Editor’s Note: Deep cleaning is a popular ritual that comes with the holiday season, as is the practice of making goals for next year. If you’ve decided to make a commitment to sustainability in 2024, one of the easiest places to trade up in green products is your makeup bag!
On top of being better for the environment, organic eyeliners can also be a great option if you have sensitive eyelids. The dry winter air and the increased use of heaters can heighten eye sensitivity (I dread it every year!) Going organic is a great way to be gentle with yourself!
When you’re thinking about giving your beauty stash an organic makeover, do remember to wait until your current products are empty or expired before replacing them! It’s worse for the environment to throw away good products than using up what you have, even if the ingredients aren’t organic.
Whether you wear a little or a lot, eyeliner is an essential item to have in your makeup bag. It’s the easiest go-to choice when you want to look put together without spending too much time in front of the mirror. It can also be a great choice for creating a dramatic look on a night out.
Choosing the right eyeliner can be about more than just the overall look you want to create. The ingredients used to make your favorite eyeliner, and the fact that it is applied to one of the most sensitive areas of your body, should also be taken into consideration. Organic eyeliners offer you a beauty product made with ingredients that are generally better for sensitive skin, as they don’t have many of the chemicals their traditional counterparts do. As such, if you’re one of those people, you may be looking for one of these eyeliners.
Important Factors to Consider When Buying an Organic Eyeliner
Natural Ingredients
You might be wondering why or if you should switch to organic eyeliners. There are numerous benefits that come with making this transition. Organic eyeliners use natural products (e.g. fruits, herbs, plant oils, beeswax, etc.) that can create smooth and creamy textures in a variety of colors.
These ingredients also have nourishing, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and/or antibacterial qualities that make them safe for anyone to use, and it can also be a welcome alternative for people with sensitive eyes or skin. The best organic eyeliners will be made with preservatives like Vitamin E, citric acid and zinc which help to nourish your skin. We have a full rundown of the natural ingredients you’ll find in eyeliners at the bottom of this article.
Also, if you’re considering new ways to make more sustainable choices, switching over to organic eyeliner is an easy way to be more eco-friendly.
Concerns About Eye Safety
Eyeliners are often applied to the inside of your eyelid to create a defined look that is seamless and clean. With this in mind, one of the major concerns is just how sensitive your eyes can be. Eyes are one of the largest gateways to your bloodstream which means that your general health could be compromised if you regularly use eyeliner that contains unnatural and potentially harmful chemicals.
There aren’t many regulations in place on the types of chemicals that can go into eyeliners — including regulations for using terms like “organic” and “natural” to market the product — so it is important to be aware of what ingredients are in your eyeliner and to be aware of the potential risks they pose to your health, especially if you have sensitive eyes or skin.
Differences Between Pencil and Liquid Liners
If you’re convinced that organic eyeliners are the best choice for you, you’ll want to consider whether to go for eyeliners that are in pencil or liquid form. Applying eyeliner can be a tricky skill to master because it requires precision.
You’ll first need to consider the look you want to create. If you want a clean flick look, you will need a liquid eyeliner that is black with a fine tip for application. If you’re going for a more subtle look to complement your mascara, a soft pencil eyeliner in a lighter color will do just fine.
Liquid liners tend to be less forgiving than pencil liners if you make mistakes, so if you want a simple makeup routine, pencil liners will be a better choice for you. However, liquid liner application can become a part of a quick makeup routine with a little patience and a lot of practice!
We have a selection of Pro Tips at the bottom of this guide to help you make the most out of your eyeliner.
Our list is divided into the best pencil eyeliners and the best liquid eyeliners. If you want a pencil eyeliner, our list begins right below. You can also jump straight to our best liquid eyeliners instead.
Top 6 Best Organic Pencil Eyeliners 2024
1. Best Overall Organic Eyeliner Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner
Editor’s Rating:
General Information
Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner is vegan-friendly and made with responsibly sourced cedarwood. It comes in three shades: Midnight Gray, Soft Black and Warm Brown. You can even use this as a brow pencil because it is really easy to blend. Though this eyeliner accurately claims to be smudge-proof, the color will not last all day and will get progressively lighter over time.
