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  1. Allison says

    I use Poofy Organics mascara (I am a consultant, yes, but I would use it anyway if I wasn’t). I’m not a makeup expert so I can’t compare it to other brands but it is one of my customers’ favorite products. It coats the lashes well and lasts all day (but it is not waterproof). Maybe people who find mascara burns their eyes find Poofy’s does not! Not only all that, but it is HANDMADE, as are all products from Poofy Organics. And it is a great price point at $20 and from a USDA certified-organic company. An overall great combination for a product!

    • Kiss says

      DO NOT TRUST THE EWG. DOCTORS, ESPECIALLY DERMATOLOGISTS, CRITICIZE THE EWG FOR THEIR PRACTICES AND HOW THEY RATE PRODUCTS. THE EWG IS FUNDED BY COMPANIES LOOKING TO GET EWG CERTIFIED. THE LEVEL OF CONCERN THEY HAVE OVER CERTAIN INGREDIENTS IS MOSTLY HYSTERIA- AS THE AMOUNT IN SKINCARE IS NEGLIGIBLE. DO NOT TRUST EWG- EWG HAS BEEN CRITICIZED BY THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY.

  2. Jen brown says

    I have used Poofy mascara for about a year, it gives great volume & coverage and is the only mascara ever that has not caused tearing & redness following application (including many of the natural ones listed in this article) I used to have to use allergy eyedrops prior to using eye makeup, but not with poofy!! I’m a total poofy convert!!

  3. Tiffany Murphy says

    Poofy organics is by far the best mascara I have ever used. It coats, lengthens, and separates lashes so beautifully. It is not water proof, which I like because it’s easy to remove at night. It lasts all day with no smudging. It’s a bonus that this mascara is free of toxins & handmade & packaged here in the USA at a small family business in NJ. Love love love this stuff, can’t say enough good things about it!!!

  4. Autumn says

    I have to tell everyone that Poofy Organics mascara is where the gold is! I was a mascara hoarder. I couldn’t get enough of the cheap tricks by covergirl, reckon, maybelline (spelling,) even the high-end department store names made it into my makeup stash. Every. Single. One. Of those mascaras would burn my eyes, I’d tear up from them, and I’d be itchy all day because of the plethora of chemicals laced in those mascara formulas. Then Poofy came along. My eyes have thanked me since. Nice for every day use and also can be layered to give some volume. Highly recommend!

  5. Diane M says

    I’m EXTREMELY picky about my makeup products, especially mascara. I was curious about the Poofy mascara but put off ordering it because 1) I didn’t think an all natural would ever work as well as my current brand and 2) it’s twice as expensive ($20) as my current. Compared to a lot of nicer brands this is not too expensive but I’ve always tried to stay around $8-12 on mascara. I bit the bullet and tried Poofy just so I could say I tried a makeup product.

    Very surprised at how much I love the mascara as I wasn’t expecting to. It went on smoothly and didn’t flake or clump. Lashes were lengthened and didn’t stick together. If I got mascara anywhere other than my eye it came off easily. The tube was actually bigger than I thought it would be too.
    Two other things that jumped out at me: It didn’t have that mascara smell. It didn’t make my eyes burn while applying. I had always considered the slightly burning eyes a result from not trying to blink while applying. I applied Poofy the same way and no burning. Hmmmm….
    And luckily and most importantly the wand is “my style”. 🙂
    Also smudge proof and water resistant. Stays on great and removes very easily at the end of the day.

  6. Paula says

    I never leave my house without mascara. Seriously, never! Not since middle school. I used to spend lots of money on mascara from makeup counters at department stores and then Sephora. I made the change to Non toxic products a few years ago. The hardest thing for me to change was mascara. I tried to convince myself it was ok to keep using my old favorites since it was just my eyelashes and how much could really be absorbed?? Anyway, eventually I figured I’d try Poofy mascara because why not? If it didn’t work, I’d just go back to my old mascaras. But after getting used to it for a few days, I found I actually love Poofy mascara! It is comparable to my expensive brands on performance but so, so much better than them in the safety category! I’ve now gone through a few tubes of Poofy and have no plans of changing any time soon. I love that I am supporting a small business while shopping through them too. I’m not just another number like I was at Sephora.

  7. Zoe says

    Would love to hear your opinion of Lily + Lolo Mascara. Before I found your site, I did a ton of research about healthy mascara and this was the one people raved about (and I love it now too). It’s a UK brand.

  8. Shelly says

    Hi Ladies! Shelly with Rejuva Minerals here. Thank you for including EWG Verified Pur’ Lash mascara among the safe alternatives! Yes, both Pur’ lash and Mega Lash have received superior ratings from EWG and we are in the process of submitting Mega Lash for verification as well! As for the ingredients, we offer full disclosure on our website. To clarify, the information submitted to the EWG is the same as what is on the site, however some of the more easily recognizable names have been substituted in place of the botanical/scientific names. For example; ‘Simmondsia Chinensis’ was replaced with ‘Jojoba’. I hope I was able to clarify things! Thanks again 😀

    • Maia James says

      It’s actually not terrible (skips the parabens and some other really Bad Stuff), but I wouldn’t call it Good Stuff.

