On this list, you'll find 24 amazing cruelty-free mascaras you can snag any day. Are you looking for something lengthening, volumizing, or curling? Do you have sensitive eyes, prefer a tubing mascara, or are you going for a more natural look? No matter your preferences, there's a cruelty-free mascara option that's right for you.
Where to Shop for Cruelty-Free Mascara
Nowadays, almost every major beauty retailer offers tons of cruelty-free brands. and are two of our favorites to shop at. Shopping at these retailers is an easy option because you're able to find a myriad of cruelty-free brands in one place. However, you can also shop directly from a brand's website too.
For budget-friendly options, you'll find most products at , , Amazon, or at your local drugstore. A word of caution about Target and Amazon: while they have a cruelty-free filter, we suggest you don't use it as it's often inaccurate.
It's time to discover the best cruelty-free mascara for you. Scroll to find your next holy grail mascara!
Our Top Cruelty-Free Mascara Picks
BEST FOR SENSITIVE EYES
Best Overall: Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
Where to buy: - Ulta
| Price: | $32 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Unilever |
| Best for: | Bold & dramatic lashes |
If you want both drama and volume, this cruelty-free mascara will bring it. While it has the highest price tag on this list, it comes in a luxurious rose gold tube and delivers everything it promises. It lengthens, lifts, and also volumizes your lashes. This vegan mascara rates over 4 stars with over 2,700 reviews on Sephora to back it up.
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
Where to buy: Sephora
| Price: | $20 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Volumizing, curling, & lengthening |
If fluffy lashes are the lewk you're going for, then Rare Beauty's Perfect Strokes Mascara will give you all the fluff you need and more. This medium-sized, bristly wand allows you to effortlessly swipe through your lashes, providing fluffy volume in just one coat. For an extra oomph, brush through a second coat and seal the deal for all-day volume.
Wander Beauty Mile High Club™ Length and Define Mascara
Where to buy: Sephora - Bluemercury
| Price: | $26 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Healthy lash growth |
If long-wearing length is your biggest lash goal, then say hello to the Mile High Club™ from Wander Beauty. This jet-black formula will elongate your lashes while treating them with healthy ingredients. Castor Seed Oil is known to nourish hair and promote hair growth, while Peach Leaf Extract prevents long-term breakage. We also love that this mascara comes in a squeeze tube, allowing you to get every last drop.
Best Drugstore: Flower Beauty Warrior Princess Mascara
| Price: | $12 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Thick, buildable lashes |
The Warrior Princess Mascara is our favorite from the drugstore. The fluffy hourglass-shaped brush allows for easy, full-coverage application. Customize your look with one coat or three; the more you build, the more volume you'll get with this mascara. This drugstore favorite mimics many high-end mascara products, making it an easy *add to basket* kind of product.
CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara
Where to buy: - Amazon - Target
| Price: | $12.99 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Coty |
| Best for: | Waterproof & clump-free lashes |
If you've ever browsed through the drugstore, you'll know that CoverGirl has a few different mascaras to choose from. If you're craving long, defined, and jet-black lashes, then the Clump Crusher is where it's at. This waterproof formula focuses on length and separation, but also provides full volume after just a few coats. If you prefer an affordable but non-waterproof option, keep scrolling for more of our favorites.
E.L.F. Lash 'N Roll Mascara
Where to buy: Ulta - Amazon - E.L.F. Website
| Price: | $6 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Lightweight lift & curl |
A cruelty-free mascara for only $6? Say less! The Lash 'N Roll Mascara from E.L.F is an incredibly affordable and effective option. Its lightweight formula provides the ultimate lift and curl on a budget. This mascara is a "dupe" for the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara. Benefit is not a cruelty-free brand, so we love that E.L.F is recreating popular formulas, making them both cruelty-free and affordable.
