Lash Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Fragrance-Free Mascaras

Mascara, Eyes, Face,

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Mascara is the staple of our beauty routine—taking our eyes from tired to tantalizing, wrapping each lash in a veil of perfection, and adding the finishing touch to our look. But not all mascaras are created equal—especially when it comes to ingredients and impact. Many popular brands contain harsh, toxic ingredients, including fragrance, which can cause burning and irritation of the eye and eyelid, turning our beautiful lashes and skin into a painful mess. 

And, don’t get us started on lash extensions…While they may seem super enticing, the toxic glue, the potential trauma to your natural lashes (yes, it can cause them to fall out), and the lengthy application process just don’t seem worth it. We’re all about sticking with fantastic clean mascara to keep our lashes looking fabulous. 

The easiest way to ensure your lashes, eyes, and lids remain safe is clean beauty products. Our mascara selections skip the hazardous chemicals and prioritize healthier ingredients that are gentle on the eyes and deliver an awesome formula of volumizing, lengthening, and lasting staying-power. Now, you can focus on finding your perfect match—whether you're searching for a subdued and dreamy day look or a vampy, volumizing evening statement maker. 

The Fragrance Free only recommends products we use and love. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, that we will use to explore more amazing fragrance-free products.

Why Choose Clean, Fragrance-Free Mascara?

1. Gentle on Sensitive Eyes: Mascara is applied right next to our eyes, and inevitably some of the product ends up in there. But here’s the thing - with clean, fragrance-free formulas you don’t have to worry about product migration and the dreaded irritation that comes with it. Instead, your eyes and lids will be free of discomfort, allowing your lashes to shine and sparkle with every blink.

2. Safe and Sound Ingredients: Traditional mascaras can let us down with harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes (hello, Carbon Black!). These not-so-friendly ingredients can cause irritation, lash dropping, and long-term harm. On the other hand, clean mascaras contain ingredients that nourish, protect our precious lashes, and are typically easier to remove. 

3. Weightless, Buildable Volume: You know the feeling when your lashes are perfectly volumized without the clumps? That's the magic of a high-quality clean mascara. Each lash is wrapped in weightless, buildable volume, giving you the dramatic look you crave without the dreaded flaking or smudging. This ensures your lashes look flawless from morning to night.

4. Eco-Friendly and Ethical: Luckily, a lot of the fragrance-free mascara brands we’ve chosen are also committed to cruelty-free, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly practices. With these mascaras, we’re able to support brands that care about our planet and our lashes - beauty with a conscience, and it feels good! 

Why Trust Our Reviews?

At The Fragrance Free, we believe in transparency and honesty. Every product we recommend has been smelled, tested and vetted against numerous ingredient databases (EWG, SkinDeep, and ThinkDirty) to ensure it meets our high standards for safety and performance. Specifically, each product is free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, sulfate, and cruelty.  We also look at the ethical and environmental practices of the brands to ensure you’re getting a product that’s good for you and the planet. 

We understand the struggles of dealing with sensitive eyes, skin, and allergies, and we are dedicated to helping you find products that make you feel beautiful and comfortable. Each mascara is assessed for application, wearability, volumizing and lengthening effects, and its impact on sensitive eyes.

Bit of Background on My Lashes, Eyes & Lids: For context, I have medium-length brown thin lashes that have a bit of curl at the end. I have never used a lash curler, and am mostly afraid of the contraption. My eyes and lids are on the dryer side, and super reactive to preservatives, dyes, and fragrances found in many popular mascara brands. With those brands, my eyes quickly become itchy and irritated shortly after application and lids turn an unattractive swollen red with scaling and bumps. Even after removing the mascara with a gentle oil, I often wake up the next day with eye crust or “gunk” due to blocked glands and rashy eyelids. 

However, when I use clean, fragrance-free mascaras, the difference is incredible. There’s fanning, extension, and full-ness, with clear eyes and smooth eyelid skin.  

Lash Out Loud: Our Favorite Fragrance-Free Mascaras for Every Look

Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara 

Why We Love It:

Tower 28's MakeWaves Mascara has quickly become our top pick for clean beauty, thanks to its fragrance-free and ink-black formula that provides ultimate coverage without the heft. This lightweight formula lengthens and creates definition without clumping. When it comes to applicators, the silicone brush with a built-in curve makes it easy to apply this creamy formula, which glides on effortlessly.

Following Tower 28's application recommendation, we use the inner wave of the dual-sided brush to build up volume and the longer bristles to lengthen and define, producing stunning lashes every time. Plus, we experienced no tearing or stinging irritation during application even after hours of wear or with multiple days of consecutive use. This makes a great choice for those with super sensitive eyes.

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: The wetter formula is easy to layer, and the triple-wave wand ensures an even spread.  With aquaflex technology, each sweep of product provides maximum coverage.

  • Volume: Layering is key with this product and can deliver serious boldness.  For daytime, we apply one or two swipes, and for a more dramatic nighttime look, three to four swipes does the trick. 

  • Length: The grippy formula grabs onto our lashes, extends into a fanny formation, and with a flip of the wrist, we’re able to form a nice curl at the end.  

  • Wearability: This mascara lasts and lasts even in humid summer conditions. No flaking or crumbling occurred unless there’s rubbing. 

Claims:

  • 100% Vegan

  • Contact Lens Safe

  • Water-resistant

  • Aquaflex® Technology (conventionally found in haircare) helps keep lashes humidity-proof, visibly lifted, and volumized.

