The Best Vegan Mascara
Cruelty-Free Brands for You

Last Updated: March 24, 2020

Mascara has a lot of ingredients from animals in their formulas. It’s challenging to find cruelty-free beauty brands, but it’s even harder to find vegan mascaras from these brands.

I did some research into vegan mascaras and what the best ones were in the beauty market. Let’s take a look at the best vegan mascaras.

Product	Features	Price
Ecco Bella Mascara Black -- 0.25 oz	9.7	Check Price
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara - Black - To Go Deluxe Size 5ml/.16oz	9.5	Check Price
It Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing .30oz black	9.1	Check Price
Smashbox Super Fan Fanned-Out Mascara Black False Lash Look, 0.33 Ounce	8.8	Check Price
PÜR Big Look Mascara in Black - Volumizing And Lengthening Lash Mascara For Longer, Fuller, Softer	8.6	Check Price
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara 0.27 Ounce Full Size	8.2	Check Price
UD Perversion Mascara 0.13 oz	8	Check Price
Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara - Abyss Mascara Women 0.25 oz	7.7	Check Price
Milk Makeup KUSH High Volume Mascara	7.4	Check Price
Jordana Best Length Extreme Lengthening Mascara 303 Black	7.2	Check Price
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Doll Eye Mascara, Long Lash, Black	9.5	Check Price
Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara. Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara for Dramatic Lashes. Crue	9.5	Check Price
E.L.F. Eye Enhancing Mascara Black Diamond New Formula 0.25 oz	9.5	Check Price

1. Ecco Bella Natural Mascara (Editor’s Choice)

If you have sensitive eyes, then this is one of the vegan mascaras for you.

Several women say this mascara didn’t hurt their sensitive eyes. This may be because this mascara is made with natural ingredients with no harsh chemicals. It’s also fragrance-free.

The lacquer, shellac, and animal products have been replaced with natural products like clay and flower wax, making it one of the most natural vegan mascaras.

The colors also receive rave reviews. This cruelty-free mascara comes in both black and brown colors.Brownmascara is hard to come by, and this is a high-quality brown color. Ithas a silky texture and just the right color to prevent it from lookingtoo dark.

To top it all off, the mascara tube comes with a mirror. Perfect for those on-the-go touch-ups.

2. Tarte Cosmetics 4-in-1 Natural Mascara

Tarte Cosmetics is one of the most vegan-friendly makeup brands, and they have one of the best vegan mascaras (see benefits of dermaplaning).

Their mascara comes with a straight wand. Usually, this is hard to apply to your lashes, but people say that this mascara still does the job for them.It makes their lashes look thicker and stronger with only one coat — all without clumping. The formula leaves lashes looking feeling silky with volume.

If you’re looking for an extra dramatic look, then you can apply multiple layers to make your eyes stand out (Fix my droopy eyelids).

You can’t go wrong with this cruelty-free and vegan 4-in-1 natural mascara if you are looking for longer and curlier lashes

3. IT Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing

Give your lashes superhero powers with this game-changing mascara that’s clinically tested to give lashes super volume, super length and super elastic stretch in just one coat!

Developed with plastic surgeons, IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara thickens and separates eyelashes to create the look of longer lashes and a full lash line.

Interesting combination of proteins & peptides are combined with an extra black pigment. The brush head was created to help coat lashes from the base to the tip creating a full uplifted look.

4. Smashbox Superfan Fanned Out Mascara

This vegan and cruelty-free mascara claims to give your lashes lots of volume and length.

The lengthening mascara works for 12 hours and lifts your lashes. It’s made without parabens, phthalates, oil, fragrance, and silicon.

It’s a thick formula, but it doesn’t clump on your lashes. It also doesn’t run or smudge during use. They also claim that the super black color doesn’t flake or make your lashes look unnecessarily heavy.

The wand is a double-bristle brush and helps style your lashes to a beautiful curl.

5. PÜR Big Look Mascara

This is another vegan-friendly mascara for sensitive eyes.

A lot of people who are sensitive to mascara says this didn’t irritate them.

The cruelty-free formula is made with argan oil, which is filled with omega fatty acids, vitamin E (see also ‘Why You Should Add Vitamin E to Your Supplement Routine‘), and antioxidants.

The company claims that argan oil is nourishing for lashes and aids in building a dewy sheen. Vitamin E aids in protecting eyes from damaging cells.

They say they are clump-resistant, and thereviews match that claim. Many people say that, even though the formulais thick, it doesn’t clump or flake.

It only makes their lashes long while looking natural.

This mascara is waterproof, which is something to consider before purchasing

6. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

The Too Faced mascara is unique for their added Acacia Senegal tree extract (see facewash).