Health & Safety
This eyeliner goes on smooth and does not pull at the eyelid, ensuring a safe and easy application. Simply swipe onto your upper or lower lash line to create that wonderful pop of color. It is also safe for people who have sensitive eyes or who wear contact lenses because its texture is very soft and free of irritants that cause excessive tearing or red, swollen eyelids.
Natural Ingredients
This pencil liner is made with 99.9% natural origin ingredients like jojoba, mango and responsibly sourced meadowfoam seed oils that nourish the skin. Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner is ophthalmologist-tested and is never tested on animals. It is also free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, synthetic fragrances and silicones.
Pros
- Made with natural origin ingredients (99.9%)
- Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- Vegan-friendly and smudge-proof
Cons
- Color will not last all-day
Editor’s Rating:
General Information
Jane Iredale is made with natural pigments and comes in all of the traditional colors: Basic Black, Basic Brown, Black/Brown, Black/Gray, Midnight Blue and Taupe. This eyeliner has long-lasting wear if applied appropriately.
You will need to apply it along your lash line and blend it with a detail brush. It will also be good to use an eyelid primer before applying your liner. Otherwise, this eyeliner has a tendency to fade or smudge throughout the course of the day, especially if you have naturally oily skin.
Health & Safety
This eyeliner has a very soft texture that prevents pulling and that ensures it will go on smoothly enough to avoid eye irritation. Because of this, it is safe to use this pencil on your waterline. It sharpens evenly which means you won’t end up with pointy edges at the tip of your pencil, but you need to make sure to sharpen it with a gentle hand.
Natural Ingredients
The Jane Iredale Eye Pencil is made with ingredients that soothe and hydrate the skin while keeping it from creasing. Shea butter and macadamia seed oil condition the skin and make all-day wear possible while Vitamin E oil ensures your eyelids are extra protected.
Pros
- Comes in six different shades
- Safe to use on your waterline
- Sharpens easily with a gentle hand
Cons
- Application process requires more time and effort
3. Best Budget Pick Avril Organic Eye Pencil
Editor’s Rating:
General Information
Avril Organic is available in thirteen different colors, ranging from basic black to metallic gold, making it one of the best choices for people who love to experiment and play with color in their makeup routine. The combined use of shea butter and beeswax leaves a hard waterproof layer on the eye to ensure that it will last all day.
However, if you have oily eyelids, you may notice that the colors will fade or smudge. In this case, using a powder to set the eyeliner will be necessary to ensure that it lasts longer. You may also have to reapply the eyeliner on days that are particularly hot or humid. Its creamy texture means that you can create both sharp and soft/blended looks. This eyeliner has been certified as organic by Ecocet and is not tested on animals.
Health & Safety
Avril Organic is great for people who have extremely sensitive eyes or really dry eyes that irritate easily. Just be sure to avoid applying it to your waterline. Avril Organic contains olive polyphenols that protect your skin and eyes from bacterial infections and skin blemishes.
Natural Ingredients
Avril Organic contains no parabens, phenoxyethanols or potassium sorbates. It is made with organic shea butter, beeswax and various oils. In fact, 100% of all its ingredients have a natural origin, and 24% of them are produced through organic farming.
Pros
- Comes in thirteen different colors
- The combination of shea butter and beeswax makes it very waterproof
- Great for people who have really sensitive or dry eyes
Cons
- Can smudge or wear away if you have oily skin or eyelids
4. Honeybee Gardens Effortless Eyeliner
Editor’s Rating:
General Information
Honeybee Gardens comes in six different colors (Belgian Chocolate, Brown Sugar, Blue, Black, Purple and Gray), and because of its smooth, blendable texture, it can be used to fill in your brows.
It is important that when you sharpen this pencil, you make sure not to press the pencil down too hard as this will create pointy, wooden edges at the tip. If you have particularly oily skin or eyelids, this liner will smudge easily if you don’t use primers or powders to set it. Honeybee Gardens is PETA-certified, vegan and cruelty-free. Do note that Brown Sugar is the only pencil that is not completely vegan. So if that’s important to you, you should avoid that one.