  • Packaging is made from 78% PCR (aka post-consumer recycled plastic) 

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score 3, low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: 100% Top Allergen Free

Ingredients:

  • Water/Aqua/Eau, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire de carnauba, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Synthetic Wax, VP/VA Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Palmitic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Aminomethyl Propanol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyimide-1, Galactoarabinan, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax, Shorea Robusta Resin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: Tower28 MakeWaves, $20.

ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara

Why We Love It: 

ILIA's Fullest Volumizing Mascara is a revelation in our makeup routine. We love a bold, dramatic lash for evenings, and this mascara delivers in every way. The violin-shaped brush is effective at lash separation, ensuring a full, fanning look without clumping. With a single coat, you can achieve peak volume with smooth lashes and color that stays put. 

We're also big fans of ILIA’s commitment to clean beauty; unlike many popular mascaras that use Carbon Black, ILIA uses a pigment derived from charcoal, making it a cleaner, safer option for our lashes, ensuring our eyes are sting-free and comfortable. 

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: The violin-shaped brush, combined with a dryer formula, makes it straightforward to apply providing strong separation without clumping. 

  • Volume: While I prefer two coats for maximum impact, even after a single swipe, my lashes look noticeably fuller with a strong coated thickness. 

  • Length: With a single application, my lashes go from zero to hero, looking long and luscious in an instant. 

  • Wearability: Although there are no claims of being waterproof or water-resistant, this product stays put until you decide it’s time for removal. No flaking or cracking was experienced, keeping our lashes looking fresh all night long. 

Claims:

  • Contact Lens Safe

  • Mono-material tube reduces carbon emissions by 46% and waste by up to 20%, compared to previous packaging.

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score 2, low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: 100% Top Allergen Free

Ingredients:

  • Aqua/Water/Eau, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d'abeille, Synthetic Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de Carnauba, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Jojoba Esters, Acacia Senegal Gum, Panthenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Arginine, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Oleic Acid, Tocopherol. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77499 (Iron Oxide).

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara, $26.17 

TOK Beauty - Eyes That TOK - Lash Enhancing Mascara

Why We Love It: 

For a fun daytime look or a more glam evening vibe, the Eyes that TOK - Lash Enhancing Mascara is a strong staple for your repertoire. Imagine thin and expressive lash extensions, but in a tube. Initially, the wetter formulation took some getting used to, but once we got the hang of it, the results were fantastic -  elongated, wispy, doe-eyes. While our lashes didn’t necessarily feel longer or stronger as a result of the claimed ingredients—horsetail plant for growth promotion and pea protein for conditioning and strengthening—they did feel nourished and held the mascara well.  Best of all, the mascara had a lasting hold with no migration and our sensitive eyes were irritation-free.  

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: With a wetter formula, the silicone wand took a bit of getting used to, and one familiar, the comb allowed for a strong, defined look. Per their tip and a standard approach for mascara application, TOK recommends starting at the roots and applying the mascara in a wiggle motion, followed by a sweep outward. 

  • Volume: While this isn't our go-to for volume, it's perfect for elongating and lifting lashes. It adds a nice definition, even coat to our thin lashes, making them look naturally fuller and beautifully defined. For a thicker look, we build with multiple swipes. 

  • Length: As one of our preferred products for length, this mascara excels when it comes to creating long, wispy lashes without clumping. The elongation of each lash gives that glamorous, natural flutter - an absolute stunner of a look. 

  • Wearability: The water-resistant formula holds up well and keeps our lashes looking fabulous without the need for retouching. And, when it’s time to remove, the product easily washes off. 

Claims:

  • 100% Vegan

  • Water-resistant

  • Gluten-Free

  • Contact lens safe

  • Beneficial ingredients: Horsetail Plant – naturally rich in silica, strengthens lashes and promotes growth. Pea Protein – conditions, strengthens, and prevents lash breakage. Bayberry Fruit Wax – conditions lashes and provides a water-resistant all-day hold.

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score not available, all products were in 1- 2 range indicating low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: N/A

Ingredients:

  • Aqua, CI 77499, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Myrica Pubescens (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Pullulan, Glyceryl Caprylate, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Galactoarabinan.

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: TOK Beauty - Eyes That TOK - Lash Enhancing Mascara, $37.99

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara 

Why We Love It:

ILIA's Limitless Lash Mascara is our go-to for creating beautifully defined, everyday lashes. Like Simone Biles, this mascara is a great all-arounder. Fortified with keratin, shea butter, and beeswax, this formula excels at elongating, separating, and gently volumizing in a naturally elegant way. 

The two-sided comb is exciting - with one side you can curl and lift, flip it around and you have a lengthening tool. This is great for customization, something we haven’t seen on other products!  With great versatility of performance and comfort - no tearing or irritation here - it’s obvious why this product is consistently an award winner, and a staple in our routine. 

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: The patented dual-sided brush is not only effective but fun to use. This versatile brush lets you customize your look, and with a dryer formula, this control is awesome for ensuring a perfectly separated and defined lash look.  

  • Volume: For daily wear, this mascara provides just the right amount of gentle volume. With no clumping or smudging, it’s fantastic for a natural, everyday appearance.

  • Length: This mascara excels in gentle lift and elongation, giving your lashes a hint of gorgeous length that enhances your natural beauty without going in the direction of falsies.  