It’s designed to be nourishing and give your lashes a thicker appearance. It also contains unique peptides for the mascara to be a dramatic black.

The brush is shaped like an hourglass, which is designed to coat your lashes evenly and not leave behind any clumps.

People love this vegan and cruelty-free mascarabecause it only takes one coat to extend and thicken the look of yourlashes. The black color looks natural while making your eyes pop.

Itis also smudge-proof, which is great for everyday wear. The polymeringredient helps form a film on your lashes to let the mascara stay inplace.

There’s a waterproof mascara and a non-waterproof version available.

7. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Urban Decay is another brand known for its vegan makeup (see Microneedling).

The Perversion Mascara is one of those Urban Decay products that are popular.This mascara is different because it contains hairdensyl, which is a blend of proteins and amino acids that stimulates lash growth (Lactic acid skin care).

The color is a bold black, and it helps create adramatic eyelash look. The formula helps your lashes look full andlong. The black mascara has a creamy texture which attaches to theeyelashes with only minimal clumps.

Sincethe formula is a little bit thicker than others, it’s a little harder toapply. However, once it’s on, then you’ll be impressed by how itseparates your eyelashes and adds volume.

8. Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Mascara

All Pacifica products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It’s made without ingredients like animal products, gluten, parabens, sulfates, oil, and more.

It does contain good ingredients like coconut oil, kelp extract, and vitamin B to help hydrate your lashes and make them longer and stronger.

Vitamins also promote growth, so it’s great that this has vitamin B. Vitamin B prevents lashes from becoming brittle.

It’swater-resistant, which is a step up from waterproof. Water-resistantmeans you can wear it for swimming in chlorine water and ocean water.

This water-resistant mascara comes in two colors; black and blue.

9. Milk Makeup KUSH High Volume Mascara

There’s one ingredient that really stands out in this mascara; CBD-rich cannabis oil. It’s a conditioning oil that gives thickness to lashes.

It also gives the vegan and cruelty-free mascara formula a creamy texture, which makes application smoother and is an extra conditioning benefit.

The hydrating formula creates width and lengthto lashes for long-lasting effects. People love it because it helpsdefine their eyes. One person noted it looked great for about 9 hoursbefore it starts to wear off and needs a touch-up.The one downside is that this volume mascara is not waterproof.

10. Jordana Best Length Extreme Lengthening Mascara

Need a mascara focused on stretching your lashes to full volume? Jordana has the cruelty-free mascara product for you.

They claim you only need one stroke to receive dramatic lashes worthy of the red carpet. It gives great length and volume with no flaking or clumping.

However, one person said this mascara was easily smudgeable. It’s worth noting that this is not a waterproof mascara.

The brush has long and short bristles to getthe formula on every one of your lashes. It helps with lash separationand making sure the mascara has a lightweight feel. It’s easy to applymascara smoothly with this brush.

11. NYX Professional Makeup Doll Eye Mascara

Doll Eye Mascara has unique ingredients in their vegan and cruelty-free formula.

It contains a blend of natural oils, vitamin E, and nylon fibers. The company claims that the vitamin and other ingredients extends lashes and adds volume.

It’s a thick mascara, but it’s easy to apply and not get any clumps. As the day goes on, you’ll notice that the mascara won’t flake or smudge, giving you the perfect look all day. It probably helps that this is a waterproof mascara.

The black color is another feature that receives rave reviews. The pigment is great and easily covers all your lashes.

12. Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

This is an all-in-one mascara that lengthens, adds volume, and lifts lashes.

The effect is a dramatic look from the ultra-black formula.It won’t smudge or flake though. It stays on for as long as you want it on your lashes. They make your lashes thick.

A lot of people love the wand for this mascara. It’s an innovative brush that helps create volume and definition for lashes. It has a tapered end to help cover the smallest lashes in the corners of your eyes.

This is a high-performing mascara without any of the ingredients thatyou want to avoid, including parabens, gluten, sulfates, fragrances,dyes, and more. It’s also cruelty-free.

13. e.l.f. Eye Enhancing Mascara

e.l.f. is one of the most affordable vegan and cruelty-free makeup lines on the market (see Microneedling).

They have a lot of mascara options, but today we are going to look at their Eye Enhancing Mascara.What I thought was unique about this mascara is that it includes a light-reflecting glitter look.

It’s designed to enhance (Hence the name of the mascara) and complement your eyes (See blepharoplasty)

see droopy eyelids).

Some people don’t like the shimmer look on their eyelashes, but others love it. It sounds like if you are looking to make your eyes sparkle, then this is the mascara for you.

It’s worth noting that the mascara doesn’t last long. One person pointed out that they had to reapply every 3-4 hours.

Why Is Mascara Not Vegan?