  9. Ausrine says

    Hi, I know it’s probably not 100% safe, but what do you think about Origins Fringe Benefits mascara and their Underwear for Lashes? Thank you!!

  10. Jeanie says

    I just got some “Jolie Ultra Dramatic Volume X Hypoallergenic” mascara. I’d love to know what you think before I open it!

  11. Jiwoon says

    Could you also investigate the w3ll people mascaras (they have various colors), the red apple lipstick lash project mascara, and the hynt beauty mascara too? BTW thanks for this post and the hard work! It’s just so awesome to really find out the nitty gritty stuff about all the products and really find the “good” stuff!!

  12. Mollie says

    Hi there! I use Pacifica’s Stardust color since I am redhead (it is brownish colored). Do you know anything about that one? Thanks!

  13. Larissa McCollum says

    Would LOVE to hear about Blinc Mascara too. It’s life changing, amazing stuff! I hope it’s good stuff?

  14. Mandy says

    What don’t you like about Arbonne products? Just making the conversion into natural products and my friends are trying to get me to try soem of the lotions.

  15. Bluebillie says

    I second the curiosity about Ilia mascaras and Lily Lolo, and also the French line Couleur Caramel (nature of beauty website sells). Another one is Nu Evolution Cosmetics.
    Thanks for all your hard work helping to demystify this large field of choices! I’ve bought two mattresses and a futon based on your recs so far!

  16. Lorraine says

    I bought Beauty Counter Mascara and it did not irritate my eyes, especially since I wear contacts. But I found it difficult to remove. What oil based mascara remover would you recommend that is a SAFE product to use?

  17. Emily says

    What’s your take on Kirkland’s (Costco) cosmetic products labeled Borghese? Especially the mascara that’s labeled paraben free.

  18. Nicole says

    Hi!
    Thanks for the research and reviews you do! I am wanting to try W3LL PEOPLE because I like more dramitic lashes, and Rejuva Minerals just didn’t give me that. I think the W3LL PEOPLE mascara has been reformulated since you wrote this. Any thoughts on their new formula? Otherwise I may work my way through the other Good Stuff on your list. Thanks!

  19. Kathy Brooks says

    Thank you for your research into the mascara products, Maia. Having had an eye infection A few months ago, which caused my eyelashes to fall out on both eyes, I have been trying to find a mascara that doesn’t burn or irritate them. I recently tried Tropic mascara, which was recommended to me, but unfortunately this product caused my eyes to water and burn from day one of using it. I had been using Dr Hauschka’s Volume Mascara in the past, but stopped using it as EWG’s rating was poor for this product. Has anyone tried Dusty Girls Natural Mineral Mascara (Night Fall) Dusty Girls Make Up is part of the MooGoo company, based in Australia? Poofy Organics Mascara sounds a good mascara. Would this be worth a try? (I live in the U.K)

  20. Alejandra says

    Please, I am trying to decide the best face powder, primer, foundation ……and I need if someone can help me with any advice!!

  21. Christian says

    I just did a search of the ingredients you listed above “to avoid” for mascaras. Only one was in the above mascara was: iron oxides (CI77499), https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706410/IRON_OXIDES/#.WlhQq5M-d24
    this ingredients EWG 1 rating= low hazard.
    Do you refer to other EWG lists for reference? Is the EWG accurate? As sometimes I see you list the score but sometimes you write it isn’t accurate. So I am not sure why you state this.
    Thanks in advance! I appreciate all you teach us!
    “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” 🙂

  22. Cathy says

    When you update your guide can you please include Blinc or other “tube Mascaras”. My eyes are so sensitive and these are the only ones I can tolerate. I’ve tried Beautycounter and Juice Beauty but those were a no-go for me. Thank you!!

  23. Ma Bear says

    Any opinions on Younique?
    Did I spell that right?
    I use honeybee gardens Normally but my dear friend gave me free fancy mascara
    Looked good… Thwn I got the worst style EVER!
    They say it’s natural
    I do not think so… but what was in it?