  • Wearability: With a dryer formula, we felt like another layer after hours of wear was helpful. It added volume and helped prevent some of the minor cracking that was experienced after hours of wear. No irritation or burning was experienced either on application or removal.  

Claims:

  • Contact Lens Safe

  • 99% naturally derived formula

  • A consumer survey of 42 people, 91% said their lashes stayed lifted and 83% said that Limitless holds a curl after 12 hours.

  • Mono-material tube reduces carbon emissions by 46% and waste by up to 20%.

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score 1, low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: 91% Top Allergen Free

Ingredients:

  • Aqua/Water/Eau, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire D'Abeille*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glycerin, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba*, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Phenethyl Alcohol, Biotin, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxide). *Organic Ingredients. Ingrédients Organiques.

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara, $28 

Mascaras We’re Excited to Try

MILK MAKEUP - KUSH High Roll Defining & Volumizing Tubing Mascara

  • Full Ingredient List As of July 2024: Aqua/water/eau, acrylates copolymer, synthetic beeswax, stearic acid, hydrogenated jojoba oil, glyceryl stearate, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, butylene glycol, cera carnauba/copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax/cire de carnauba, pvp, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, aminomethyl propanol, ammonium acrylates copolymer, hydroxyacetophenone, laureth-21, trideceth-6 phosphate, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, glyceryl caprylate, sodium dehydroacetate, iron oxides (ci 77499).

  • Available for purchase: $29.99

Saie Mascara 101 Lengthening and Lifting

  • Full Ingredient List As of July 2024: Beeswax (Cera Alba) Water (aqua) Iron Oxides (CI 77499) Shea Butter Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate Dimer Dilinoleyl and Dimer Dilinoleate Glycerin Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate Agropyron Repens Root Extract Arginine Leuconostoc (Radish Root) Ferment Filtrate Zea Mays (Corn) Starch Glyceryl Caprylate Xanthan Gum Cetyl Alcohol Phenethyl Alcohol Potassium Sorbate Sodium Benzoate

  • Available for purchase: $26

MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara

  • Full Ingredient List As of July 2024: Water, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran Wax, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Acacia Senegal Gum, PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone), Tromethamine, Glycerin, Alcohol, Steareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Simethicone, Steareth-2, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol

  • Available for purchase: $26

Final Thoughts

We’re excited to share our favorite fragrance-free and clean beauty mascaras that let you achieve long, beautiful lashes without worrying about irritating scents or harsh chemicals. From the lengthening and curling power of Tower 28's MakeWaves Mascara to the volumizing magic of ILIA’s Fullest Volumizing Mascara, there’s a mascara for every lash look and occasion.

Our selections are more than just clean and fragrance-free; they deliver on performance: volumizing, lengthening, and staying power. Whether you prefer bold volumizers or a gentle, subdued look, we’ve aimed to check the boxes worth noting for any desired effect. Build on your natural beauty with our favorites.

Remember, everyone’s lashes and preferences are different. That’s why we’ve highlighted a variety of mascaras to suit different needs. If you’re someone who suffers from sensitive eyes, finding the right mascara can be transformative. Our recommendations ensure you don’t have to compromise between beauty and comfort.

Stay tuned as we test out some of the newer fragrance-free mascaras and report back in a 2.0 post. We'll be dropping updates here on the blog, so make sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media @thefragrancefree.

Lash Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Fragrance-Free Mascaras

Mascara, Eyes, Face,

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Mascara is the staple of our beauty routine—taking our eyes from tired to tantalizing, wrapping each lash in a veil of perfection, and adding the finishing touch to our look. But not all mascaras are created equal—especially when it comes to ingredients and impact. Many popular brands contain harsh, toxic ingredients, including fragrance, which can cause burning and irritation of the eye and eyelid, turning our beautiful lashes and skin into a painful mess. 

And, don’t get us started on lash extensions…While they may seem super enticing, the toxic glue, the potential trauma to your natural lashes (yes, it can cause them to fall out), and the lengthy application process just don’t seem worth it. We’re all about sticking with fantastic clean mascara to keep our lashes looking fabulous. 

The easiest way to ensure your lashes, eyes, and lids remain safe is clean beauty products. Our mascara selections skip the hazardous chemicals and prioritize healthier ingredients that are gentle on the eyes and deliver an awesome formula of volumizing, lengthening, and lasting staying-power. Now, you can focus on finding your perfect match—whether you're searching for a subdued and dreamy day look or a vampy, volumizing evening statement maker. 

The Fragrance Free only recommends products we use and love. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, that we will use to explore more amazing fragrance-free products.

Why Choose Clean, Fragrance-Free Mascara?

1. Gentle on Sensitive Eyes: Mascara is applied right next to our eyes, and inevitably some of the product ends up in there. But here’s the thing - with clean, fragrance-free formulas you don’t have to worry about product migration and the dreaded irritation that comes with it. Instead, your eyes and lids will be free of discomfort, allowing your lashes to shine and sparkle with every blink.

2. Safe and Sound Ingredients: Traditional mascaras can let us down with harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes (hello, Carbon Black!). These not-so-friendly ingredients can cause irritation, lash dropping, and long-term harm. On the other hand, clean mascaras contain ingredients that nourish, protect our precious lashes, and are typically easier to remove. 

