Last Updated on April 1, 2023 by NonToxicSwaps
Is Eyeliner Bad For Your Eyes?
Ingredients found in common big brand eyeliners can come with serious health concerns. These toxins can be absorbed through the skin, but are also used close to the eye, where they can easily enter the body more easily.
This can occur during wear, or while removing makeup at the end of the day.
Once absorbed into the body, toxins circulate via the blood stream and can affect the body alongside other toxins from all your products combined.
Not only do these toxic ingredients circulate through the body, but also contribute to issues with vision, including vision damage.
Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Eyeliner
You can eliminate the toxins aborbed into your body, especially if you wear eyeliner everyday. This list is not conclusive, but addresses some of the primary toxins we should be avoiding in eyeliner:
- Carbon black: Carbon black is used as a colorant in eyeliners. It is recognized as a probable human carcinogen and mutagen. It has been linked to skin cancer. Carbon black can have adverse health effects through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
- Coal Tar: Coal Tar is used as a colorant in eyeliner. It has been linked to cancer and neurological damage [Source] [Source]
- Synthetic dyes: In addition to carbon black and coal tar, synthetic dyes are used as a colorant to create different shades of eyeliners. Dyes are often derived from petroleum and are contaminated with harmful byproducts during production. Dyes are recognized as carcinogens and
- Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that are considered endocrine disruptors due to their estrogenic properties. This disrupts the hormonal balance in the body and can lead to cancer. Parabens have also been linked to an early onset of puberty. Parabens may be listed as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, and benzylparaben.
- Propylene glycol: Propylene glycol is used in cosmetics for its skin conditioning properties. It has been recognized as an allergen and an irritant to the skin and eyes. Propylene glycol is also known as a penetration enhancer, meaning it can help other toxins absorb more easily into the skin.
- Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is most dangerous by inhalation but skin contact is still a concern, especially because it is considered an eye and skin irritant. Formaldehyde is known as a potential human carcinogen and does not belong in your eyeliner.
- Benzalkonium chloride: Benzalkonium chloride is a preservative that is recognized as a neurotoxin associated with endocrine disruption and colon cancer. [Source]
- Fragrance: Fragrance is an umbrella term found on ingredient labels that can represent any one of hundreds of chemical toxins. These toxins include endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. Companies are not required to specify the exact ingredient used, and therefore its impossible to determine its safety. [Source] Fragrance is completely unnecessary in eyeliner.
- Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that likely contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen. Phenoxyethanol is also known as a nervous system depressant, hormone disruptor, and especially harmful to infants (even when absorbed into the skin). [Source]
More ingredients to avoid: BHA, BHT, Polysorbates, Polyquaterniums, MEA, DEA, TEA (Ethanolamines).
Why expose yourself to these toxins when there are non toxic eyeliners made without them! Avoid these ingredients in your eyeliner as well as all your other makeup products. The following eyeliners are free of these toxins and more!
Can Eyeliner be Harmful to your Health?
Research has found that eyeliner can be harmful to our health because it can easily enter inside the body through the eye.
Toxic ingredients are found in common big brand eyeliners and come with serious health concerns. These toxins can be absorbed through the skin, but are also used so close to the eye, where they can easily enter the body more easily.
Once these ingredients enter the body, they circulate around the body via the blood stream. Some toxins are capable of bioaccumulation within the body, where they start to cause imbalances, leading to serious health concerns.
Not only do these toxic ingredients circulate through the body, but also contribute to issues with vision, including vision damage.
Toxins from all of your personal care and even cleaning products can have an accumulative effect on the body.
When you add up the toxins from all your other products, you may be exposing yourself to a significant amount of toxins on a regular basis.
Eyeliners You May Have Thought Were Safe But Aren’t
Greenwashing is a form of deceptive marketing that companies use to make their products appear “natural” or “pure”. But unfortunately, companies can make these types of claims on their labels without much regulation.
The following eyeliner brands may appear to be a safer choice, but contain toxic ingredients:
Supposedly clean according to Target’s “Target Clean” label: NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Eyeliner – Vegan Formula – contains Propylene Glycol, Laureth-21, C11-15 Pareth-7, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Black 2
Honest Beauty Liquid Eyeliner – contains sodium hydroxide
Physicians Formula Eye Booster Waterproof Ultra-Fine Liquid Eyeliner – contains propylene glycol, laureth-21, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Potassium Sorbate
Another “Target Clean” eyeliner is the Pur Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. Unfortunately it can’t be considered clean with these ingredient involved: Phenoxyethanol, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Black 2
NON TOXIC EYELINER
Switching to one of the following non toxic eyeliners will eliminate these toxins from your makeup lineup. Scroll down to the summary to see a categorized list of different eyeliner types.