Ami Colé Lash-Amplifying Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara
Where to buy: Sephora - Ami Colé Website
| Price: | $19 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Clean with conditioning ingredients |
We love supporting black-owned brands, and the Ami Colé Mascara is no exception. This award-winning mascara nourishes lashes with healthy ingredients like Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter. Ami Colé is also considered clean beauty and omits many bad-for-you ingredients from its formulations. If you're looking for a high-impact mascara that's also clean and supports minority-owned brands, you'll love this efficacious option.
Best Clean Beauty: ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara
Where to buy: - Amazon - Ilia Website
| Price: | $28 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Famille C |
| Best for: | Clean mascara that lengthens, curls, & volumizes |
When we say we're obsessed with this mascara, we mean it's always in our beauty bag. This clean beauty classic has a dual-sided brush, allowing you to easily apply and separate lashes without any clumping. In just one swipe, you can expect a mega lash lift with intense curl and length. This buildable formula will instantly give you the sky-high lashes you've always dreamed of.
Milk Makeup Kush Mascara
Where to buy: - Milk Makeup Website
| Price: | $28 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Shorter lashes that are prone to smudging |
Milk Makeup's Kush mascara is intense and volumizing, even after a single coat. Its ultra-black shade helps to define lashes for a bold and intense look. This fiber-based mascara also has lash conditioning qualities with ingredients like Hemp Seed Oil. If you have long lashes that tend to smudge, conditioning mascaras may work against you. However, if you have shorter lashes that need a boost, consider this your new go-to.
Winky Lux ExtravaLash Mascara
Where to buy: Ulta - Amazon - Target
| Price: | $19 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Coating hard-to-reach lashes |
Most mascaras seem to fall short when it comes to coating every single lash. This means catching those flirty outer lashes can be a bit messy. Fear not, as the ExtravaLash Mascara has got you covered! The small, ball-shaped tip allows for easy application on hard-to-reach lashes - without the smudgy mess. Even if you opt for a different mascara that day, this handy tool is great to add to your arsenal to complete any eye look.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Where to buy: - Ulta
| Price: | $29 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Estée Lauder |
| Best for: | Full & intense lashes |
The Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara has entered the cult classic chat. This fan-favorite option delivers both intensity and volume upon application. The hourglass-shaped brush also coats the outer section of your lashes perfectly. The only downside? Its heavy formula, which can sometimes lead to lashes losing volume throughout the day. Still, this well-loved product has stood the test of time, with users appreciating its reliable application.
Best Budget Friendly: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
| Price: | $4.99 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Dramatic false lash effect |
If you're looking for an affordable drugstore mascara that's truly intense, look no further. Lash Princess delivers instant drama and intensity. One thing it doesn't do extremely well is separate and define, so this mascara is best for those who want lots of volume and don't mind a little bit of clumping. However, you can snatch up an affordable and easy-to-use lash comb on Amazon or Ulta.
Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara
Where to buy: - Ulta
| Price: | $27 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Kose |
| Best for: | An all-in-one mascara |
Another well-loved classic is the Lights Camera Lashes mascara from Tarte. It's touted as a 4-in-1 mascara, meaning this baby does it all: it curls, volumizes, lengthens, and conditions your lashes all at once. You can use one coat for a natural but defined look, or layer it for added drama. It's also vegan and paraben-free, a double bonus!
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
Where to buy: - Ulta
| Price: | $28 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - L'Oréal |
| Best for: | Lengthening |
Another great mascara is Perversion from Urban Decay. This volumizing option adds length and boldness for a more dramatic look. While it's not a vegan option, Honey Extract and Marine Collagen strengthen and condition lash hairs with every wear.
HUDA BEAUTY 1 Coat WOW! Extra Volumizing and Lifting Mascara
Where to buy: Sephora
| Price: | $23 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | On-the-go mascara |
If you're someone who is always in a rush but still wants to look their best, this one's for you. Huda Beauty's 1 Coat WOW Mascara provides volume, length, and curl in one quick swipe. Simply brush a single coat through your lashes, toss it in your purse for a midday pick-me-up, and out the door you go. You'll surely never need to skip mascara again.