3. Weightless, Buildable Volume: You know the feeling when your lashes are perfectly volumized without the clumps? That's the magic of a high-quality clean mascara. Each lash is wrapped in weightless, buildable volume, giving you the dramatic look you crave without the dreaded flaking or smudging. This ensures your lashes look flawless from morning to night.

4. Eco-Friendly and Ethical: Luckily, a lot of the fragrance-free mascara brands we’ve chosen are also committed to cruelty-free, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly practices. With these mascaras, we’re able to support brands that care about our planet and our lashes - beauty with a conscience, and it feels good! 

Why Trust Our Reviews?

At The Fragrance Free, we believe in transparency and honesty. Every product we recommend has been smelled, tested and vetted against numerous ingredient databases (EWG, SkinDeep, and ThinkDirty) to ensure it meets our high standards for safety and performance. Specifically, each product is free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, sulfate, and cruelty.  We also look at the ethical and environmental practices of the brands to ensure you’re getting a product that’s good for you and the planet. 

We understand the struggles of dealing with sensitive eyes, skin, and allergies, and we are dedicated to helping you find products that make you feel beautiful and comfortable. Each mascara is assessed for application, wearability, volumizing and lengthening effects, and its impact on sensitive eyes.

Bit of Background on My Lashes, Eyes & Lids: For context, I have medium-length brown thin lashes that have a bit of curl at the end. I have never used a lash curler, and am mostly afraid of the contraption. My eyes and lids are on the dryer side, and super reactive to preservatives, dyes, and fragrances found in many popular mascara brands. With those brands, my eyes quickly become itchy and irritated shortly after application and lids turn an unattractive swollen red with scaling and bumps. Even after removing the mascara with a gentle oil, I often wake up the next day with eye crust or “gunk” due to blocked glands and rashy eyelids. 

However, when I use clean, fragrance-free mascaras, the difference is incredible. There’s fanning, extension, and full-ness, with clear eyes and smooth eyelid skin.  

Lash Out Loud: Our Favorite Fragrance-Free Mascaras for Every Look

Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara 

Why We Love It:

Tower 28's MakeWaves Mascara has quickly become our top pick for clean beauty, thanks to its fragrance-free and ink-black formula that provides ultimate coverage without the heft. This lightweight formula lengthens and creates definition without clumping. When it comes to applicators, the silicone brush with a built-in curve makes it easy to apply this creamy formula, which glides on effortlessly.

Following Tower 28's application recommendation, we use the inner wave of the dual-sided brush to build up volume and the longer bristles to lengthen and define, producing stunning lashes every time. Plus, we experienced no tearing or stinging irritation during application even after hours of wear or with multiple days of consecutive use. This makes a great choice for those with super sensitive eyes.

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: The wetter formula is easy to layer, and the triple-wave wand ensures an even spread.  With aquaflex technology, each sweep of product provides maximum coverage.

  • Volume: Layering is key with this product and can deliver serious boldness.  For daytime, we apply one or two swipes, and for a more dramatic nighttime look, three to four swipes does the trick. 

  • Length: The grippy formula grabs onto our lashes, extends into a fanny formation, and with a flip of the wrist, we’re able to form a nice curl at the end.  

  • Wearability: This mascara lasts and lasts even in humid summer conditions. No flaking or crumbling occurred unless there’s rubbing. 

Claims:

  • 100% Vegan

  • Contact Lens Safe

  • Water-resistant

  • Aquaflex® Technology (conventionally found in haircare) helps keep lashes humidity-proof, visibly lifted, and volumized.

  • Packaging is made from 78% PCR (aka post-consumer recycled plastic) 

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score 3, low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: 100% Top Allergen Free

Ingredients:

  • Water/Aqua/Eau, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire de carnauba, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Synthetic Wax, VP/VA Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Palmitic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Aminomethyl Propanol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyimide-1, Galactoarabinan, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax, Shorea Robusta Resin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: Tower28 MakeWaves, $20.

ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara

Why We Love It: 

ILIA's Fullest Volumizing Mascara is a revelation in our makeup routine. We love a bold, dramatic lash for evenings, and this mascara delivers in every way. The violin-shaped brush is effective at lash separation, ensuring a full, fanning look without clumping. With a single coat, you can achieve peak volume with smooth lashes and color that stays put. 

We're also big fans of ILIA’s commitment to clean beauty; unlike many popular mascaras that use Carbon Black, ILIA uses a pigment derived from charcoal, making it a cleaner, safer option for our lashes, ensuring our eyes are sting-free and comfortable. 

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: The violin-shaped brush, combined with a dryer formula, makes it straightforward to apply providing strong separation without clumping. 

  • Volume: While I prefer two coats for maximum impact, even after a single swipe, my lashes look noticeably fuller with a strong coated thickness. 

  • Length: With a single application, my lashes go from zero to hero, looking long and luscious in an instant. 

  • Wearability: Although there are no claims of being waterproof or water-resistant, this product stays put until you decide it’s time for removal. No flaking or cracking was experienced, keeping our lashes looking fresh all night long. 

Claims:

  • Contact Lens Safe

  • Mono-material tube reduces carbon emissions by 46% and waste by up to 20%, compared to previous packaging.

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score 2, low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: 100% Top Allergen Free

Ingredients:

  • Aqua/Water/Eau, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d'abeille, Synthetic Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de Carnauba, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Jojoba Esters, Acacia Senegal Gum, Panthenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Arginine, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Oleic Acid, Tocopherol. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77499 (Iron Oxide).