Switch to one of these non toxic eyeliners to prevent exposure to these toxic ingredients:
Ingredients: Organic aloe barbadensis juice*, bentonite, organic glycerin*, glyceryl oleate citrate†, brassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer†, methyl dihydroabietate†, corallina officinalis extract†, melia azadirachta bark extract†, panthenol (Vitamin B-5), xanthan gum, eclipta prostrata (false daisy extract) †, eclipta prostrata (false daisy leaf extract) †, melia azadirachta leaf extract†, melia azadirachta flower extract†, ocimum sanctum leaf extract†, ocimum basilicum (basil flower extract) †, curcuma longa (turmeric root extract) †, moringa oleifera seed oil†, simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba seed oil)*, zea mays (organic corn starch)*, cystine†, lauroyl arginine†, sodium cocoyl glutamate†, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate†, caprylyl glycol†, caprylic/capric triglyceride†, caprylhydroxamic acid†, biotinoyl tripeptide-1. May contain: iron oxides (CI 77499). (* = Certified organic ingredient | † = Plant derived)
❌ VEGAN | ✅ ORGANIC | ✅ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ✅ MADE IN USA
- EYELINER TYPE: Liquid
- COLORS AVAILABLE: Black
- Formulated with plant-derived phyto-pigments.
- Colored with plant-derived pigments
Ingredients: Octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, coconut (cocos nucifera) oil, C10-18 triglycerides, hydrogenated vegetable (olus) oil, mica, carnauba (copernicia cerifera) wax, candelilla (euphorbia cerifera) wax, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, oryzanol, jojoba (simmondsia chinensis) seed oil, tocopherol, glyceryl caprylate. May Contain +/- iron oxides, CI 77891.
✅ VEGAN | ❌ ORGANIC | ❌ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ❌ MADE IN USA
- EYELINER TYPE: Pencil
- COLORS AVAILABLE: Black, Agate (Dark Amethyst), Bronze, Clay (Light brown), Copper, Earth (Dark Brown), Forest (Dark Green), Gold, Opal (Midnight Blue), Stone (Slate Gray)
- Zero waste
- 100% plastic free
Ingredients: Camellia Sinensis (Organic Micronized Black Tea) Leaf Extract*, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Xanthan Gum, Extracts of Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower, Lonicera (Honeysuckle) Caprifolium Flower, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower * Certified Organic
✅ VEGAN | ✅ ORGANIC | ✅ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ✅ MADE IN USA
- EYELINER TYPE: Liquid
- COLORS AVAILABLE: Black Tea, Blackberry, Dark Chocolate
- Fruit-pigmented, made without toxic dyes.
Ingredients: Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, C10-18 Triglycerides, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla Wax), Mica, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Oryzanol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Glyceryl Caprylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Iron Oxide (CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
✅ VEGAN | ✅ ORGANIC | ✅ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ❌ MADE IN USA
- Eyeliner Type: Pencil
- Colors Available: Black, Cocoa
- Certifications: PETA-Certified, Certified Vegan, Plastic Neutral Certified Products, Certified Organic Austrailia, Certified Halal
- Description: “This luxuriously creamy Eye Pencil offers unparalleled results in the world of Natural liners. Its silky consistency glides on smoothly for even, richly pigmented coverage and comfortable all-day wear”. – INIKA Organic
- New packaging is made from sustainable and recycled material.
- Australian owned company.
Ingredients: Simmondsia Chinesis (Hydrogenated Jojoba) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum (Hydrogenated Cottonseed) Oil, Mangnifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Mica (CI 77019), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Cera, Glyceryl Caprylate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Cera, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate [+/- CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide-Red), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide-Yellow), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide-Black)]. Contains nuts.
❌ VEGAN | ❌ ORGANIC | ❌ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ❌ MADE IN USA
- Eyeliner Type: Eye Pencil
- Colors Available: Ink (Black), Coffee (Rich cocoa brown), Patina (shimmering taupe)
- Certifications: PETA-Certified, Leaping Bunny
- Description: “Natural Definition Eye Pencil is a long-lasting, natural eyeliner pencil made with soothing natural oils, waxes, and Chamomile extract to protect the delicate eye area. This eyeliner glides on smoothly, blends easily, and lasts all day.” – Alima Pure
- Alima Pure products use some vegan ingredients but are not 100% vegan.
Ingredients: ricinus communis seed oil/ricinus communis(castor) seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, mica, hydrogenated jojoba oil, candelilla cera/euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, limnanthes alba seed oil/limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, mangifera indica seed butter/mangifera indica(mango) seed butter, copernicia ceriferacera/copernicia cerifera(carnauba) wax, argania spinosa kernel oil, glyceryl caprylate, tocopheryl acetate, ascorbyl palmitate. May Contain iron oxides(ci 77491, 77492, 77499).
✅ VEGAN | ❌ ORGANIC | ❌ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ✅ MADE IN USA
- Eyeliner Type: Eye Pencil
- Colors Available: Black
- Certifications: PETA-Certified, Leaping Bunny, Fair Trade Certified, EWG Verified
- Description: “A vegan eye pencil with a soft, creamy formula that lines and defines your eyes with rich, budge-proof color.” – W3LL PEOPLE
- W3LL PEOPLE uses organic ingredients but products are not fully organic or USDA Organic.