Best Natural: Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara
Where to buy: - Amazon - Pacifica Website
| Price: | $14 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Long & natural looking lashes |
Pacifica is a fantastic vegan brand, and their Stellar Gaze mascara is a great drugstore buy. This mascara provides ultra length while still looking like your real lashes. The brush may look like nothing special, but it perfectly separates hard-to-reach areas for a natural-looking lash. Of course, the formula is vegan, and it contains ingredients that are super nourishing, too.
IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
Where to buy: Sephora -
| Price: | $28 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - L'Oréal |
| Best for: | Volume & lash growth |
IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara promises to volumize and lengthen in just one coat, and they claim that it was "developed with plastic surgeons". Why? Your guess is as good as ours. Still, it's a great all-around mascara that will add some oomph to everyday look. Not only that, but it's packed with nourishing ingredients like Biotin, Collagen, and Peptides to promote lash growth and enhance lash volume.
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Where to buy: Thrive Website
| Price: | $26 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Maximum length & volume |
Thrive Causemetics is a brand that advocates for social causes, hence the name "causemetics". This brand's ethics make them a great brand to support. This is an award-winning mascara that goes above and beyond by providing a false lash effect. The secret? It's a fiber-based mascara, meaning it provides maximum length and volume.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara
Where to buy: Ulta - Amazon - Target
| Price: | $12.99 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Coty |
| Best for: | Fullness |
Even though Clump Crusher won our Best Drugstore Mascara, we can't forget about Lash Blast. We love that this CoverGirl option is slightly more volumizing and provides a fuller lash look than its Clump Crusher counterpart. It's also easy to find in almost every drugstore, a no-brainer bonus.
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Lily Lolo Natural Vegan Mascara
Where to buy: The Detox Market
| Price: | $20 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Sensitive eyes |
Lily Lolo is a Leaping Bunny certified brand, and this mascara is also vegan - which is a total win-win in our book. This mascara adds both volume and length and lasts all day. It's also suitable for beauties with sensitive eyes. So if you're prone to watery eyes or ingredient sensitivity, the Natural Vegan Mascara is the perfect option for you.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara
Where to buy: 100% Pure
| Price: | $28 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Sensitive eyes |
100% Pure uses fruit pigments to color their makeup, whether it's blush, lipstick, or in this case, mascara. This mascara is a great option if you have sensitive eyes, and it feels nearly weightless upon application. It also comes in several dark colors to add dimension and interest to any look.
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
Where to buy: Sephora
| Price: | $20 |
| Vegan product? | Yes |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | A true brown mascara with length & volume |
If you're looking for a true brown mascara, you've come to the right place. This warm, medium-brown mascara separates lashes and adds instant definition. Also available in the shade Black, this fan-favorite mascara adds length and volume, all at a reasonable price point. No doubt you'll be making waves with this mascara.
Best Tubing: Blinc Original Tubing Mascara
Where to buy: Sephora
| Price: | $26 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Smudge-proof tubing mascara |
Blinc is a brand that specializes in mascara, so you can trust that they provide solid products that deliver. This mascara is claimed to be the "original tube technology" mascara, which forms tubes (or fibers) around your lashes. Tubing mascaras tend to be smudge-proof and long-lasting. Not only that, they're also easy to remove before bedtime with an oil-based cleanser or balm.
Pixi Large Lash Mascara
Where to buy: Pixi Website - Target
| Price: | $15 |
| Vegan product? | No |
| Parent company tests on animals? | No |
| Best for: | Feathery romantic lashes |
This cruelty-free mascara is a great drugstore option for those who want beautiful feathery lashes with a bit of volume. Expect your lashes to be well defined and clump-free. The brush is also relatively large, providing a fast and even coat. Plus, this mascara is fragrance-free and paraben-free as well.