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara, $26.17 

TOK Beauty - Eyes That TOK - Lash Enhancing Mascara

Why We Love It: 

For a fun daytime look or a more glam evening vibe, the Eyes that TOK - Lash Enhancing Mascara is a strong staple for your repertoire. Imagine thin and expressive lash extensions, but in a tube. Initially, the wetter formulation took some getting used to, but once we got the hang of it, the results were fantastic -  elongated, wispy, doe-eyes. While our lashes didn’t necessarily feel longer or stronger as a result of the claimed ingredients—horsetail plant for growth promotion and pea protein for conditioning and strengthening—they did feel nourished and held the mascara well.  Best of all, the mascara had a lasting hold with no migration and our sensitive eyes were irritation-free.  

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: With a wetter formula, the silicone wand took a bit of getting used to, and one familiar, the comb allowed for a strong, defined look. Per their tip and a standard approach for mascara application, TOK recommends starting at the roots and applying the mascara in a wiggle motion, followed by a sweep outward. 

  • Volume: While this isn't our go-to for volume, it's perfect for elongating and lifting lashes. It adds a nice definition, even coat to our thin lashes, making them look naturally fuller and beautifully defined. For a thicker look, we build with multiple swipes. 

  • Length: As one of our preferred products for length, this mascara excels when it comes to creating long, wispy lashes without clumping. The elongation of each lash gives that glamorous, natural flutter - an absolute stunner of a look. 

  • Wearability: The water-resistant formula holds up well and keeps our lashes looking fabulous without the need for retouching. And, when it’s time to remove, the product easily washes off. 

Claims:

  • 100% Vegan

  • Water-resistant

  • Gluten-Free

  • Contact lens safe

  • Beneficial ingredients: Horsetail Plant – naturally rich in silica, strengthens lashes and promotes growth. Pea Protein – conditions, strengthens, and prevents lash breakage. Bayberry Fruit Wax – conditions lashes and provides a water-resistant all-day hold.

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score not available, all products were in 1- 2 range indicating low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: N/A

Ingredients:

  • Aqua, CI 77499, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Myrica Pubescens (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Pullulan, Glyceryl Caprylate, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Galactoarabinan.

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: TOK Beauty - Eyes That TOK - Lash Enhancing Mascara, $37.99

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara 

Why We Love It:

ILIA's Limitless Lash Mascara is our go-to for creating beautifully defined, everyday lashes. Like Simone Biles, this mascara is a great all-arounder. Fortified with keratin, shea butter, and beeswax, this formula excels at elongating, separating, and gently volumizing in a naturally elegant way. 

The two-sided comb is exciting - with one side you can curl and lift, flip it around and you have a lengthening tool. This is great for customization, something we haven’t seen on other products!  With great versatility of performance and comfort - no tearing or irritation here - it’s obvious why this product is consistently an award winner, and a staple in our routine. 

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: The patented dual-sided brush is not only effective but fun to use. This versatile brush lets you customize your look, and with a dryer formula, this control is awesome for ensuring a perfectly separated and defined lash look.  

  • Volume: For daily wear, this mascara provides just the right amount of gentle volume. With no clumping or smudging, it’s fantastic for a natural, everyday appearance.

  • Length: This mascara excels in gentle lift and elongation, giving your lashes a hint of gorgeous length that enhances your natural beauty without going in the direction of falsies.  

  • Wearability: With a dryer formula, we felt like another layer after hours of wear was helpful. It added volume and helped prevent some of the minor cracking that was experienced after hours of wear. No irritation or burning was experienced either on application or removal.  

Claims:

  • Contact Lens Safe

  • 99% naturally derived formula

  • A consumer survey of 42 people, 91% said their lashes stayed lifted and 83% said that Limitless holds a curl after 12 hours.

  • Mono-material tube reduces carbon emissions by 46% and waste by up to 20%.

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score 1, low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: 91% Top Allergen Free

Ingredients:

  • Aqua/Water/Eau, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire D'Abeille*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glycerin, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba*, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Phenethyl Alcohol, Biotin, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxide). *Organic Ingredients. Ingrédients Organiques.

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara, $28 

Mascaras We’re Excited to Try

MILK MAKEUP - KUSH High Roll Defining & Volumizing Tubing Mascara

  • Full Ingredient List As of July 2024: Aqua/water/eau, acrylates copolymer, synthetic beeswax, stearic acid, hydrogenated jojoba oil, glyceryl stearate, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, butylene glycol, cera carnauba/copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax/cire de carnauba, pvp, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, aminomethyl propanol, ammonium acrylates copolymer, hydroxyacetophenone, laureth-21, trideceth-6 phosphate, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, glyceryl caprylate, sodium dehydroacetate, iron oxides (ci 77499).

