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Mascara goes on right next to the eye, so label details and handling matter more than they do for most makeup. This guide covers the FDA’s eye-safety tips, what organic and hypoallergenic labels mean, and compares five mascaras by size, formula and wear.Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. Stop using any eye product that irritates you, and see a doctor or eye doctor for eye pain, redness or infection.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Form | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mascara | 0.35 Ounce |
| 2 | Mascara | 0.4 Ounce (Pack of 2) |
| 3 | Mascara | 0.31 Fl Oz |
| 4 | Mascara | 0.26 Ounce |
| 5 | Mascara | 0.28 Fl Oz |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing · Specs and certifications as stated by the listing, not tested or verified by us; check the listing before you buy
Eye cosmetic safety
- If an eye cosmetic causes irritation, stop using it right away, and see a doctor if the irritation continues.[1]
- Do not use eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection, and throw away the ones you were using when the infection started.[1]
- The FDA’s eye-safety checklist says to discard mascara three months after purchase, and manufacturers usually recommend two to four months.[5][1]
- Do not share mascara, and do not add water or saliva to a dried-out tube.[1]
How to Handle Mascara Safely
- Wash Your Hands First – Bacteria on your hands can cause eye infections if they reach the eye.[1]
- Replace Mascara Regularly – Discard a tube three months after you buy it, or sooner if it dries out.[5]
- Keep It Cool – Do not store cosmetics above 85 degrees F, such as in a hot car, because heat can weaken the preservative.[1]
- Use Products Meant for Eyes – Use mascara only on the lashes, and avoid color additives not approved for the eye area, such as permanent lash tints and kohl.[1]
What Labels on Mascara Mean
- Organic – The FDA does not define “organic” for cosmetics. A product can carry the USDA Organic seal only if its agricultural ingredients meet USDA standards.[2]
- Hypoallergenic – The FDA has no federal standards for what “hypoallergenic” means on a cosmetic, so the word does not guarantee that the mascara will not cause a reaction.[3]
- Fragrance-Free – Fragrance can cause skin reactions in some people. ILIA is made without fragrance, and Burt’s Bees is made without synthetic fragrances.[4]
- Waterproof and Water-Resistant – 100% Pure is water-resistant and Poppy Austin is waterproof. Waterproof formulas need an eye makeup remover or a gentle oil-based cleanser.
What the Research Says
The FDA says most eye cosmetics are safe when used properly, and that misusing them can allow bacteria or fungi to grow in them and cause infection. Its checklist says to discard mascara three months after purchase, and notes that manufacturers usually recommend two to four months.[5][1] It also says not to share mascara.[1] The FDA does not define “organic” for cosmetics, and has no federal definition of “hypoallergenic.”[2][3] Some people react to fragrance ingredients.[4]How We Chose These Products
We do not test products. We compare product details: size, ingredients, fragrance, organic or hypoallergenic claims, and wear.[2][3] Brands don’t pay to be included, though we may earn a commission from purchases.Our Organic Mascara Picks
These five mascaras range from 100% natural to fragrance-free formulas. None of the five states USDA Organic certification. With every purchase through the links on this page, we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.1
100% Pure® Ultra Lengthening Mascara Fruit-pigmented lengthening and volume mascara
- 100% Pure Ultra Lengthening Mascara is a 0.35 oz tube in Black Tea, a deep black shade.
- The pigment comes from a patented fruit-based color.
- The formula is vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free, and it is made in the USA.
- It is water-resistant and is made to build length and volume without clumping, smudging or flaking.
- The formula includes pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E, and oat and wheat proteins.
- The product details give no USDA Organic certification.
2
Burt's Bees® Nourishing Mascara Classic black natural mascara, two-pack
- Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara comes as a 2-pack of 0.4 oz tubes in Classic Black.
- The formula is 100% natural and made with jojoba oil and glycerin.
- It is made without parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum or synthetic fragrances.
- It is ophthalmologist-tested and is made for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
- It lengthens and defines the upper and lower lashes.
- It is cruelty-free.
3
Poppy Austin® Organic Mascara Waterproof hypoallergenic organic black mascara
- Poppy Austin Organic Mascara is a 0.31 fl oz tube in Black.
- The formula is waterproof, hypoallergenic, vegan and smudge-proof, and it contains argan oil.
- It is flake-resistant and made without harsh ingredients.
- The brush is soft and full, and the mascara is made for sensitive eyes.
- The product details give no USDA Organic certification.
4
Physicians Formula® Organic Wear Mascara Lash-boosting mascara for sensitive eyes
- Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara is an all-natural lash mascara in Natural Origin Black, in a 0.26 oz (7.5 g) tube.
- The formula uses an organic lash complex with natural silk, cotton and fibers to volumize, thicken and separate the lashes.
- The recyclable eco-brush has ultra-soft plastic bristles.
- It is dermatologist-tested and made for sensitive eyes.
- The package measures 0.9 x 2.9 x 5.6 inches.
5
ILIA® Limitless Lash Mascara Soft black lengthening mascara, After Midnight
- ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight is a soft black mascara in a 0.28 fl oz tube.
- It lengthens, lifts and separates, with 12-hour wear.
- The dual-sided wand works like a brush and a lash comb in one.
- The formula includes arginine and biotin.
- It is ophthalmologist-tested, cruelty-free and made without fragrance, gluten, silicone or talc.
- It is smudge-resistant and the shade is also sold in a rich brown.
Index Table: Mascara Compared
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% Pure Ultra Lengthening Mascara - Fruit-pigmented lengthening and volume mascara |  |
| 100% Pure |
| 2 | Burt's Bees Nourishing Mascara - Classic black natural mascara, two-pack |  |
| Burt's Bees |
| 3 | Poppy Austin Organic Mascara - Waterproof hypoallergenic organic black mascara |  | Poppy Austin | |
| 4 | Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara - Lash-boosting mascara for sensitive eyes |  | Physicians Formula | |
| 5 | ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara - Soft black lengthening mascara, After Midnight |  | ILIA |
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Eye Cosmetic Safety. Accessed October 25, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Organic” Cosmetics. Accessed October 25, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Hypoallergenic” Cosmetics. Accessed October 25, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrances in Cosmetics. Accessed October 25, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cosmetics Safety Q&A: Eye Cosmetic Safety. Accessed October 25, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the guide text and product notes, removed the unsupported safety and nourishing claims, added FDA eye-safety guidance on replacing and sharing mascara, set the Key Specs to form and size, and replaced the sources (FDA)
- Jul 2021: First published