Our Top Cruelty-Free Mascara Picks
BEST FOR SENSITIVE EYES
Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free?
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Hi everyone, thank you for this list of mascaras.
I found it intriguing that mascaras whose parent companies tested on animals were included.
It seems like an oxymoron, particularly when one sees a $4.99 mascara which is NOT tested on animals, ( nor does the parent company test),; the question is why include those (more expensive) brands (of which the parent companies test on animals), when others are completely cruelty free for a very small outlay.
This is by no means backlash, Rather, it is to satisfy my intrigue- should I, or should I not purchase this product?
I reside in Australia & I post & mention about the Cruelty Free Kitty site to as many people as I can. In particular, I ask the question of persons who conduct (FB) mobile or home based make-up requests, or those who provide a false eyelash service (pet hate).
Referring to the latter, is there any information on these (eyelash) products please?
Thank you & kind regards, Lyn
I wish you wouldn’t use the term “clean”. It means nothing. It is just a marketing term. I love the work you do; I really do.
Thank you SO much for this info. I’m in no way trying to criticize, but I noticed some typos in the descriptions. If you ever need a proofreader, I’d be happy to help. Y’all did the hard work – let me help with the details. Either way, again, thank you SO much for this info and for providing so many options on the financial scale. “Why is a raven like a writing desk?Edgar Allan Poe wrote on both.” Cheers!
Can you tell me where to find cruelty free eye make up remover.
Thanks.
Thanks so much for your list! I’m looking for a new cruelty-free mascara and glad I came across this list! I don’t know why they all aren’t cruelty-free.
Can you make an article about false eyelashes? 🙂
How can you not have Ere Perez Natural Avocado Waterproof Mascara on your list!?
This is my holy grail vegan waterproof mascara. They say it’s 24-hour wear, and for once, I can confirm that the claims are 100% true. I can sweat in it all day, exercise, surf, and even sleep in it and it doesn’t flake or run. This stuff is bulletproof. Mascara is my favorite makeup item but I stopped wearing it when I went vegan because I was so unimpressed with all the vegan waterproof formulas (I’m sporty, so non-waterproof simply isn’t an option), and I’ve tried most on your list. None of them even came remotely close in terms of performance to Ere Perez. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for sports quality vegan waterproof mascara.
Hello. Do any cruelty-free vegan mascaras make other colors besides black? Occasionally I like to wear maroon or purple or green as top coat on black mascara. Fingers crossed. Thank you
Thank you so much for this! Wanted to buy a cruelty-free mascara as a Xmas present for someone. Ended up going with ELF Mineral Infused.
I would like to find a brown waterproof mascara. I’m not having much look. Any suggestions ?
Tarte has a water proof sport mascara called lifted. It’s currently on their site or at sephora. The site says black brown but it was definitely on the lighter side for me!
Try Ere Perez Natural Avocado Waterproof Mascara. I’m really active and incredibly picky about mascaras. This is literally the only vegan waterproof mascara I’ve tried that I consider to truly be sports quality. Amazingly, it also happens to be 100% natural.
Just wanted to ask did Kat Von D sell her company to Kenzo???
Kenzo is on the list of Non Cruelty free
Kendo, not Kenzo! Kendo is cruelty-free and on PETA’s list of cruelty-free companies. 🙂
NYX is owned by L’Oreal and Too Faced by Estée Lauder, both of which are not cruelty free
Too faced and Blinc are owned by Estee Lauder and will be sold in China shortly which means they shouldn’t appear on this list.
Blinc is not owned by Estee Lauder (maybe you’re thinking of Becca?) and Too Faced confirmed that they’re remaining cruelty-free. I would only take them off the list if they do start selling in China.
