Pregnancy-Safe Mascara | 16 Lash-Defining Options Reviewed

by Kristy Ramirez

Here are the top 10 mascaras that are safe for use during pregnancy:

Most makeup, including mascara, is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy because, unlike skincare products, makeup is designed to remain on the surface of the skin and not be absorbed.

However, certain ingredients, including retinol, parabens, and phthalates, should be avoided.

The US Food & Drug Administration reminds pregnant women that:

“The law does not require cosmetic products or ingredients to have FDA approval before they go on the market.

However, cosmetics must be safe when consumers use them according to product labeling, or as the products are customarily used.”

While the mascaras listed below are considered safe during pregnancy, always consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.

Before Purchasing Mascara While Pregnant…

Every woman’s skin is different, and it’s important to realize that your skin may change during pregnancy.

Your skin might become drier, more prone to acne, or more sensitive to certain products.

Skincare vs. Makeup

Skincare products and makeup serve distinct purposes in a beauty routine, addressing different aspects of personal care.

Skincare products are absorbed by the skin and are designed to nourish, protect, and improve the health of the skin and maintain a healthy complexion.

Anything absorbed by the body can impact your baby, making skincare products a definite concern when you are pregnant.

This category includes cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and treatments formulated with ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, and hydrating agents to promote skin health and address concerns such as acne, aging, or hyperpigmentation.

Makeup is cosmetic and is primarily used to enhance or alter the appearance of the skin and features without being absorbed by the skin.

This category includes products like foundation, concealer, blush, eyeshadow, lipstick, and mascara.

Makeup provides a temporary, decorative layer, offering options for creating different looks and expressing individual style.

While makeup can provide a polished appearance, it doesn’t have the same long-term benefits for skin health as skincare products.

Makeup Ingredients To Avoid While Pregnant

In general, most makeup products, including mascara, are considered safe for use during pregnancy.

The majority of cosmetic ingredients are topical and don’t get absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts, making them less likely to pose a risk to the developing fetus.

However, it’s essential for pregnant women to be mindful of certain ingredients and potential allergens that could cause irritation.

When it comes to mascara, the key is to choose products from reputable brands and check the ingredient list.

Most mascaras use ingredients like waxes, pigments, and polymers that are generally safe.

However, some individuals may develop sensitivities during pregnancy, and avoiding products with harsh chemicals or fragrances that might cause skin irritation is advisable.

Some people prefer to opt for natural or organic makeup products during pregnancy to minimize exposure to synthetic chemicals.

Makeup ingredients to watch for and avoid when pregnant (and even when breastfeeding) include:

Retinol
Salicylic acid
Oxybenzone
Heavy metals like lead and mercury
Parabens
Phthalates
Alcohol and fragrances
Certain essential oils

What To Look For

Pregnant women should consider a few factors when choosing mascara to ensure both their safety and comfort during pregnancy:

Hypoallergenic Formulas: Opt for mascaras labeled as hypoallergenic to reduce the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions. These formulations are generally designed to be gentler on the skin.
Fragrance-Free Options: Fragrances can sometimes cause sensitivity or allergic reactions. Choosing a mascara that is fragrance-free minimizes the risk of irritation.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals: Look for mascaras that do not contain potentially harmful chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Water-Based Formulas: Water-based mascaras are often gentler and less likely to contain harsh chemicals compared to oil-based or waterproof formulas. They are generally easier to remove, reducing the need for harsh makeup removers.
Dermatologist-Approved or Pregnancy-Safe Labels: Some brands specifically label their products as dermatologist-approved or pregnancy-safe. These labels can provide reassurance that the product has undergone testing for safety.
Check the Ingredient List: Be aware of the ingredients in the mascara. If you are uncertain about a particular ingredient, consult with your doctor. Generally, common mascara ingredients like waxes and pigments are considered safe during pregnancy.

*Individual sensitivities vary, so it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test before using a new product extensively.

1. COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara

COVERGIRL is a known name in the makeup industry, and their Lash Blast Clean Mascara is vegan and made with many oils to keep it safe for even the most sensitive eyes.

This product still delivers when it comes to giving you full lashes that will get noticed.

2. ILIA Limitless Lash Clean Mascara

Contact wearers and those who are sensitive to mascara in general will love ILIA’s Limitless Lash Clean Mascara.