Health & Safety
The smooth, creamy texture means that you can apply this to your eyelids without worrying about it pulling or dragging on your skin. Honeybee Gardens is safe to use if you have particularly sensitive eyes or certain allergies to makeup in general.
Natural Ingredients Used
Honeybee Gardens Effortless Eyeliner is gluten-free and contains no parabens. Some natural ingredients include castor seed oil, jojoba oil and cacao seed butter.
Pros
- PETA certified, vegan and cruelty-free
- Can be used as a brow filler
- Safe for people with sensitive eyes or certain makeup allergies
Cons
- CON: Comes off easily if you have oily eyelids or skin
- CON: Brown Sugar is not completely vegan
5. Pacifica Beauty Natural Eye Pencil
Editor’s Rating:
General Information
Pacifica Beauty is made with a waterproof formula and comes in three different colors: Jet (Black), Fringe (Brown) and Gun Metal (Silver/Gray). It has a very soft texture which means that you can use it to fill in your brows.
However, it can smudge easily if you don’t apply it properly (i.e. with an eye primer and/or a setting powder). It may also fade slowly over the course of the day. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, meaning that it isn’t tested on animals and is not made with any animal products.
Health & Safety
This pencil has a very smooth application, so it won’t pull at your skin. The ingredients have beneficial effects for the sensitive areas around your eyes. It is also easy to remove before bedtime which means that you won’t have to worry about any remaining particles from the liner getting into your eyes and irritating them while you sleep.
Natural Ingredients Used
The Pacifica Beauty Natural Eye Pencil is made with jojoba oil, shea butter, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. It contains no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, propylene glycols, mineral oils, petroleum, peanut oils, glutens or triclosans.
Pros
- Made with a waterproof formula
- Easy to remove at the end of the day
- Can be used to fill in your brows
Cons
- May smudge easily and/or fade over time
6. Ecco Bella Natural Eyeliner
Editor’s Rating:
General Information
Ecco Bella is available in seven different shades: Bronze, Mauve, Royal Blue, Seal, Terracotta, Velvet and Violet. It’s an environmentally-friendly liner that is both health and earth-conscious, so if sustainability is important to you, this is a great eyeliner option.
Though it is a soft pencil, it doesn’t crumble easily, and it is not difficult to sharpen. The smooth texture also means that you can create either a beautifully smudged and soft look or a sharp, defined one.
However, to create that bold, sharp look, you will need to stick this pencil in the freezer for a few minutes prior to application. In order to ensure all-day wear, you need to use eye primers and/or powders to set your eyeliner look for the day.
Health & Safety
The palm and palm kernel glycerides ensure that you will be able to draw a smooth line on your eyelids that won’t pull or tug at your skin. If you have extremely sensitive eyes, this liner may still cause you some itchiness or irritation. Overall, Ecco Bella is best for people who do not have sensitive eyes.
Natural Ingredients Used
The Ecco Bella eyeliner is free of talc, fragrance, dyes and glutens that help keep your eyes from drying out or becoming too irritated. Ingredients include various oils and waxes (e.g., coconut oil, castor oil, vegetable waxes, etc.) which help nourish and moisturize your skin. However, it is important to note that carnauba wax is used in this product.
Pros
- Comes in seven different shades
- Supports organic, ethical farming
- Doesn’t crumble easily
Cons
- Carnauba wax is used in this product
- Not a good option for those with extremely sensitive eyes
The 4 Best Organic Liquid Eyeliners 2024
1. Best Overall Pick HAUS Laboratories Liquid Eyeliner by Lady Gaga
Editor’s Rating:
General Information
HAUS Laboratories eyeliner is available in two basic colors: Brown or Black. The color density of the liquid helps to create a dramatic, matte line on the eyelids that is opaque instead of sheer. You can count on a smudge-proof and long-lasting finish to the eyes with this liner, and its quick-dry formula and flexible felt tip means that you can create virtually any look you want.
This liquid liner works best if stored upside-down when not in use. You will need to use a setting spray to help it last longer over the course of a day and to help it retain its smudge-proof qualities.
Health & Safety
Despite having a felt tip for application, the HAUS Laboratories Liquid Eyeliner glides on smoothly and easily without any pulling or tugging. If you’ve had negative experiences with other felt-tipped liners in the past, this one won’t snag the skin as they do.