It should be noted if the parent company is not cruelty free because the profits go to them – ie profits made by Too Faced go to Estée Lauder and effectively fund a company that allows animal testing
This is a great post! I’ve tried a couple on here that have and have not worked for me but everyone is different and this gives so many options!! My questions is this, and please correct me if I’m wrong, but in my research I have found that Too Faced is owned by Estée Lauder and I believe that they are not on any cruelty free list so shouldn’t Too Faced have an asterisk by it as well?
Yes, added it! 🙂
Unfortunately, I have not found a cf mascara that holds a curl in my stubborn stick straight lashes and doesn’t smudge 🙁 I’ve tried almost all of the mascaras above (I’ve been using mascara for 20 yrs) and none have fit my criteria of holding a curl (yes I have an eyelash curler) and not smudging.
I finally tried Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara and wow! Y’all were right! This mascara is bomb!! It’s definitely my new favourite ?
Awesome! 😀
A product to add to this list should be The Balm’s “body builder” mascara. It’s been a favorite of mine for a few years now even over many other high end brands! As far as I can tell this company is CF.
Lash Princess is down at number 10, but i encourage EVERYONE to try it, It is glorious (and cheap!)
I’ll try it if I can get my hands on it! Thanks Becky!
Thanks for putting this list together! One I really like that I didn’t see on the list is the Black Magic Mascara by Eyeko.
Great post, this is so helpful! I have a list now of mascaras I really want to try! I also love that you included reviews that told you about the product’s performance, very helpful!
Amber
amberbutbetter.blogspot.com
Ooh this post is perfectly timed – my Bourjois mascara has just ran out and I’ve been looking for a cruelty-free alternative. Thanks so much!
Lizzie Bee // mysticthorn.com
i’ve been meaning to try elf or pacifica’s mascaras for the longest time, but they’re always sold out at target!
also, no mention of jordana best lash extreme? it’s like $3 and it is VOLUMIZING. good shit.
That Jordana mascara was further down the list!
Hi…as far as I know Urban Decay DO sell their products in China so they shouldn’t be listed as cruelty free.
Heather
Hi Heather! UD don’t sell products in China and don’t test when required by law. Their parent company L’Oreal does, but UD itself is cruelty-free.
Woah, talk about winning HARD, haha, that poll says it all 🙂
Hi Suzi, Why didn’t you place Kat Von D’s company as one that’s owned by a parent company that is Not “Cruelty Free” and placed an asterisk * on “IT Cosmetics” – as “IT” does not have a parent company that is selling to China. Please advise – I’ve done my research and if I am out of date, please inform me!
IT Cosmetics was recently sold to L’Oreal! 🙁 I covered it here: https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/news/loreal-buys-it-cosmetics/
Kat Von D is owned by Kendo which is cruelty-free.
OMG! I don’t know how I missed reading that article! Thank you! I love the colors of lipstick of Kat Von D., but, thought it was owned by an animal testing parent company – Thank you SO much for the clarification! Would anyone happen to know of a foundation with a SPF of 50? <3
I wouldn’t purchase IT products as they are manufactured in China.
This is great, id say the first choice as well lol but I do like Tarte’s – Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara, it makes your lashes look naturally fuller.
Can we do a poll on this for foundations? or is there already one lol?
That’s a great idea! Might be tricky because of all the skip types and different coverage issues though. Maybe I’ll do concealer next if there’s interest. 🙂
Trueeee lol maybe 3 polls on different coverages? lol if thats not too much!
Id be interested in that as well =]] these polls are so much better than spending a million dollars on different products looking for the right one =]
Ooh yes! A concealer recommendation list would be amazing if you’re still considering it. I try so many drugstore CF for dark circles with no luck. 🙁
Very excited for my next mascara buy!
This is an awesome list. Another great vegan mascara that I don’t see listed here is Josie Maran’s. It curls, lengthens, and volumizes lashes with Argan Black Oil. 🙂
Thanks for the suggestion! 🙂
My pleasure. Thanks for putting this fantastic list together!