Ingredients: isododecane, cocoglycerides, trimethylsiloxysilicate, hydrogenated polyisobutene, ozokerite, disteardimonium hectorite, propylene carbonate. May Contain: mica, iron oxide brown (ci 77489), iron oxide red (cl 77491), iron oxide yellow (cl 77492), iron oxide black (cl 77499), manganese violet (ci 77742), ultramarines (ci 77007).
✅ VEGAN | ❌ ORGANIC | ✅ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ❌ MADE IN USA
- Eyeliner Type: Powder
- Colors Available: Onyx, Amethyst, Dark Topaz, Smokey Quartz
- Certifications: PETA-Certified, Leaping Bunny
- Description: “Create the sexy look you love. The built-in brush makes a perfect line or smudged-out smoky eye. The powder/cream formula makes a shadow that won’t fade, crease or smear.” – Jane Iredale
- Most Jane Iredale proudcts are Made in the USA. Some are made in the Czech Republic and some makeup tools are made in China.
Ingredients: Hydrogenated jojoba oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, Mica, Canola oil, Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Candelilla cera (wax), Glyceryl caprylate, Copernicia cerifera (carnauba) cera (wax), Margarita (pearl) powder, Tocopherol, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Phytosterols, Ascorbyl palmitate, Olea europea fruit (olive) oil, Sorbitan oleate, Tocopheryl (vitamin e) acetate, Iron oxides (ci 77499).
✅ VEGAN | ❌ ORGANIC | ❌ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ❌ MADE IN USA
- Eyeliner Type: Pencil
- Colors Available: Jet Black, Rich Brown, Deep Burgundy, Black Sapphire, Chimpy Blue, FTA White
-
Description: “Jillian Dempsey Eyeliner delivers intense color and a sultry line thanks to the built-in smudger that puts the power of sultry eyes at your fingertips. This natural eyeliner is waterproof, cruelty-free and made with antioxidants. Organic jojoba oil, organic shea butter and marula oil combine for a super smooth application.” – Credo
Ingredients: Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, C10-18 Triglycerides, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax•, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Mica, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Oryzanol, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Caprylate, CI 77499 (Iron Oxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide) • organically grown.
❌ VEGAN | ✅ ORGANIC | ✅ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ❌ MADE IN USA
- Eyeliner Type: Pencil
- Colors Available: Brown, Bright Black, Purple, Blue
- Certifications:
- Description: “Adds dimension, definition and intensity to eyes. Creamy formula that glides smoothly through the lash line yet long-wear. Skip-free, precise application. – Kjaer Weis
- Kjaer Weis products use some vegan ingredients but are not 100% vegan.
Ingredients: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Canola Oil/Huile de colza, Mica, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de candelilla, Glyceryl Caprylate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate. May Contain/Peut contenir (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
❌ VEGAN | ❌ ORGANIC | ❌ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ✅ MADE IN USA (and EU)
- Eyeliner Type: Pencil
- Colors Available: Black
- Certifications: EWG Verified
- Description: “Make your eyes pop with this sleek, easy-to-use eyeliner. Formulated with both jojoba seed oil and shea butter, its velvety smooth formula glides on effortlessly and precisely. To sharpen, place inside sharpener and turn the pencil gently to create a working tip”. – C’est Moi
- C’est Moi uses organic, gluten free, and vegan ingredients but is not fully organic, gluten free, or vegan.
Ingredients: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Canola Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Glyceryl Caprylate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate. May contain: Iron Oxides, Mica
✅ VEGAN | ❌ ORGANIC | ✅ GLUTEN FREE | ✅ CRUELTY FREE | ❌ MADE IN USA
- Eyeliner Type: Pencil
- Colors Available: Blackest, Dark Cacao, Gleaming Pewter
- Description: “Creamy, long-lasting eyeliner pencil glides easily onto lids to line and define your eyes. Jojoba, chamomile butter, and mango seed oil moisturize and nourish skin while ensuring a smooth, flake-free application with every use.”. – 100% Pure
Conclusion on Non Toxic Eyeliner
Switching to a non toxic eyeliner eliminates toxins from your everyday makeup routine. This list of non toxic eyeliners can help you find the right one for you!
Still feeling lost? Here’s a summary by eyeliner type:
NON TOXIC EYELINER PENCILS
- Ere Perez – Natural Jojoba Eye Pencil
- Kjaer Weis Eye Pencil
- C’est Moi Fearless Eyeliner Pencil
- Alima Pure Natural Definition Eye Pencil
- W3LL PEOPLE Fresh Lines Eye Pencil
- INIKA – Organic Eye Pencil
- 100% Pure Creamy Long Last Liner
NON TOXIC LIQUID EYELINERS
NON TOXIC KOHL PENCILS
MORE TYPES OF EYELINER
Still have some questions? Are you loving one of these options already? Let me know in the comments!