  • Available for purchase: $29.99

Saie Mascara 101 Lengthening and Lifting

  • Full Ingredient List As of July 2024: Beeswax (Cera Alba) Water (aqua) Iron Oxides (CI 77499) Shea Butter Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate Dimer Dilinoleyl and Dimer Dilinoleate Glycerin Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate Agropyron Repens Root Extract Arginine Leuconostoc (Radish Root) Ferment Filtrate Zea Mays (Corn) Starch Glyceryl Caprylate Xanthan Gum Cetyl Alcohol Phenethyl Alcohol Potassium Sorbate Sodium Benzoate

  • Available for purchase: $26

MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara

  • Full Ingredient List As of July 2024: Water, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran Wax, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Acacia Senegal Gum, PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone), Tromethamine, Glycerin, Alcohol, Steareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Simethicone, Steareth-2, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol

  • Available for purchase: $26

Final Thoughts

We’re excited to share our favorite fragrance-free and clean beauty mascaras that let you achieve long, beautiful lashes without worrying about irritating scents or harsh chemicals. From the lengthening and curling power of Tower 28's MakeWaves Mascara to the volumizing magic of ILIA’s Fullest Volumizing Mascara, there’s a mascara for every lash look and occasion.

Our selections are more than just clean and fragrance-free; they deliver on performance: volumizing, lengthening, and staying power. Whether you prefer bold volumizers or a gentle, subdued look, we’ve aimed to check the boxes worth noting for any desired effect. Build on your natural beauty with our favorites.

Remember, everyone’s lashes and preferences are different. That’s why we’ve highlighted a variety of mascaras to suit different needs. If you’re someone who suffers from sensitive eyes, finding the right mascara can be transformative. Our recommendations ensure you don’t have to compromise between beauty and comfort.

Stay tuned as we test out some of the newer fragrance-free mascaras and report back in a 2.0 post. We'll be dropping updates here on the blog, so make sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media @thefragrancefree.

Lash Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Fragrance-Free Mascaras

Mascara, Eyes, Face,

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Mascara is the staple of our beauty routine—taking our eyes from tired to tantalizing, wrapping each lash in a veil of perfection, and adding the finishing touch to our look. But not all mascaras are created equal—especially when it comes to ingredients and impact. Many popular brands contain harsh, toxic ingredients, including fragrance, which can cause burning and irritation of the eye and eyelid, turning our beautiful lashes and skin into a painful mess. 

And, don’t get us started on lash extensions…While they may seem super enticing, the toxic glue, the potential trauma to your natural lashes (yes, it can cause them to fall out), and the lengthy application process just don’t seem worth it. We’re all about sticking with fantastic clean mascara to keep our lashes looking fabulous. 

The easiest way to ensure your lashes, eyes, and lids remain safe is clean beauty products. Our mascara selections skip the hazardous chemicals and prioritize healthier ingredients that are gentle on the eyes and deliver an awesome formula of volumizing, lengthening, and lasting staying-power. Now, you can focus on finding your perfect match—whether you're searching for a subdued and dreamy day look or a vampy, volumizing evening statement maker. 

The Fragrance Free only recommends products we use and love. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, that we will use to explore more amazing fragrance-free products.

Why Choose Clean, Fragrance-Free Mascara?

1. Gentle on Sensitive Eyes: Mascara is applied right next to our eyes, and inevitably some of the product ends up in there. But here’s the thing - with clean, fragrance-free formulas you don’t have to worry about product migration and the dreaded irritation that comes with it. Instead, your eyes and lids will be free of discomfort, allowing your lashes to shine and sparkle with every blink.

2. Safe and Sound Ingredients: Traditional mascaras can let us down with harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes (hello, Carbon Black!). These not-so-friendly ingredients can cause irritation, lash dropping, and long-term harm. On the other hand, clean mascaras contain ingredients that nourish, protect our precious lashes, and are typically easier to remove. 

3. Weightless, Buildable Volume: You know the feeling when your lashes are perfectly volumized without the clumps? That's the magic of a high-quality clean mascara. Each lash is wrapped in weightless, buildable volume, giving you the dramatic look you crave without the dreaded flaking or smudging. This ensures your lashes look flawless from morning to night.

4. Eco-Friendly and Ethical: Luckily, a lot of the fragrance-free mascara brands we’ve chosen are also committed to cruelty-free, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly practices. With these mascaras, we’re able to support brands that care about our planet and our lashes - beauty with a conscience, and it feels good! 

Why Trust Our Reviews?

At The Fragrance Free, we believe in transparency and honesty. Every product we recommend has been smelled, tested and vetted against numerous ingredient databases (EWG, SkinDeep, and ThinkDirty) to ensure it meets our high standards for safety and performance. Specifically, each product is free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, sulfate, and cruelty.  We also look at the ethical and environmental practices of the brands to ensure you’re getting a product that’s good for you and the planet. 

We understand the struggles of dealing with sensitive eyes, skin, and allergies, and we are dedicated to helping you find products that make you feel beautiful and comfortable. Each mascara is assessed for application, wearability, volumizing and lengthening effects, and its impact on sensitive eyes.

Bit of Background on My Lashes, Eyes & Lids: For context, I have medium-length brown thin lashes that have a bit of curl at the end. I have never used a lash curler, and am mostly afraid of the contraption. My eyes and lids are on the dryer side, and super reactive to preservatives, dyes, and fragrances found in many popular mascara brands. With those brands, my eyes quickly become itchy and irritated shortly after application and lids turn an unattractive swollen red with scaling and bumps. Even after removing the mascara with a gentle oil, I often wake up the next day with eye crust or “gunk” due to blocked glands and rashy eyelids. 

However, when I use clean, fragrance-free mascaras, the difference is incredible. There’s fanning, extension, and full-ness, with clear eyes and smooth eyelid skin.  

