You don’t have to be vegan or even vegetarian to care about animal testing. That’s why I’ve rounded up the best cruelty-free mascaras below. No matter what kind you’re looking for, from a vegan mascara for sensitive eyes to a low-priced lengthening mascara that's waterproof, there’s a mascara out there that suits your needs and matches your ethics. The best part is that some of the top-rated mascaras on the market today are not only cruelty-free but clump-free and smudge-proof, too, so you get incredible lashes and peace of mind all at once.
When it comes to cruelty-free labels, the Leaping Bunny certification is the global gold standard for cosmetics, personal care products, and household products. It’s the only internationally recognized certification that requires that the brand open their entire supply chain to ongoing monitoring, checking for animal testing down to the ingredient manufacturer level. The certification also requires adherence to a fixed cutoff date policy and acceptance of ongoing independent audits to ensure compliance. Because Leaping Bunny is the best-of-the-best when it comes to cruelty-free certifications, I’ve made sure all the products listed below come from Leaping Bunny–approved brands.
Take a look at the best cruelty-free mascaras below. All of them are free of animal testing and highly rated on Amazon.
1The Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Mascara
COVERGIRL Professional 3-in-1 Waterproof Mascara is Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free, and it's specially formulated for those who want to magnify their lashes while maintaining a “natural” look. This pick volumizes, lengthens, and defines lashes while promising all-day wear that won’t flake or smudge. It’s also hypoallergenic, waterproof, and suitable for contact lens wearers making it a good choice for sensitive eyes. Amazon shoppers give this option a respectable 3.9-star rating.
What fans are saying: “I bought this waterproof mascara for vacation and it really held up nicely. And it's not too difficult to get off at night. Good stuff for a day at the pool.”
2The Best Cruelty-Free Mascara For Volume
NaturLash Mineral Mascara has been certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and is made with 99 percent natural ingredients. Plus, it's also non-toxic, vegan, and paraben-free. This hypoallergenic mascara features a round brush that promises buildable, long-lasting volume — and several reviewers noted that it adds the right amount of curl too. While it's water and tear-resistant, it comes off easily with soap and water. Amazon shoppers give this option an impressive 4.3-star rating, after more than 500 reviews.
What fans are saying: “[...]It goes on very easily and looks great. You can have your eyelashes with just a wisp of black color or you can layer it until your lashes looker thicker and fuller ~ whatever is your preference for the day or night!!! [...]"
3A Cruelty-Free & Vegan Mascara That’s Great For Sensitive Eyes
Zuzu Luxe is one of two beauty brands listed under the Gabriel Cosmetics umbrella, and both Zuzu Luxe and Gabriel Cosmetics have been certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. This richly pigmented mascara features a long and rectangular-shaped nylon brush that's specially designed to add length, volume, and curl while keeping lashes clump-free. It’s also considered a natural mascara, as it’s vegan, gluten-free, and formulated without parabens. This pick is available in four colors: clear, espresso, navy, and onyx. Amazon reviewers give this option 3.9 stars.
What fans are saying: “I love this mascara. It is one of the few mascaras that do not make my eyes itch. I also like that it is vegan, cruelty free and does not have any of the chemicals one would like to avoid in a beauty product.”
4Also Nice: A Cruelty-Free & Vegan Makeup Remover
Like all Beauty Without Cruelty products, this Creamy Eye & Face Makeup Remover is Leaping Bunny-certified to be cruelty-free. It’s also certified vegan by the Vegan Society. Made with 100 percent organic and vegan ingredients, this fragrance-free face and eye makeup remover promises to gently remove all types of makeup (including water-resistant ones) completely and easily without irritation, while herbal moisturizers cool and soothe the delicate eye area. This pick boasts a 3.9-star rating on Amazon.
What fans are saying: “LOVE this! Was using the Almay lotion remover but read the ingredients and it was full of parabens. This is awesome, it’s a thick, creamy formulation; gentle but removes waterproof mascara and liner.”
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