Mascara is typically not vegan because it contains ingredients from animals. Let’s take a look at some common ingredients from animals that are found in makeup (see also our guide to sustainable drugstore products) like mascara (Top 10 natural anti-aging treatments) (see cruelty free Chapstick) (seem microneedling) (See Hyperpigmentation) (wrinkle cream for teens) (see chemical peel) (see Removing Wrinkles) (see hyperpigmentation).

Mascara is typically not vegan because it contains ingredients from animals. Let’s take a look at some common ingredients from animals that are found in makeup like mascara.

Beeswax. Beeswax (see also ‘Can Vegans Use Beeswax Products?‘) or honeycomb is made by bees, which makes it a non-vegan item. It’s used to keep mascara smooth.
Guanine. Guanine is derived from fish scales. It makes mascara shiny.
Panthenol. Panthenol is derived from meat and honey. It acts as a lubricant and moisturizer and makes fine hair, like lashes, shiny.
CircleShellac. Shellac is made from insects. It has a shiny effect that makes lashes look glossy.
CircleCollagen. Collagen is a protein from the tissues of animals. Collagen is popular in the beauty industry because it helps plump and firm lashes, skin, and nails. [1]
CircleLanolin. Lanolin is made from sheep and is known for its moisturizing (after chemical peel) properties.

How do I choose the right vegan mascara for me?

If you’re vegan, you have to consider a mascara’s ingredients [2] before you can even start to judge their quality. You can check out some vegan foundations that will match your mascara too.

Once you find a vegan mascara, how do you determine if it’s right for you? You’ll need to consider your lash type to answer that question.

Others who have transitioned into vegan products noticed that their skin looked more healthy than before. This may be due to vegan products being natural and nutrient-rich.

Sandra Taylor

Make-up Artist

There are four different lash types with varying vegan mascaras being the most beneficial for that type.

Long lashes. Choose a mascara that has a curling or lifting formula.
Short lashes. Choose a bristle brush to ensure all your lashes get covered in mascara.
Straight lashes. To get eyelashes that curl, you’ll need an eyelash curler. Choose a mascara that has a curling formula.
CircleVarying lash length. Choose a mascara with lots of natural ingredients to encourage lash growth.

FAQ

Is Covergirl mascara vegan?

Covergirl mascara is not vegan. It contains some common animal ingredients like beeswax, sodium chondroitin sulfate, atelocollagen, and lanolin (see also ‘Is Lanolin Something I Should Avoid?‘).

The good news is that this makeup (see pores) line is cruelty-free and doesn’t test on animals. However, Covergirl mascara is currently not suitable for vegans to use.

Is Dior mascara vegan?

Dior mascara is not vegan. A quick look at their mascara ingredients says they use cera alba (beeswax).

They are also not cruelty-free. Yes, they test on animals. China has laws that won’t let cosmetics be sold in their country unless they have been tested on animals first.

What is the best vegan mascara?

It’s comforting to know that commercial brands are stepping up and going cruelty-free (see also ‘Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Toothpaste Brands‘). I have to say that one of the consistent albeit trivial challenges vegans face is finding a cosmetic product that doesn’t go against the lifestyle (see Mens Botox).

After intensive research and from personal experience, I can say with confidence that Ecco Bella does produce one of the best vegan mascaras.

The natural ingredients make it lightweight, easy to wear, and best of all, ideal for sensitive eyes. The brown shade perfectly matches my blonde for a nice, lifted, everyday eye look while I reserve the black shade for more dramatic eye makeup.

Have you tried any of these vegan mascaras? Share your experience with our readers

If you want more vegan-free makeup, check out the list of the best vegan brands here. And when we talk about makeup, don’t forget to put on your sunscreen.

Ecco Bella Mascara Black -- 0.25 oz

Luxurious natural lashes: our smooth, all-natural mascara formula utilizes clay and flower cutins to
Plant powered beauty: ecco bella mascara harnesses the power of flower cutins, the delicate coating
Water-resistant formula: long-lasting, yet not waterproof, ecco bella mascara gently coats lashes fo
Unique mirror design: combining clean beauty with superior performance, our uniquely designed brush
Beyond ordinary cosmetics: ecco bella products are made ethically, authentically, and are safe for s

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Jason Hughes

"Hey there, I'm Jason, and you've just landed on the most exhilarating spot on the web - my VL universe! Here's the deal: I'm wildly obsessed (in the best way possible!) with all things diet, strength training, fitness, health, and wellness. It's not just a passion; it's a lifestyle!

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The Best Vegan Mascara
Cruelty-Free Brands for You

1. Ecco Bella Natural Mascara (Editor’s Choice)

2. Tarte Cosmetics 4-in-1 Natural Mascara