Natural Ingredients Used
The HAUS liquid liner is vegan and cruelty-free. Ingredients include castor oil, citric acid and coco-glucoside. However, it is important to note that BHT is used in this product.
Pros
- Flexible felt tip means you can create thick or thin lines
- Smudge-proof and long-lasting
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- BHT is used in this product
- Does not last long without setting spray
2. Best Budget Pick Neutrogena Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Editor’s Rating:
General Information
The Neutrogena liquid liner has a solid tip that does not fray, making it easy to apply the liner to your eyelids in one clean stroke. You’ll be able to create sharp, dramatic lines for a bold look that will still come off easily at the end of the day. The black color is highly pigmented and water-resistant, so your finished look is not likely to crack or melt, even on sweaty days. If you’re still worried about smudging, just be sure to use some translucent powder to set it for extra protection. It is quick-drying, long-lasting and smudge-proof.
Health & Safety
This liner is hypoallergenic, gentle on sensitive eyes and will not harm your skin. However, be sure to wash it off well before going to bed as it can cause some itchiness to eyes if it is not cleaned off completely at the end of the day.
Natural Ingredients Used
The Neutrogena Precision Liquid Liner is made with natural honey and coconut. These ingredients are what make the liner smudge resistant and long-lasting. Other ingredients include citric and coconut acid. It is free of common preservatives, parabens, lanolin, topical antibiotics, MCI/MI, nickel, gluten and soy.
Pros
- Quick-drying, long-lasting and waterproof
- Creates sharp, dramatic lines for a bold look
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- May irritate eyes if not cleaned off completely
Editor’s Rating:
General Information
ZuZu Luxe comes in eight different colors: Amethyst, Black Pearl, Nile, Storm, Azure, Luxor, Raven and Tuareg. This liner glides on smoothly and is quick-drying. It is vegan-friendly, and with its fine calligraphy tip you can be sure to create a precise, bold look that is long-lasting. However, if you have oily eyelids, it may be best for you to set it with a translucent powder for extra protection. It is also important to make sure that it dries completely so that it won’t smudge. The color may fade over the course of the day.
Health & Safety
This liner is safe to use on the upper lids or the lower lash area around your eyes. Though it may be okay for some people to apply this liner to the waterline, it is not recommended as it can cause some minor irritation. In general, ZuZu Luxe is safe for all skin types.
Natural Ingredients Used
ZuZu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner is gluten-free and made with aloe, jojoba, bentonite clay and natural minerals which help to keep the skin around the eyes properly hydrated. It is free of parabens, coal tar derivatives, FD & C coloring agents, mineral oil, lanolin, talc, hydrogenated oils and nano/micro-sized particles.
Pros
- Comes in eight different colors
- Quick-drying and smudge-proof for long-lasting wear
- Made with products that hydrate the skin
Cons
- May smudge if you have oily skin
4. Jane Iredale Liquid Eyeliner
Editor’s Rating:
General Information
Jane Iredale only comes in two colors: Black and Black/Brown. However, it makes up for the limited choices with colors that are inky and metallic in look. It glides on smoothly and creates a sheer/matte and soft look when fully dry. To create a dark and bold look, you will need to apply several coats of liner to your lids. Be sure to shake the bottle before use to ensure that it goes on evenly.
Health & Safety
This liner is made with botanical extracts and essential oils that nourish and soothe your skin while preventing dryness around the eyes. It also protects your skin from sun damage with its combination of antioxidants and SPF-20. It is safe for sensitive eyes.
Natural Ingredients Used
Jane Iredale Liquid Eyeliner is made with highly-pigmented, non-harmful iron oxides, essential oils, botanical extracts and antioxidants.
Pros
- Has an SPF-20 factor
- Safe for sensitive eyes
- Creates and inky/metallic look
Cons
- Need to apply several coats for a bolder/sharper look
Guide to Buying the Best Organic Eyeliner
Benefits of Natural Ingredients
Using organic eyeliner is beneficial because they are made with natural ingredients that have nourishing, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and/or antibacterial qualities that make them safe for anyone to use. Here are some common natural ingredients you should look for when choosing the right eyeliner for you:
Beeswax
This has antimicrobial properties that can protect your eyes from infection. Beeswax in particular helps reduce inflammation around the eyes and provides your skin with additional antioxidants. It also makes eyeliner waterproof if you want a look that will last longer throughout the day.