Lightweight and with almost all ingredients being naturally derived, this is a safe and flawless option for anyone who enjoys long, luscious lashes.

3. Rimmel KIND & FREE Clean Mascara

Rimmel’s KIND & FREE Clean Mascara is vegan and cruelty-free and even comes with a mascara wand that is made with bio-based fibers.

This mascara is waterproof but doesn’t contain harsh ingredients that irritate the eyes.

4. Poppy Austin Argan Oil Mascara

Organic, unscented, and hypoallergenic, Poppy Austin Argan Oil Mascara has everything you want and nothing you don’t in a makeup product.

This eco-friendly product will be a favorite for women who are pregnant and those who are not.

5. Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Origin Nourishing Mascara

I leaned on Burt’s Bees products throughout my pregnancy, and they are still my go-to when I do wear makeup.

Burt Bees mascara is truly 100% natural, with ingredients you will recognize and transparency that will give you peace.

Their products are also great for sensitive skin, and I have never had an eczema flare-up, which is a common occurrence for me, when using them.

6. Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara

Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara wants to do more than just elongate the lashes you have.

Their formula aims to strengthen, lengthen, and protect your lashes.

This is considered a hydrating product that will offer lovely lashes that end up healthier after each use.

7. ZUZU LUXE Luxe Natural Mascara

The first feature that stood out to me when I saw ZUZU LUXE Natural Mascara was the fact that it’s gluten-free.

As a parent of a child with celiac disease, I am always looking for makeup and skincare products that don’t contain ingredients that could accidentally harm my child.

ZUZU LUXE doesn’t use any ingredients I would be concerned about while pregnant or just in general, and its formula works to keep lashes long and plump.

8. Buxom Lash Volumizing Mascara

Buxom Lash Volumizing Mascara is waterproof but still easy to remove when you are finished with it at the end of the day.

It doesn’t contain harmful ingredients, and as the name implies, it will give you lashes that are beyond the normal expectations of mascara.

9. Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara

Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara offers a primer and a mascara so your lashes will stay lovely longer.

Cruelty-free with safe ingredients (something we’ve come to expect from the Honest Beauty company), this product is dermatologist-tested and perfect for the mom who wants a little extra pampering.

10. Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Long Lash Mineral Mascara

Mineral makeup is all the rage, and Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Long Lash Mineral Mascara uses a special formula to give you a clean mascara that still creates full lashes.

With a rich abyss color that adds some drama to your makeup routine, this cruelty-free product also boasts eco-friendly packaging.

11. Endlessly Beautiful Organic Mascara

Most women sweat, and I remember sweating even more when I was pregnant.

Endlessly Beautiful Organic Mascara is sweat-proof and waterproof, meaning you don’t have to worry about mascara smears if you simply step outside to take a walk in the summer.

This is another gluten-free, safe option that is careful about ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about yourself or your little one being negatively impacted.

12. Emani Double Lash Organic Volumizing Mascara

Using a scientific formula that reduces the need for unsafe ingredients, Emani Double Lash Organic Volumizing Mascara is safe and nourishing.

This product conditions while adding volume to your lashes, so you are giving your lashes a boost while looking amazing.

13. Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara

If you want a dramatic lash without unsafe ingredients, Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara has you covered.

The list of ingredients it doesn’t contain is long, and the list of beneficial oils and extracts is reassuring.

14. Better’n Ur Lashes Organic Mascara

This is a U.S.-made product that takes ingredients seriously. Better’n Ur Lashes Organic Mascara takes a cue from countries that don’t allow carcinogenic ingredients in their makeup.

They’ve created a hypoallergenic, tear-free mascara meant to be safe for any person who wants to wear it.

15. Mom’s Secret 100% Natural Mascara

Natural, mostly organic, and not tested on animals, Mom’s Secret 100% Natural Mascara will help you look rested and ready for the day, even if you’ve been awake all night with a baby kicking your insides.

This product is not waterproof due to the natural ingredients, but it will resist water and should be easy to remove at the end of the day.

16. Bestidy 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara

Made with contact wearers and those with sensitive eyes in mind, Bestidy 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara offers clump-free mascara that won’t dry out by the end of the day.

Whether you use one coat or more, your lashes will be noticeably thicker when you use Bestidy.

Kristy is the mother of four, including identical twins. With a background in education and research, she is constantly learning more about parenting and raising multiples. When she has spare time, she enjoys hiking into the woods with a great book to take a break.