliner can be tricky. We’ve compiled answers to some common questions to help you find safe and effective options.

What are the best non-toxic eyeliners available at drugstores?

We love Physician’s Formula Organic Wear eyeliner for its clean ingredients and budget-friendly price. Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner is another great drugstore pick, made with natural jojoba oil and shea butter.

Can you recommend a waterproof eyeliner that’s free of harmful chemicals?

Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Liquid Line & Define is our top choice for a clean, waterproof eyeliner. It’s made with organic ingredients and stays put all day without smudging or flaking.

Which organic eyeliners are gentle for sensitive eyes?

100% Pure Creamy Long Last Liner is super gentle and made with soothing ingredients like aloe and chamomile. Ere Perez Jojoba Eye Pencil is another winner for sensitive eyes, formulated with nourishing jojoba oil.

Are there any natural eyeliner options that offer long-lasting wear?

Absolutely! We’re big fans of Ilia Clean Line Liquid Liner for its impressive staying power. RMS Beauty Vintage Cake Liner is another long-wearing natural option that can be applied wet or dry.

How can I identify eyeliners that are safe and non-irritating for the eyes?

Look for products certified by organizations like COSMOS or EWG. Check ingredient lists for natural oils and plant-based pigments. Avoid common irritants like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

Does Elf liquid eyeliner contain any toxic ingredients?

Elf’s liquid eyeliners are generally considered safe and free from major toxins. Their formulas exclude parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. However, they may contain some synthetic ingredients, so they’re not 100% natural.