Citric Acid
This helps to improve the appearance of photoaged skin. Citric acid improves skin elasticity and increases skin firmness. It is also a great exfoliator which helps newer, smoother skin cells to surface more rapidly. Eyeliners that contain citric acid include HAUS Laboratories and Neutrogena Precision Eyeliner.
Jojoba Oil
This creates a soft spread and consistency upon application while nourishing your skin. Eyeliners that have jojoba oil in them include: Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner, Pacifica Beauty Natural Eye Pencil, Honeybee Gardens Effortless Eyeliner and ZuZu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner.
Olive Oil
This is a great antimicrobial which means that it will stop harmful microorganisms from growing and spreading around your eyes and causing infections. Olive oil also has excellent moisturizing properties that can give your skin a healthy glow.
Shea Butter
This has a luxurious texture that softens your skin and helps it have that healthy glow. It’s a great moisturizer. Products like the Jane Iredale Eye Pencil and the Avril Organic Eye Pencil have shea butter listed in their ingredients.
Vitamin E
This is a great antioxidant which can prevent damage to skin cells. Vitamin E has the ability to soften and repair damage done to the skin. It is also known for improving eye health and eyesight. Both the Jane Iredale Eye Pencil and the Pacifica Beauty Natural Eye Pencil contain Vitamin E.
Zinc
This protects skin from UV rays, providing excellent protection from the sun. It halts the aging process of skin, protects skin cells from damage and prevents skin dryness. It can diminish tenderness in the skin caused by sun damage and can give chapped skin a softer feel.
Chemicals Used in Non-Organic Eyeliners
Now that you know more about the health benefits that natural ingredients have on the eyes and skin, it is equally important to know more about the types of ingredients used in most eyeliners on the market that do not use organic ingredients. Here are some of the most common chemicals used in eyeliners:
BAK
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK) is a preservative that has a lot of evidence linking it to toxicity in the epithelial cells. These cells are the ones that keep dust, water and bacteria from entering your eyes, and they also help your cornea absorb and distribute oxygen and cell nutrients effectively. BAK disturbs this process and disrupts the healthy functioning of your eyes.
BHT & BHA
Butylated Compounds (BHT & BHA) have been shown to mimic estrogen in a similar way to parabens which can lead to hormonal disruptions and even tumor growth. BHT and BHA are bio-accumulative which means that they build up over time and your body is not able to get rid of them. The long-term effects of this build-up are still uncertain.
Carbon Black
Carbon Black helps create deep black pigments. It is also a cancer-causing agent and can even cause organ toxicity. With increased information about this chemical’s toxicity comes re-labeling strategies used by brands that have this ingredient in their products. So if you see ingredients listed as channel black, pigment black 6, pigment black 7, acetylene black, froflow, arogen, arotone, arovel, arrow, atlantic or black pearls, please note that this is just carbon black under a new name.
Ethanolamine Compounds
Ethanolamine Compounds is something that may not be harmful on its own, but they have been found to contain nitrosamines which are carcinogenic in nature. Try to avoid any products that list DEA, TEA and/or MEA in its ingredients as these compounds have been linked to breast cancer.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals like nickel, aluminum and chrome have been found in makeup and can be extremely toxic to your skin and nervous system. Heavy metals are labeled as neurotoxins that can cause brain damage. Nickel is identified as a human carcinogen.
Parabens
Parabens are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics around the world because they help extend the shelf life of makeup. However, they can have a negative effect on hormones as they have estrogen-mimicking properties that have been found in samples of breast cancer tissue. Less drastic (but still concerning) effects include hormonal disruption, skin irritation, skin aging, contact dermatitis and rosacea.
p-Phenylenediamine
p-Phenylenediamine is a type of coal tar dye that helps make eyeliners look really black in color. It’s sometimes listed as CL and followed by a five-digit number on the label. It is a chemical that has toxic effects on respiratory systems and contains heavy metals.