Lash Out Loud: Our Favorite Fragrance-Free Mascaras for Every Look

Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara 

Why We Love It:

Tower 28's MakeWaves Mascara has quickly become our top pick for clean beauty, thanks to its fragrance-free and ink-black formula that provides ultimate coverage without the heft. This lightweight formula lengthens and creates definition without clumping. When it comes to applicators, the silicone brush with a built-in curve makes it easy to apply this creamy formula, which glides on effortlessly.

Following Tower 28's application recommendation, we use the inner wave of the dual-sided brush to build up volume and the longer bristles to lengthen and define, producing stunning lashes every time. Plus, we experienced no tearing or stinging irritation during application even after hours of wear or with multiple days of consecutive use. This makes a great choice for those with super sensitive eyes.

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: The wetter formula is easy to layer, and the triple-wave wand ensures an even spread.  With aquaflex technology, each sweep of product provides maximum coverage.

  • Volume: Layering is key with this product and can deliver serious boldness.  For daytime, we apply one or two swipes, and for a more dramatic nighttime look, three to four swipes does the trick. 

  • Length: The grippy formula grabs onto our lashes, extends into a fanny formation, and with a flip of the wrist, we’re able to form a nice curl at the end.  

  • Wearability: This mascara lasts and lasts even in humid summer conditions. No flaking or crumbling occurred unless there’s rubbing. 

Claims:

  • 100% Vegan

  • Contact Lens Safe

  • Water-resistant

  • Aquaflex® Technology (conventionally found in haircare) helps keep lashes humidity-proof, visibly lifted, and volumized.

  • Packaging is made from 78% PCR (aka post-consumer recycled plastic) 

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score 3, low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: 100% Top Allergen Free

Ingredients:

  • Water/Aqua/Eau, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire de carnauba, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Synthetic Wax, VP/VA Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Palmitic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Aminomethyl Propanol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyimide-1, Galactoarabinan, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax, Shorea Robusta Resin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: Tower28 MakeWaves, $20.

ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara

Why We Love It: 

ILIA's Fullest Volumizing Mascara is a revelation in our makeup routine. We love a bold, dramatic lash for evenings, and this mascara delivers in every way. The violin-shaped brush is effective at lash separation, ensuring a full, fanning look without clumping. With a single coat, you can achieve peak volume with smooth lashes and color that stays put. 

We're also big fans of ILIA’s commitment to clean beauty; unlike many popular mascaras that use Carbon Black, ILIA uses a pigment derived from charcoal, making it a cleaner, safer option for our lashes, ensuring our eyes are sting-free and comfortable. 

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: The violin-shaped brush, combined with a dryer formula, makes it straightforward to apply providing strong separation without clumping. 

  • Volume: While I prefer two coats for maximum impact, even after a single swipe, my lashes look noticeably fuller with a strong coated thickness. 

  • Length: With a single application, my lashes go from zero to hero, looking long and luscious in an instant. 

  • Wearability: Although there are no claims of being waterproof or water-resistant, this product stays put until you decide it’s time for removal. No flaking or cracking was experienced, keeping our lashes looking fresh all night long. 

Claims:

  • Contact Lens Safe

  • Mono-material tube reduces carbon emissions by 46% and waste by up to 20%, compared to previous packaging.

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score 2, low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: 100% Top Allergen Free

Ingredients:

  • Aqua/Water/Eau, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d'abeille, Synthetic Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de Carnauba, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Jojoba Esters, Acacia Senegal Gum, Panthenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Arginine, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Oleic Acid, Tocopherol. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77499 (Iron Oxide).

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara, $26.17 

TOK Beauty - Eyes That TOK - Lash Enhancing Mascara

Why We Love It: 

For a fun daytime look or a more glam evening vibe, the Eyes that TOK - Lash Enhancing Mascara is a strong staple for your repertoire. Imagine thin and expressive lash extensions, but in a tube. Initially, the wetter formulation took some getting used to, but once we got the hang of it, the results were fantastic -  elongated, wispy, doe-eyes. While our lashes didn’t necessarily feel longer or stronger as a result of the claimed ingredients—horsetail plant for growth promotion and pea protein for conditioning and strengthening—they did feel nourished and held the mascara well.  Best of all, the mascara had a lasting hold with no migration and our sensitive eyes were irritation-free.  

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: With a wetter formula, the silicone wand took a bit of getting used to, and one familiar, the comb allowed for a strong, defined look. Per their tip and a standard approach for mascara application, TOK recommends starting at the roots and applying the mascara in a wiggle motion, followed by a sweep outward. 

  • Volume: While this isn't our go-to for volume, it's perfect for elongating and lifting lashes. It adds a nice definition, even coat to our thin lashes, making them look naturally fuller and beautifully defined. For a thicker look, we build with multiple swipes. 

  • Length: As one of our preferred products for length, this mascara excels when it comes to creating long, wispy lashes without clumping. The elongation of each lash gives that glamorous, natural flutter - an absolute stunner of a look. 

  • Wearability: The water-resistant formula holds up well and keeps our lashes looking fabulous without the need for retouching. And, when it’s time to remove, the product easily washes off. 

Claims:

  • 100% Vegan

  • Water-resistant

  • Gluten-Free

  • Contact lens safe

  • Beneficial ingredients: Horsetail Plant – naturally rich in silica, strengthens lashes and promotes growth. Pea Protein – conditions, strengthens, and prevents lash breakage. Bayberry Fruit Wax – conditions lashes and provides a water-resistant all-day hold.

