The 10 Best Natural Mascaras of 2024, Tested & Reviewed
If You’re Anything Like Us, Mascara Is a Staple in Your Daily Makeup Routine. Even on the Most Bare-Faced of Days, You Better Believe Our Lashes Are Getting a Swipe from Our Trusty Tube. and While "Clean" Doesn't Have a Regulated Definition in the Beauty Space, Alexis Bonin, a Licensed Esthetician at the Detox Market Tells Byrdie, "'Clean' Mascara Formulas Are [Typically] Free of Carbon Pigments, Parabens, Silicones, Synthetic Dyes, and Artificial Fragrances." This Is Especially Helpful for Those with Sensitive Eyes or Allergies. the Decision on Ingredients Is up to You—What You Want in or out of Your Products—So It's Always Wise to Do Your Own Research and Select Formulas with Formulas You're Comfortable With.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall
Dermstore
Best Budget
Ulta
Best Drugstore
Walmart
Best Lengthening
Sephora
Best Volumizing
Sephora
Best Lifting
Sephora
Best Tubing
Sephora
Best Waterproof
Amazon
Best for a Natural Look
Amazon
Best Vegan
Amazon
Final Verdict
Our Favorite "Clean" Mascara Is Ilia's Limitless Lash Mascara, a True Standout in the Space with a Unique Dual-Sided Brush That Imparts Both Length and Volume. If You Want a More Budget-Friendly Option, We Also Love the Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer Because Its Two-Step Formula Will Give You Defined, Long Lashes Without Clumps. and If You Need One That Promises to Stay Put All Day Long While Remaining Easy to Remove, Go for the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara.
What to Look for in a "Clean" Mascara
Many "Clean" Mascara Formulas Replace Silicones with Beeswax or Carnauba Wax (Or Sometimes a Combination of Both) to Give You That Flexible, Waxy Texture for a Super Smooth Application. "In 'Clean' Mascaras You’ll Find Ingredients Like Beeswax, as It Is Preservative Free," Says Loiz. Both Can Also Act as Emollients, Which Are Able to Bring Moisture.
Beeswax or Carnauba Wax
Many "Clean" Mascara Formulas Replace Silicones with Beeswax or Carnauba Wax (Or Sometimes a Combination of Both) to Give You That Flexible, Waxy Texture for a Super Smooth Application. "In 'Clean' Mascaras You’ll Find Ingredients Like Beeswax, as It Is Preservative Free," Says Loiz. Both Can Also Act as Emollients, Which Are Able to Bring Moisture.
Plant-Based Oils and Butters
Many of the Formulas Recommended Here Include Plant and Fruit Oils, Such as Jojoba, Avocado, and Olive Oil to Condition and Treat for Full, Fluttery Lashes. If You're Wanting Better-Looking Lashes Overall, Definitely Look out for These Before You Purchase. Our Best Overall Pick, the Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara, Contains Keratin, Shea Butter, and Beeswax to Condition and Strengthen Lashes.
Formula
You Want to Make Sure the Formula You Choose Isn't Prone to Running or Flaking. Tubing Options, Like the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara or the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara, Are Excellent If You're Concerned About Smudging.