Prime Yellow Carnauba Wax
Prime Yellow Carnauba Wax is used to stiffen eyeliner and make it waterproof. This can in turn clog the oil glands in the eyes and is one of the main culprits of dry eye disease which can cause eye irritation inflammation and scarring on the surface of your eyes.
Retinyl Acetate
Retinyl Acetate, also known as retinyl palmitate, are synthetic versions of Vitamin A that your body will have trouble metabolizing. They can produce skin cancer and reproductive toxicity.
Health and Safety
Because your eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of your body and one of the largest gateways to your bloodstream, it is important to consider the risks different chemicals can have to your overall health. This is especially important to consider if eyeliner application is a regular part of your daily makeup routine.
Research on Makeup & Eye Safety
Research has shown that eyeliner application may cause vision problems, especially if it is applied on the inner eyelid, the most common area for eyeliner application. Over time, the particles in the eyeliner migrate to the eye through the tear film, creating discomfort, eye irritations and even eye infections.
Pencil vs. Liquid Liners
The type of eyeliner you choose will mainly depend on the type of look you want to achieve. If you’re a true beginner to makeup application in general, it would be a good idea for you to watch some video tutorials on how to apply liquid or pencil eyeliner before deciding which type will be best for you.
Bold Looks with Liquid Liners
Liquid liners are best for dramatic looks, but you need to be well-practiced on how to apply this type of eyeliner as they are less forgiving and hard to clean up if you make mistakes. Liners like HAUS Laboratories and ZuZu Luxe will be the best options for you to create a bold and dramatic look.
Soft Looks with Pencil Liners
Pencil liners are best for softer looks that will complement mascara on the eyelashes, and if you’ve got a shaky hand, these eyeliners are easier to clean up and start over if you make mistakes during application. If you want a soft and simple look, the Burt’s Bees and Jane Iredale pencil liners are great choices.
Pro Tips for Applying Your Eyeliner:
Using Pencil Eyeliner
- If you struggle with drawing a straight line, try using the dash method. Draw a series of dashes along your lash line starting from the inner corner and working your way out. Then simply connect the dashes!
- If you have small eyes, dark colors will make your eyes appear even smaller. Instead, apply beige eyeliner to the inside rim of your waterline (also known as tightlining) to make your eyes pop. Just be sure that your pencil is safe to apply to this area of the eye.
- Use eyeshadow as a primer for your eyeliner, so it will last throughout the day. Choose a shadow that is similar in color to your liner, and with an angled eyeshadow brush, run the powder along your lid right against your lashes. Then trace over that with your eyeliner.
- You may need to “warm-up” your eyeliner to ensure that it will go on your lid smoothly. You can achieve this by rubbing the tip of the pencil until it softens, rolling the point of the pencil between your fingers or holding it against a flame for a very quick second.
- If your pencil is extremely soft in texture, freeze the pencil before sharpening it for use to avoid unnecessary waste.
Using Liquid Eyeliner
- Apply your liquid liner as close to your lash line as possible to create a clean and even look.
- If you want to create the perfect wing at the end of your eyelid that doesn’t droop, draw a dot where you’d like the wing to end (above the lash line) and use it as a guide to join it up with your line.
- Don’t forget to set your liner with a little translucent powder to keep it from smudging or transferring onto your eyelids.
- If you’ve created a line that is too thick, you can correct this by using a pointed cotton ball dipped in micellar water.
- You can use a piece of masking tape to help create a sharp wing. Place the small strip of masking tape on the corner of your eye and angle it towards your brow. Use the edge of the tape as a guide to help make your eyeliner wing.
Final Thoughts
There are many ingredients used in non-organic pencils that may have harmful effects on your health in the long run. Organic eyeliners are a great alternative choice for you if you are concerned about these health risks. They are also a great option if you want to be more eco-friendly or if you have sensitive skin.
The organic eyeliner you choose will depend on the kind of nourishing, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and/or antibacterial qualities you want in a product, so be sure to pay attention to the ingredients listed on the product and in our review to find the perfect eyeliner for you.
Finally, if you’re interested in other organic ways of boosting your look, take a look at our list of the best organic hair dyes.