Ingredients Deep Dive: Mascara

Mascara is a makeup essential, but not all mascaras are created equal. Many contain harmful chemicals that could affect your health with long-term use. Your eyes are a direct path into your body for the toxins, so it is incredibly important that you choose your products wisely. In this post, we’ll break down the toxins to avoid and what to look for in clean alternatives.

Common Toxins in Mascara (and Why They’re Bad)

1. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben)

   • Why it’s used: As a preservative to prevent mold.

   • Why it’s bad: Parabens are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mimic hormones and interfere with your body’s natural hormone balance, which may contribute to health issues like breast cancer.

2. Carbon Black (CI 77266)

   • Why it’s used: As a pigment to give mascara its dark color.

   • Why it’s bad: Studies link carbon black to toxicity concerns and potential cancer risks, especially with frequent use around sensitive areas like the eyes.

3. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15)

   • Why it’s used: To prevent bacteria from growing in the product.

   • Why it’s bad: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and eye discomfort.

4. Thimerosal (Mercury-based preservative)

   • Why it’s used: Rare, but occasionally found in mascara for its preservative properties.

   • Why it’s bad: Mercury is toxic to the nervous system and can cause serious health issues over time. It has been banned in many countries but still exists in some cosmetics.

   • You also want to avoid preservatives like phenoxyethanol, BHT, BHA, sodium benzoate.

5. Synthetic Fragrances

   • Why it’s used: To give the product a pleasant scent.

   • Why it’s bad: Fragrance formulas can contain phthalates (endocrine disruptors) and are associated with allergies and skin irritation.

6. Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs)

   • Why it’s used: As a thickener or softener.

   • Why it’s bad: PEGs can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are linked to cancer.

You can get just as good of clean mascaras as you can not clean. My favorite is the Honest Beauty mascara - it has a primer on one end / mascara on the other, it doesn’t smudge, and it gives a really dramatic lash look. For everyday or a softer look, I love the saie brown mascara (also doesn’t smudge).

Your eyes are one of the most sensitive areas of your body, so it’s important to choose mascara wisely. By avoiding common toxins and opting for clean formulations, you reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals without sacrificing beautiful lashes.

Keep an eye on ingredient labels and choose products that prioritize your health — because you deserve makeup that works and keeps you safe.

This easy guide helps you quickly identify toxic ingredients in mascara and what to seek out for cleaner, safer alternatives.