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What Is Hypoallergenic Mascara?

Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen

Hypoallergenic mascara is a type of mascara that is marketed as being less likely to trigger reactions in users who have sensitive eyes. It should be noted than the United States, the term “hypoallergenic” is not regulated and any cosmetic manufacturer can use it to describe any product, regardless of the product's ingredients or whether or not the product has been subjected to rigorous testing. In other countries, the term may be more strictly regulated, so individuals who are concerned about choosing mascara for sensitive eyes should research the laws in their jurisdiction. If a person does choose to purchase hypoallergenic mascara, he or she should still review the ingredients to ensure that the mascara is safe to use. In all cases, a mascara user should ensure that any mascara he or she uses, including hypoallergenic mascara, is not contaminated and that open mascara is thrown out after three months, even if there is still product left in the tube.

Many people are susceptible to advertising claims for various cosmetics. Individuals who have sensitive skin and eyes may be particularly concerned about using cosmetics that contain irritating ingredients. Those who wear contact lenses may also be concerned about wearing mascara that can irritate their eyes and that may flake off and get trapped under contact lenses. It is to these people that hypoallergenic mascara is typically marketed. Due to the fact that the term does not have an official meaning in some countries, it is up to individual users to determine whether a mascara is suitable for use.

A woman applying hypoallergenic mascara to her eyelashes.
A woman applying hypoallergenic mascara to her eyelashes.

Those who have eye problems, or wear contact lenses, may wish to speak to their eye doctor for mascara recommendations, as the eye doctor may be privy to considerable feedback on mascaras from his or her other patients. Another option is to carefully read ingredient labels and eschew mascaras that contain nylon fibers which many experts believe can cause significant problems for contact lens wearers. If the cosmetic manufacturer claims that testing proves that its products are hypoallergenic, the consumer may wish to contact the manufacturer and ask for details about these studies. If possible, those with sensitive eyes may wish to try a sample of a particular mascara before buying a full tube in order to evaluate whether the product is suitable for his or her needs.

A person with sensitive skin should use a hypoallergenic mascara.
A person with sensitive skin should use a hypoallergenic mascara.

Even if someone with sensitive eyes finds a hypoallergenic mascara that does not trigger allergies, it is important to take care of the mascara so that it does not become contaminated with bacteria and other irritants. This means making sure the mascara tube is tightly closed when not in use, and not rinsing a mascara brush under the tap. Mascara should never be shared with other people and should be thrown away immediately if symptoms of an eye infection emerge.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

Hypoallergenic mascara doesn't cause any irritation and itching like non-hypoallergenic ones. But the biggest downside is that it smudges very easily. It doesn't stay on as well as regular mascara does. After several hours, it starts to flake and run.

SarahGen

@bluedolphin-- I know what you mean. I too have reacted negatively to mascara despite the product being marketed as "hypoallergenic."

I think the best thing to do is not to rely on the label and to check the ingredients list. The mascara should have as few ingredients as possible and the main ingredients should be all natural. I've recently found a hypoallergenic mascara that works great. It has very few ingredients and the main ingredient is beeswax. I've not had problems with it at all.

bluedolphin

Now I understand why so many of the "hypoallergenic" mascaras I have tried have actually caused issues for me. It's because the term isn't regulated. I guess manufacturers put it on the label whenever they want. That's unethical in my opinion. Some people have serious allergies to regular mascara. I also get itching, burning and redness from regular mascara. It's unfair to take advantage of customers who are just looking for a product that they can use safely.

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    • A woman applying hypoallergenic mascara to her eyelashes.
      By: haveseen
      A woman applying hypoallergenic mascara to her eyelashes.
    • A person with sensitive skin should use a hypoallergenic mascara.
      By: Africa Studio
      A person with sensitive skin should use a hypoallergenic mascara.
    • Although a hypoallergenic mascara does not contain major allergens, it may still cause some irritation.
      By: armina
      Although a hypoallergenic mascara does not contain major allergens, it may still cause some irritation.
    • Those who wear contact lenses may benefit from hypoallergenic mascara.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Those who wear contact lenses may benefit from hypoallergenic mascara.
    • In general, a person who has sensitive eyes should seek a mascara that has as few ingredients as possible.
      By: bedya
      In general, a person who has sensitive eyes should seek a mascara that has as few ingredients as possible.
    • An eye doctor should be consulted about mascara by anyone with eye problems.
      By: Monkey Business
      An eye doctor should be consulted about mascara by anyone with eye problems.
    • Sharing make-up applicators with other people may spread bacteria and irritate eyelids.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Sharing make-up applicators with other people may spread bacteria and irritate eyelids.
    • Mascara may cause irritation to the eyes.
      By: schankz
      Mascara may cause irritation to the eyes.