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score not available, all products were in 1- 2 range indicating low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: N/A

Ingredients:

  • Aqua, CI 77499, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Myrica Pubescens (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Pullulan, Glyceryl Caprylate, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Galactoarabinan.

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: TOK Beauty - Eyes That TOK - Lash Enhancing Mascara, $37.99

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara 

Why We Love It:

ILIA's Limitless Lash Mascara is our go-to for creating beautifully defined, everyday lashes. Like Simone Biles, this mascara is a great all-arounder. Fortified with keratin, shea butter, and beeswax, this formula excels at elongating, separating, and gently volumizing in a naturally elegant way. 

The two-sided comb is exciting - with one side you can curl and lift, flip it around and you have a lengthening tool. This is great for customization, something we haven’t seen on other products!  With great versatility of performance and comfort - no tearing or irritation here - it’s obvious why this product is consistently an award winner, and a staple in our routine. 

Key Benefits:

  • Sniff Test Rating: 5 Stars. No scent detected during the sniff test, fragrance-neutral.

  • Application: The patented dual-sided brush is not only effective but fun to use. This versatile brush lets you customize your look, and with a dryer formula, this control is awesome for ensuring a perfectly separated and defined lash look.  

  • Volume: For daily wear, this mascara provides just the right amount of gentle volume. With no clumping or smudging, it’s fantastic for a natural, everyday appearance.

  • Length: This mascara excels in gentle lift and elongation, giving your lashes a hint of gorgeous length that enhances your natural beauty without going in the direction of falsies.  

  • Wearability: With a dryer formula, we felt like another layer after hours of wear was helpful. It added volume and helped prevent some of the minor cracking that was experienced after hours of wear. No irritation or burning was experienced either on application or removal.  

Claims:

  • Contact Lens Safe

  • 99% naturally derived formula

  • A consumer survey of 42 people, 91% said their lashes stayed lifted and 83% said that Limitless holds a curl after 12 hours.

  • Mono-material tube reduces carbon emissions by 46% and waste by up to 20%.

Certifications:

  • EWG's Skin Deep®: Hazard score 1, low-risk based on available data.

  • SkinSAFE: 91% Top Allergen Free

Ingredients:

  • Aqua/Water/Eau, Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire D'Abeille*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glycerin, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba*, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Phenethyl Alcohol, Biotin, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxide). *Organic Ingredients. Ingrédients Organiques.

  • Full ingredient list as of July 2024

Available for purchase: ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara, $28 

Mascaras We’re Excited to Try

MILK MAKEUP - KUSH High Roll Defining & Volumizing Tubing Mascara

  • Full Ingredient List As of July 2024: Aqua/water/eau, acrylates copolymer, synthetic beeswax, stearic acid, hydrogenated jojoba oil, glyceryl stearate, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, butylene glycol, cera carnauba/copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax/cire de carnauba, pvp, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, aminomethyl propanol, ammonium acrylates copolymer, hydroxyacetophenone, laureth-21, trideceth-6 phosphate, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, glyceryl caprylate, sodium dehydroacetate, iron oxides (ci 77499).

  • Available for purchase: $29.99

Saie Mascara 101 Lengthening and Lifting

  • Full Ingredient List As of July 2024: Beeswax (Cera Alba) Water (aqua) Iron Oxides (CI 77499) Shea Butter Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate Dimer Dilinoleyl and Dimer Dilinoleate Glycerin Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate Agropyron Repens Root Extract Arginine Leuconostoc (Radish Root) Ferment Filtrate Zea Mays (Corn) Starch Glyceryl Caprylate Xanthan Gum Cetyl Alcohol Phenethyl Alcohol Potassium Sorbate Sodium Benzoate

  • Available for purchase: $26

MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara

  • Full Ingredient List As of July 2024: Water, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran Wax, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Stearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Acacia Senegal Gum, PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone), Tromethamine, Glycerin, Alcohol, Steareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Simethicone, Steareth-2, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol

  • Available for purchase: $26

Final Thoughts

We’re excited to share our favorite fragrance-free and clean beauty mascaras that let you achieve long, beautiful lashes without worrying about irritating scents or harsh chemicals. From the lengthening and curling power of Tower 28's MakeWaves Mascara to the volumizing magic of ILIA’s Fullest Volumizing Mascara, there’s a mascara for every lash look and occasion.

Our selections are more than just clean and fragrance-free; they deliver on performance: volumizing, lengthening, and staying power. Whether you prefer bold volumizers or a gentle, subdued look, we’ve aimed to check the boxes worth noting for any desired effect. Build on your natural beauty with our favorites.

Remember, everyone’s lashes and preferences are different. That’s why we’ve highlighted a variety of mascaras to suit different needs. If you’re someone who suffers from sensitive eyes, finding the right mascara can be transformative. Our recommendations ensure you don’t have to compromise between beauty and comfort.

Stay tuned as we test out some of the newer fragrance-free mascaras and report back in a 2.0 post. We'll be dropping updates here on the blog, so make sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media @thefragrancefree.

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The Fragrance Free recommends and reviews products we genuinely use, love, or have thoroughly researched. Some affiliate link clicks that result in a purchase may generate a small commission. This helps us continue to discover and share amazing fragrance-free beauty, personal care, and wellness products for you.

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2024 © The Fragrance Free

Follow along @TheFragranceFree

2024 © The Fragrance Free