    • Pam Jadwick says

      Younique ingredients
      Black
      INGREDIENTS: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d’abeille, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de Carnauba, Alcohol Denat., Palmitic Acid, Nylon-12, VP/EicoseneCopolymer, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Acacia Senegal Gum, Polybutene, Phenoxyethanol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, VP/VA Copolymer, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Polyquaternium-10, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Biotin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Keratin,Potassium Sorbate,Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1.
      MAY CONTAIN (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77499).
      Brown
      INGREDIENTS: Water/Aqua/Eau, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d’abeille, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de Carnauba, Isododecane, Alcohol Denat., Palmitic Acid, Nylon-12, Hydrogenated Tetradecenyl/ Methylpentadecene, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Acacia Senegal Gum, Polybutene, Phenoxyethanol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, VP/VA Copolymer, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Polyquaternium-10, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Biotin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Potassium Sorbate, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1.
      MAY CONTAIN (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
      Black Waterproof
      INGREDIENTS: Isododecane, Water/Aqua/Eau, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d’abeille, Dimethicone, Paraffin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/
      Cera Carnauba/Cire de carnauba, Alcohol Denat., PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Pentaerythrityl Hydrogenated Rosinate,Polyvinyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Beeswax, Sorbitan Stearate, Phenoxyethanol,
      Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Laureth-21.
      MAY CONTAIN (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

  24. Stephanie says

    Any opinions on Honest Beauty’s mascara? I have used it the last two years and like the performance… would like to know what you think of the ingredients list.

  25. Joann says

    You failed to say that the beauty counter mascara has phenoxyethanol as a preservative ingredient

    can you recommend a mascara without preservatives?
    I am allergic to preservatives all of a sudden. My mascara had phenoxyethenol it and my eyes blew up terribly. I am also allergic to fragrance

    • Maia James says

      Unfortunately, I don’t know any mascara that forgoes all preservatives. Without something to preserve the mascara, you’d run the risk of mold or other spoilage.

      • Chelsea says

        Try Pure Haven. They use “leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate” as the preservative system.

  26. Kara says

    Hi Maia!

    Thank you so much for this list! What a great read to come across while I was researching a new mascara. I have used some of the Good Stuff mascaras before but recently purchased W3ll People’s mascara. I was surprised to see it listed under Sneaky but then when I compared the list of ingredients on my product box to the questionable ingredients you mentioned – benzyl alcohol, geraniol and limonene – I don’t seem them listed there. Could these be known under a different name?

    Here are the ingredients on my bottle:

    Aqua (Water), Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, C10-18 Tryglycerides, Stearic Acid, Copernica Cerifera Cera / Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Canuba) Wax*, Castor Isostearate Beeswax Succinate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthum Gum, Cellulose, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil [+/-Cl 77891 Titanium Dioxide, Cl 77491 and Cl 77499 Iron Oxides, Cl 77007 Ultramarines, Cl 74570 Carmine]

    Thank you so much!! And, of course I understand if you don’t have time to look this over – I appreciate your website so much. I just thought I would add this comment in case.

    Thanks!

    Kara

  27. Stacy says

    I would love to know your thoughts on the Honest Company’s mascara and makeup. I have been using their products for a while now and enjoy them.

  28. Jessica says

    Beautycounter mascara contains phenoxyethanol. I’m so bummed bc I thought this brand was the cleanest. I hope you do an updated list, it’s so hard to find a good and clean mascara.

  29. Chelsea says

    Hello there,
    I love that you’ve featured Pure Haven Essentials on your good list. However, the company is now known just as Pure Haven and has made huge strides since the Ava Anderson days. The company is completely transparent with their ingredients and they do not compromise. Each and every ingredient goes through a strict sourcing process. All products are made in small batches, in a USDA certified organic facility in Rhode Island. I have been anticipating a new makeup line for over 2 years but because of their strict sourcing practices, they are doing their due diligence. Please consider updating your description to only reflect the good Pure Haven is doing! They are educating and empowering hundreds of families everything to choose the healthiest products.

    PH mascara: https://shop.bydesign.com/PureHaven/#/shop/detail/28101/from/24381

  30. Regan says

    Real Purity changed their formulation. I used them for years. They have added many ingredients to their mascara. I no longer use them.

  31. Patricia Haney says

    I have been searching for a product that DOES NOT CONTAIN Benzyl Alcohol or its derivatives. Being EXTREMELY allergic to this preservative as it is in majority of cosmetics, toiletries and many injectable meds. I have had the injectable meds and went into sever anaphylaxis hospitalized for several days. Coming across this site and list of mascara is an answer to prayer. Thank You!!

  32. Alana says

    Did you test the Mary Kay mascara? I love their “Lash Love” and Waterproof “Lash Love” mascara. I would love to know how safe it is…Many thanks!

  33. Heather says

    Thank you for this information. I didn’t think much of the ingredients until yesterday I tried the bareMinerals lash domination mascara. Towards the end of the day my eyes started burning and this morning I woke up (yes I removed it when it started irritating my eyes) and my eye has a red dot on the eyeball and my eyes feel like I had an allergic reaction. Scary. Will definitely try one of the better ingredient ones on your list.

  34. Meg says

    Real Purity has changed their formula to include many concerning ingredients! When updating this guide definitely look into it. I’ll never understand why companies that already have non-toxic products start adding toxic ingredients to avoid.

  35. ilyse betancourt says

    Hi,
    I was wondering about the Dime Beauty brand? I hear good things about it but i’m not sure if its just marketing techniques or the truth.

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